Opinion ID: 77986
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Decision by Reliance to Deny Benefits Was Right.

Text: Glazer also contends that the record establishes that she is entitled to disability benefits. To evaluate that argument, we consider, as the district court did, whether the decision of Reliance was wrong. Id. We are limited to the record that was before Reliance when it made its decision. Jett, 890 F.2d at 1139. Glazer bears the burden to prove that she is disabled. Horton v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., 141 F.3d 1038, 1040 (11th Cir.1998). The denial of Glazer's application for benefits by Reliance was not wrong. Glazer failed to establish that she is disabled. Glazer asserts that the record clearly demonstrated that she is disabled under the plan, but she fails to explain how her condition prevents her from performing the substantial and material duties of her occupation. The only support in the record for Glazer's position is Hoffeld's statement and Lechner's report, but that support is unpersuasive. Hoffeld stated that Glazer was not capable of performing her occupation in April 2004, but his opinion was formed before Novick's treatment led to an improvement in Glazer's condition in May 2004. Hoffeld also failed to respond to the request from Reliance for updated medical records. Lechner opined that Glazer was disabled in July 2004, but Lechner, who had not seen Glazer in over one year, expressed an opinion that was contrary to both the contemporaneous observations of Novick and the independent peer review by Hauptman. Neither Hoffeld nor Lechner compared Glazer's physical capabilities with the requirements of her occupation. The record contains ample evidence that Glazer is not disabled within the meaning of the policy. Her physician, Novick, reported that she was capable of sitting for an eight-hour day, frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, and simple grasping with her hands. Reliance compared this information about her physical capabilities with a description of her job and determined that she was capable of performing her job requirements. Reliance also relied on the opinion of its reviewing doctor, Hauptman, who reviewed Glazer's medical records and stated that the record supported Novick's findings and that she was capable of working. We agree with the district court that Glazer failed to establish that she was totally disabled. Because we conclude that Reliance was right, our analysis of the denial of Glazer's application ends. The district court was correct to enter summary judgment in favor of Reliance.