Williams v. Retirement Board of the Bert Bell-Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan & the NFL Player Supplemental Disability Plan

61 F. App'x 362

• Court: Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• Decided: March 28, 2003
• Docket: No. 02-16093; D.C. No. CV-98-21071-RMW
• Status: Published

Opinions

MEMORANDUM

*

1. We review the Board’s decision for abuse of discretion, because the Plan grants discretion to the Board. Jebian v. Hewlett-Packard Co. Employee Benefits Org. Income Prot. Plan, 310 F.3d 1173, 1177 (9th Cir.2002). The Board’s decision must be upheld where, as here, substantial evidence in the record supports it. McKenzie v. Gen. Tel. Co. of Cal., 41 F.3d 1310, 1316-17 (9th Cir.1994).

First, medical evidence supports the determination. Dr. Holmboe found, in 1983, that Plaintiff was able to engage in “supervisory employment.” Dr. Harrington opined in 1984 that Plaintiff was disabled only with respect to “work which involves any significant requirement for lifting, stooping, stretching, bending, prolonged standing or walking.” By implication he thus agreed with Dr. Holmboe that Plaintiff could perform supervisory or other sedentary work. In 1997, Dr. Harrington wrote that, as of May 1995, Plaintiffs “findings, symptoms, and disabilities continued unchanged”—i.e., his physical condition had not worsened—since 1984.

Second, Plaintiffs work history supports the Board’s determination. Plaintiff earned a salary, listed his profession as “Executive,” and worked for three employers, until resigning due to medical problems. Actual employment in sedentary positions demonstrates employability in such positions.

2. It follows that the district court also erred in awarding attorney’s fees and costs to Plaintiff.

REVERSED.

This disposition is not appropriate for publication and may not be cited to or by the courts of this circuit except as provided by Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3.