Case Explained: Non-Argument Calendar YU WANG v. METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Filed: 2026-07-07

Docket: 1:24-cv-01124-SCJ

The eleventh-circuit affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, upholding the denial of long-term disability benefits to Yu Wang under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The court applied a de novo standard of review to determine whether the plan administrator’s decision was “wrong,” concluding that MetLife’s denial had a reasonable basis and was not erroneous. The court held that Wang failed to meet his burden of proving he met the Plan’s definition of “total disability.” Regarding his cardiac condition, the record showed objective testing indicated only a “benign condition” with rare premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and even treating physicians later agreed symptoms were likely caused by anxiety rather than a disabling heart condition. Furthermore, Wang failed to provide evidence of a diagnosed mental health condition or medical restrictions supporting his claim that anxiety or depression rendered him unable to perform any occupation. The court also rejected Wang’s request to supplement the appellate record with post-denial medical records and Social Security Administration determinations, noting these materials did not establish beyond doubt the proper resolution of the issues and were procedurally barred. Additionally, the court found no procedural defects in MetLife’s “full and fair review” process or any abuse of discretion by the district court regarding litigation conduct and settlement negotiations. The practical consequence is that the judgment denying Wang’s claim for ERISA benefits stands, and he receives no relief from the denial of his long-term disability coverage.

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