Justia Federal District Court Opinions

This appeal concerns a claim under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (1994), against the claimant's former employer, Fairchild Industries, Inc. ("Fairchild"), and the administrator of Fairchild's employee welfare benefit plan, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company ("CIGNA"). Arthur Goldstein appeals from the December 29, 1995, judgment of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (John Gleeson, Judge) denying, on motion for summary judgment, his claim for benefits. After an earlier order by Judge Platt dismissing CIGNA as a party, Judge Gleeson ruled that Goldstein was not entitled to benefits because his active service had ended by reason of a layoff, rather than his alleged disability. Goldstein v. Group Insurance Plan for Admin. and Mgmt. Employees of Fairchild Republic Company, 940 F.Supp. 474 (E.D.N.Y.1995).

Goldstein appeals from both rulings. We affirm the judgment on Judge Gleeson's comprehensive opinion. To the extent that Goldstein seeks review of the dismissal of CIGNA, that issue is moot in light of Judge Gleeson's ruling.