Fredrick Smith worked as a plant manager for Charles Craft, Inc. in North Carolina. He held that position since 1970, but he was forced to leave by 2013 due to a series of strokes and heart problems. Smith applied for disability benefits with Reliance Standard under his employer’s ERISA plan. At first, Reliance paid benefits, but after some time, Reliance revised its decision and insisted that Smith could work at another job. Smith appealed the new denial.