Denied medical in 2005 for depression. What can I do now?

[Prove-a-negative]

I started to get my PPL in 2005, but had had a depression diagnosis by my GP that was really just work stress. That doctor retired years ago. Anyway, my third class medical was deferred, but at the time there really was no exception, so I let it lapse and I understand that now counts as a denial. I know if I start over for an AME now they have to deny me automatically, right? What kind of documentation do I have to have to prove a negative?

The new rules say if it was minor and I've been off of it for 2+ years, I meet that criteria, but I feel the big green weenie approaching here. What do I do?

 

[Skip Miller]

You need a consultation with a specialist AME who has a reputation of success with difficult cases. Like Dr. Bruce Chien or Dr. Lou Fowler. Dr. Chien can be found at aeromedicaldoc.com; Dr. Lou ... I haven't seen him on this board recently. Look through the Medical Matters forum here and see if his postings there have a website listed for contact info.

You should not rely on advice from SGOTI on this (myself included, I suppose....)

-Skip Miller

 

[MVM19]

+1 to what Skip said. The documentation you refer to does indeed allow an AME to issue a medical in-office of any kind without requiring a deferral, but I don't think the past deferral/denial will allow you to use it. The FAA may view that as an unresolved mental health concern.

It does seem possible to get your medical, FWIW, but you will want to talk with a Senior AME with experience dealing with anxiety + depression diagnoses. Be sure that it is on a consultation-only basis. You'll see that term used all over the forums. Don't fill out MedXpress till you've done a consult with an AME.

The documentation you refer to does indeed allow an AME to issue a medical in-office of any kind without requiring a deferral, but I don't think the past deferral/denial will allow you to use it. The FAA may view that as an unresolved mental health concern.

In some instances, the FAA will ask you to work with a HIMS AME and may request a psychiatric evaluation in lieu of you having supporting documentation that your depression or work stress has resolved. These are not cheap (I spent $4000 on just the evaluation alone), and it required travel for me as you can't just go to any psychiatrist for the evaluation. That evaluation, if requested, is pretty critical towards getting your license, as it helps fill the gap in documentation that you currently hold.

I would still try to request a copy of your old files if you went to a hospital system or clinic that's still standing.

 

[Prove-a-negative]

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. It's just doesn't sound realistic. I didn't think there would be such consequences for something they handed out like candy back then. I just went in for insomnia. There's some sort of bureaucratic turbulence between knowing people like me are probably OK and not wanting one of us to kill someone and have it be why—just look at what is happening right now with the DCA thing. I know from the army it's just not worth it to fight these fights most of the time.

I guess I'll wait and just ride with my son. Maybe I'll win the lottery and pay some guy to sit in the other seat while I fly my jet around.

Thanks for your help everyone. Cheers.

 

[Brad Z]

Did you provide any follow up documentation back in 2005? Or did you just ignore the letter asking for additional information and let it go? If they denied based on the information already provided, they likely still have it on file and may be used to reconsider.

 

[MVM19]

Like I said — I still think it's possible for you to get your medical from initial set of information. It may require saving for it. The insomnia piece may complicate it if it was considered untreated, but an AME could answer that for sure. To add a data point, I thought I would be on the HIMS Special Issuance pathway for the rest of my life, but the FAA voluntarily dropped me from the program after 2 years for a previous anxiety diagnosis. My medicals from here on out are smooth sailing and will not require me to jump through more hoops.

Nonetheless, I empathize with what you're saying. I felt very similarly at the beginning of my medical journey.