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Good day, all,
My S.I. class 3 medical was recently denied due to chronic lower back pain and accompanying numbness in thighs (neither are cause for S.I.). The numbness was due to L1/S5 bulge. After trying numerous options; chiropractor, D.O. and massage therapists, it was decided to visit a back surgeon on the recommendation of the D.O.
The back surgeon ordered an MRI which showed the disc issue but it was described as normal for someone in their 40's. All of this was reported on my February renewal. As a side note, I also self grounded due to extreme pain and the use of Rx pain meds to alleviate some of the pain. It was at this time the DME submitted paper work to OKC.
About 30 days post renewal OKC requested additional documentation from my back surgeon. The surgeon letter indicated history of severe lower back pain as well as leg numbness (there's a term used that I can't recall). Around the time the letter was written I was on my 2nd of 3 injections into the epidural. All requested paper work was submitted to OKC for consideration within the 30 day window.
Another 30 days lapses and I have completed the 3rd injection into the epidural and significant pain relief is obtained and the numbness has been eliminated. Around this time I receive notice from OKC they are declining my medical due to the back issue. I contact OKC for clarification it was the back issue that caused the denial and that was confirmed.
The denial letter states I have 60 days from the dated of letter (Feb 25) to request a hearing to dispute the denial. The letter also states to submit any additional information to OKC to support my request for reversal.
Here's the catch; the first appointment with the back surgeon is for next Tuesday 5/31. The letter will take another week to receive and submit to OKC. That puts us somewhere around 6/7 or 18 days from the expiration of my right to request hearing.
Here's the question; should I submit the 5 copies of the denial letter (as stated) and the latest doctor letter to NTSB, OKC or both? My concern is that if I don't request a NTSB hearing now, the 60 days will lapse and there will be no recourse.
Thank you for your guidance.
My S.I. class 3 medical was recently denied due to chronic lower back pain and accompanying numbness in thighs (neither are cause for S.I.). The numbness was due to L1/S5 bulge. After trying numerous options; chiropractor, D.O. and massage therapists, it was decided to visit a back surgeon on the recommendation of the D.O.
The back surgeon ordered an MRI which showed the disc issue but it was described as normal for someone in their 40's. All of this was reported on my February renewal. As a side note, I also self grounded due to extreme pain and the use of Rx pain meds to alleviate some of the pain. It was at this time the DME submitted paper work to OKC.
About 30 days post renewal OKC requested additional documentation from my back surgeon. The surgeon letter indicated history of severe lower back pain as well as leg numbness (there's a term used that I can't recall). Around the time the letter was written I was on my 2nd of 3 injections into the epidural. All requested paper work was submitted to OKC for consideration within the 30 day window.
Another 30 days lapses and I have completed the 3rd injection into the epidural and significant pain relief is obtained and the numbness has been eliminated. Around this time I receive notice from OKC they are declining my medical due to the back issue. I contact OKC for clarification it was the back issue that caused the denial and that was confirmed.
The denial letter states I have 60 days from the dated of letter (Feb 25) to request a hearing to dispute the denial. The letter also states to submit any additional information to OKC to support my request for reversal.
Here's the catch; the first appointment with the back surgeon is for next Tuesday 5/31. The letter will take another week to receive and submit to OKC. That puts us somewhere around 6/7 or 18 days from the expiration of my right to request hearing.
Here's the question; should I submit the 5 copies of the denial letter (as stated) and the latest doctor letter to NTSB, OKC or both? My concern is that if I don't request a NTSB hearing now, the 60 days will lapse and there will be no recourse.
Thank you for your guidance.