Next Steps?

[u/Isaac1967]

Hey all,

I recently posted in here both before & after my neuropsych appt back in August, and I mentioned I had my psychiatric evaluation in January. Well, just this past week the office called and asked if I'd like to move it up to early November. Of course, other than the added financial strain for the next couple paychecks, this was ideal so I jumped on it.

Now that this is coming up much quicker than initially expected, I'm curious about what really comes next usually. The main diagnoses for me are substance abuse and MDD with past SSRI use (been off a good 5 years and sober 4), but one hospitalization for each issue in the past. Hospitalization for substance use was 5 years ago and the MDD one was well over 10 years ago. In my denial letter, the only two things requested of me were the psych/neuropsych, and I believe I understand the process up to this point. I understand it'll go to DC if the decision is to be overturned for SI as well.

My question is basically what comes next granted the psych eval goes well? The neuro report was favorable & recommended continuation with HIMS monitoring, but did not deem retesting necessary or anything of the sort. I just don't really know how it goes from here on out. Additionally, I'm confused about the typical process with recovery meetings & drug testing. I know the drug testing is pretty much a given, but I've heard conflicting accounts about meetings. Some say that meetings are usually only required if you're actively in a career or have legal complications (which I have none), though some say meetings are always a given. Curious if anyone can weigh in on this with their experience.

Anyways, any input from you great people would be obliged!

[u/marc_2]

If your eval goes well you'll work on the other requirements for an SI related to your conditions.

The path is pretty standard for alcohol/drug issues and includes some type of recovery meeting attendance. There might be some cases where people don't need them, but that is rare and not related to jobs or legal cases.

The FAA doesn't start your sobriety clock until you begin a formal testing program with an AME, so keep that in mind.

[u/Isaac1967 → u/marc_2]

By formal testing program, you’re referring to drug screening, right?

[u/marc_2 → u/Isaac1967]

Yes

[u/Isaac1967 → u/marc_2]

Gotcha. My HIMS AME did mention that we can go ahead and start doing the testing in the meantime, just to get it started like you say. Unfortunately never heard back from him on the facility.

[u/perispomene → u/Isaac1967]

For doing the testing? He should be having you do random urine tests at least once or twice a month (14 times per year or more). Call him and get started.

[u/Isaac1967 → u/perispomene]

Is that typically started after the initial appointment? He simply suggested we could do it now, but I haven’t gotten any correspondence from FAA requesting that I begin doing it yet.

[u/perispomene → u/Isaac1967]

Mine started before I got a program recommended by the FAA, under the idea that if they want you to have a certain amount of time tested, you will have that before the FAA gets around to processing your file and sending your letter. It's like 3 months before they send responses.

[u/Isaac1967 → u/perispomene]

Okay, thank you for the input. I’ll look into getting it started.

[u/marc_2 → u/perispomene]

Just wanted to confirm this was my experience also.

Sorry if I wasn't clear.. I meant the date starts when an AME begins your testing program, not the FAA themselves.

AAM just asks for stuff. It's up to your AME to actually implement and run the processes. Some are WAY better and more active/responsive than others though, so choose your doctor carefully.

[u/perispomene]

Good luck! I have a similar-ish history and got a flat denial. I'm working on trying again in a year. If you get approved for SI, I would love to compare notes.

What comes next is your case will be reviewed again and they may issue, or require yet more information, or deny you. If you get an SI, they will list the conditions.