EDD SDI claim confusion - doctor extended disability but IME says I'm cleared to work

This is a common issue with IMEs - they're paid by EDD to evaluate claims and often clear people to work sooner than treating physicians would recommend. When there's a conflict, EDD typically follows the IME's recommendation unless your doctor submits additional medical evidence showing why you still can't work. You should immediately have your doctor submit a new certification form (DE 2501) with detailed explanation of why you cannot return to work, including referencing those MRI results the IME didn't review. Call your doctor's office ASAP and make sure they understand the urgency.

this happened to my brother last year!! the EDD doctor said he could go back but his real doctor said no way. he ended up losing benefits for like 3 weeks while they fought about it but then got back pay when his doctor sent in more paperwork. total nightmare tho

I work in a medical office and we deal with this all the time. Here's what needs to happen: Your doctor needs to complete a supplemental medical certification explaining specifically WHY the IME assessment is incorrect. They should include: 1. Reference to objective findings (MRI results) 2. Specific functional limitations that prevent you from performing your job duties 3. Clear timeline for expected recovery with treatment plan Meanwhile, you should file an appeal right away if your benefits stop. You only have 20 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal. Don't wait for your doctor's new certification before appealing. Unfortunately, EDD often sides with their IMEs initially, so be prepared for a gap in payments. Document everything and keep following up.

I had the EXACT same thing happen to me in February!!!! The stupid IME said I was fine after a 10 minute appointment even though I could barely walk because of my herniated disc! I was SO MAD. My payments stopped for almost 4 weeks while we fought it. If you're going to call EDD, good luck actually reaching someone. I tried for DAYS and couldn't get through because of the "high call volume" BS they always use.

When this happened to me, I tried calling EDD disability for two weeks straight without ever getting through. I was about to give up when I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. It was worth every penny because I explained my situation directly to a claims examiner who put a note on my account and told me exactly what documentation they needed from my doctor. Saved me weeks of stress! You can check them out at claimyr.com - they even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

Be careful here. IME reports often trigger fraud investigations if they contradict your treating physician by a significant margin. Make sure all your paperwork is completely accurate and consistent. EDD takes these IME reports very seriously since they've invested money in having them done. Your doctor needs to be very explicit about why construction work specifically is unsafe with your current condition.

call ur doctor right now and tell them to fax a appeal letter to EDD!! my friend had this happen and she lost benefits for like 6 weeks it was a mess dont wait!!!!!

After reading all these responses, here's what you should do, in order: 1. Have your doctor immediately submit a supplemental medical certification with detailed reasons why you cannot return to your specific job duties 2. File an appeal yourself using the DE 1000M form within 20 days of receiving the IME determination 3. Use Claimyr or keep calling EDD to speak with someone about your case 4. Document every communication with EDD and your doctor 5. Prepare financially for a potential gap in payments The good news is that if your appeal is successful, you'll receive back payments for any missed weeks. The bad news is it might take 4-6 weeks to resolve.