EDD denied my claim citing 'employee conflict' but I left due to workplace anxiety & hostile environment - appeal help?

I won my appeal in a similar situation last month. The key is demonstrating that you tried to resolve the issues before quitting. During your appeal hearing, focus on these points: 1. You had a documented medical condition directly affected by work conditions (bring doctor's notes) 2. You attempted to resolve the issue through proper channels (HR complaint) 3. You were effectively prevented from returning to work after medical leave (being taken off schedule) Make sure you bring printed copies of EVERYTHING - medical documentation, email exchanges with HR, texts with colleagues describing the environment, and any performance reviews showing you were in good standing before these issues. The most important thing is showing you didn't just quit because you were annoyed - you quit because working conditions were objectively unreasonable and affecting your health.

they always deny first time dont worry bout it. i got denied 2x before i finally got approval. EDD just tries to save money. keep fighting dont give up

I successfully appealed a similar denial last year. Make sure you specifically mention that you had "good cause" to leave your employment - that's the exact terminology the judge will be looking for. Good cause means conditions that would cause a reasonable person in similar circumstances to leave employment. In your case, your good cause is: 1. Medical condition exacerbated by workplace conditions (anxiety/depression) 2. Hostility from management (document specific instances with dates if possible) 3. Constructive discharge (they effectively prevented you from working by removing you from schedule) Bring chronologically organized documentation. The judge will likely ask why you didn't escalate above HR when they didn't respond. Be prepared to answer that. Also, were there any company policies about harassment or hostile work environment that weren't followed? If so, bring the policy handbook. Finally, practice explaining your situation calmly and clearly. Appeals judges hear many emotional stories, but they're looking for facts that satisfy specific legal criteria for good cause.

omg this EXACT thing happened to me!!! my boss was THE WORST and i had panic attacks everyday but when i filed for unemloyment they said i quit without good reason!!! so frustrating!! did u ever get to talk to anyone at edd about it? i never could get thru on the phone

I handle employment cases, and here's what's important to understand: EDD initially processes thousands of claims with minimal investigation. Your employer likely simply told them you quit because of a personality conflict, which doesn't qualify as good cause. During appeal, you'll have a much more thorough hearing where you can present evidence. Focus on these legal concepts: 1. Constructive discharge - When your employer made working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to resign. Being removed from the schedule after approved medical leave supports this. 2. Medical necessity - Your diagnosed condition and doctor's recommendation create a stronger case than just disliking your boss. 3. Attempts at resolution - Document every attempt to resolve the situation before quitting. One warning: Don't focus too much on the "toxic" aspects that didn't directly affect you. Focus on specific actions taken against you personally that made continued employment untenable. Judges look for objective reasons, not subjective feelings about workplace culture.

Sorry to hear about your situation. Just wanted to share that I've seen a TON of these cases get overturned on appeal. The initial determination is often made without all the facts. EDD is drowning in claims in 2025 and they make quick decisions. Just make sure you're SUPER prepared for your hearing. Like others said, bring documentation, but also prepare a clear timeline of events. Judges appreciate organized appellants who can efficiently present their case.

Wait I'm confused... if you had anxiety from your job why didn't you just apply for disability (SDI) instead of unemployment? Isn't that what disability is for? Medical conditions that prevent you from working?

Just wanted to update everyone - I had my appeal hearing yesterday, and I'm cautiously optimistic! I followed the advice here and prepared a detailed timeline with documentation for each point. The judge seemed particularly interested in the fact that I was taken off the schedule after returning from medical leave and that HR never responded to my formal complaint. I should get the decision in 7-10 days. I'll update when I hear something. Thank you all for the guidance - it really helped me organize my thoughts and evidence for the hearing!