LTD Cooperation Requirements

Your continued eligibility for LTD benefits depends on meeting specific cooperation requirements. Failure to cooperate can result in suspension or termination of benefits.

CBA Requirements (Section 27.J.4)

"In order for a pilot to continue to be eligible for a disability benefit under the LTD Plan, the pilot must fully cooperate with the Claims Paying Administrator, in coordination with the Aeromedical Advisor, and must diligently seek restoration of any required license or medical certificate to allow the pilot to return to work."

Three core requirements:

1. Cooperate with the Claims Paying Administrator
2. Coordinate with the Aeromedical Advisor
3. Diligently seek FAA medical certificate restoration

1. Cooperate with Claims Paying Administrator

What "Full Cooperation" Means

You must:

• Respond to information requests within the stated deadline (typically 10-15 business days for written, 5 days for phone)
• Attend Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) as requested — the administrator covers travel expenses
• Attend Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) when scheduled — typically 4-8 hours of physical testing
• Report changes in your condition, work status, or other income sources
• Authorize access to your medical records

Typical Requests You'll Receive

Regular status updates (every 30-90 days):

• Current medical status, treatment received, changes in condition
• Work status and any outside income sources (required for offset calculation)

Medical documentation:

• Visit notes, test results, treatment plans, medication lists, specialist reports

IMEs: The administrator's physician evaluates your condition — attending is mandatory unless your treating physician documents a medical contraindication in writing.

FCEs: Occupational therapist tests physical work capacity. Results are often used at the 24-month "any occupation" transition. Request a copy of the FCE report immediately after completion.

How to Respond Effectively

1. Respond in writing (email is fine) rather than by phone — creates a timestamped record
2. Follow every phone call with a brief written summary: "Per our call today, you confirmed that…"
3. Request a deadline extension in writing before the deadline if you need more time — don't let it expire silently
4. Provide complete answers; do not volunteer medical or financial information beyond what the specific request asks for
5. Keep copies of everything submitted

2. Coordinate with Aeromedical Advisor

What the Aeromedical Advisor Is

The Aeromedical Advisor is a physician employed by or contracted with FedEx, specializing in aviation medicine. They advise on return-to-work planning and coordinate with the FAA on medical certification issues. They work for FedEx — not for you.

Your Responsibilities

You must:

• Attend scheduled appointments with the Aeromedical Advisor
• Provide medical records as requested
• Discuss your FAA medical certification path and prognosis

You do NOT have to:

• Accept the Aeromedical Advisor as your treating physician
• Follow treatment recommendations from the Aeromedical Advisor
• Disclose medical information unrelated to your ability to perform work duties

Protecting Your Interests

• Maintain your own independent treating physician — the Aeromedical Advisor's opinion does not control your LTD eligibility, but it will appear in your claim file
• Contact the ALPA Aeromedical Office before any significant Aeromedical Advisor interaction — ALPA can advise on what to expect and flag unreasonable requests
• If the Aeromedical Advisor's opinion differs materially from your treating physician's, obtain a written rebuttal from your doctor for the claim file

3. Diligently Seek Medical Certificate Restoration

What "Diligent Effort" Means

You must actively pursue restoration of your FAA first-class medical when a pathway exists.

Required efforts:

• Comply with treatment prescribed by your treating physicians
• Consult with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to identify the FAA Special Issuance pathway for your condition
• Submit FAA Special Issuance applications with required documentation
• Participate in HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) if your condition involves substance use
• Follow up with specialists as needed to support the certification path

What Counts as "Diligent Effort"

Compliant:

• Attending all scheduled physician appointments
• Taking medications as prescribed
• Completing prescribed physical therapy
• Meeting with an AME to map out the Special Issuance process
• Submitting FAA applications and responding to FAA requests
• Participating in required HIMS monitoring

Non-compliant:

• Missing medical appointments without cause
• Refusing prescribed treatment without a valid documented reason
• Failing to engage with an AME when a certification pathway exists
• Not responding to FAA correspondence

You Are NOT Required To

• Undergo high-risk or experimental treatments
• Accept treatments your treating physician advises against
• Pursue certification if your condition is permanent and no FAA pathway exists — document permanence with medical records

Documenting Your Efforts

Keep a running log of:

• Medical appointments (date, provider, purpose)
• AME consultations and their recommendations
• FAA correspondence and application dates
• HIMS program enrollment and attendance records
• Specialist referrals and evaluations

This log is your defense if the administrator claims you are not making diligent effort. It also supports an appeal if benefits are terminated on cooperation grounds.

Consequences of Non-Cooperation

Your Rights

You must cooperate, but you also have enforceable rights:

You can:

• Challenge requests that are unreasonable in scope or timing — put the objection in writing citing the specific concern
• Request an extension before a deadline expires
• Decline to see any specific doctor beyond a court-ordered IME
• Refuse treatment your own physician advises against
• Appeal any adverse decision within 180 days

You cannot be required to:

• Travel an unreasonable distance for an IME without cost coverage
• Disclose medical information unrelated to your work capacity
• Take actions that violate your treating physician's orders

Getting Help

Contact ALPA R&I committee (ri@alpa.org) if:

• You receive a warning letter about cooperation
• The administrator requests something that seems outside the scope of CBA §27.J.4
• Benefits are suspended or terminated on cooperation grounds
• You are uncertain whether an IME or FCE request is reasonable

Next Steps

• Duration Limits — how long benefits last by condition type
• Company System Access — your right to FedEx systems while on disability
• Document Preparation — what records to keep and where