taking suggested revisions in Second 1st

  • May 6, 2022, 10:53 a.m.
  • |
  • Public

This is what I’ve written so far for my appeals letter. If you read this, is there anything you think I shouldn’t say? what about adding screenshots of the conversations pre-prompted? Indicating that that is what evidence I have access to?

This is a request for a review of Claim C-2021-204997. I have read the Term Letter with information considered in the denial of further benefits passed on April 14th, 2022. As evidenced by the information in this letter I am still unable to work due to hindering dizziness.

To begin with I would like to address inconsistency within the information received. At the April 13th visit to Dr. Derwenskus, I stated “walking fast is like running on a tight rope”. Though running on a tight rope is easier than walking it is not at all easy, it is scary and dangerous. Unfortunately, it did not translate as such.

Migraines have improved but the dizziness and imbalance have not as noted in several messages to Dr. Derwenskus’ office through the My Health at Vanderbilt app. April first particularly noting that “I am falling pretty randomly about once a week and in a factory setting that doesn’t feel safe at all.” This specific situation has not changed.

Furthermore, the term overdo things is a bit subjective. I understand this oversight may be on my part. I do wish to clarify. I think it will be easiest for you to understand when I tell you what makes me dizzy. Putting shoes and socks on in the morning then requires at least 5 mins per foot of being still in order to stop the dizziness caused by such a simple task. I can stand for approximately 5 minutes before being unable to stand without swaying to keep balance or having to sit down due to dizziness. Walking in hallways or under bright lights causes dizziness. Spending too much time in front of the TV, computer, or on my cell phone causes dizziness. Riding in a car when the driver makes a turn causes momentary dizziness. Loud noise causes dizziness as in literally a loud truck passing my house or the fact that my neighbors use a 4-wheeler. The length of this letter combined with the angle of my head to write it is requiring several breaks because it too is making me dizzy. I am almost constantly bumping into doorways and furniture because even being at home life has to happen, things need to be done between the times I’m dizzy. It is much easier to tell you what doesn’t make me dizzy. Being still and taking it easy is what reduces dizziness and the amount/severity of falls. Not overdoing things means not forcing myself to do things to a point it makes me dizzy. This has been discussed with the doctor but apparently, I have not been clearly heard or it has not been translated well to those reviewing the situation.

I am not sure how my considering a cochlear implant would apply to the current claim situation. Considering getting one should not have anything to do with the claim. I only wish to have bilateral hearing again to help determine the directions of sound. However, it is no indication of inability/ability to do a job and should not be something that sways a decision of denial.

I would also like to address that there are follow-up visits scheduled. I have an MRI scheduled on my neck to investigate the possibility of the dizziness being caused
by something other than Vestibular migraines or Meniere’s Disease. It is scheduled for May 19th. Dr. Derwenskus has a very full schedule and the next time I could get an
appointment to see her and discuss the results of the upcoming MRI is August 10th. She has assured me that if she finds out anything new due to the results she will find a time
for me to come in before August 10th.

Lastly, though returning to work was discussed during my visit on April 13th to Dr. Derwenskus’ office she did not recall that. She sent me a message asking about
it the April 28th, via the My Health at Vanderbilt app, in which she said “We did not discuss this, although given your work I am not sure the accommodations you need
would be possible.” It was however advised to not return to work at our appointment on April 13th. I’d left paperwork with her to file with Symetra on my behalf. It did not get
filed till the 22nd of April.

The instructions for delivery of this letter of appeal does not provide an email. I would like to provide screenshots of conversations from the My Health at Vanderbilt app if needed.

I ask that you reconsider the denial and take the above information into account.

Thank you for your time,
NAME, Signature

Revised per comments and such. Thank you for the help!


Last updated May 07, 2022


Diana of the hunt May 06, 2022

Only one: you say the cochlear implant has nothing to do with dizziness, then say you hope it will help with dizziness. Otherwise, looks good. Best of luck to you.

JHkerriokey Diana of the hunt ⋅ May 06, 2022

Thanks. I'll change it to: Though I hope a cochlear implant will help with the dizziness, considering getting one should not have anything to do with the claim.

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