I have a neuropsych IME coming up and wondering what to wear.
I have read one disability lawyer’s website stating to wear business casual and most other websites state to wear what is suitable for the disability. I agree with the latter.
So how should I dress if my disability is not related to a physical injury or condition that causes pain when I move/walk? I have a fatiguing illness so would it be ok to wear what I normally wear - loose fitting track pants (plain black with no stripes or anything) or jeans, a sweater and sneakers? I do have problems staying standing for long and may be barely able to walk after the IME so I’d like to wear sneakers. My hair will be tidy and I will look clean.
I’m not sure what to think of being labelled as having more depression than I actually have, because of the way I dress. Any thoughts?
I wore jogging pants to mine and went unshaven and, actually, also dehydrated. I had to drive 3 hours to get to it (I was in a small town). Out of all the things I was anxious about, fortunately what to wear wasn’t one of them. It never dawned upon me to dress up for them, or for anyone. I wear jogging pants everywhere now. I went to The Keg the other week and wore jogging pants. IDGAF anymore.
Thanks for your input. Haha…yes I may be overthinking it. I was surprised when I saw a disability lawyer’s website recommending business casual…I don’t want to dress up and look like I’m ready to work! I think I’ll stick to what I normally wear and make sure I’m comfortable. It’s also in line with my disability.
PS. A 6r drive there and back is quite insane. They really do test our limits don’t they. Did they pay for accommodation at a hotel? If not, I’d be pretty mad.
Yeah they paid for a hotel up to “reasonable amount”. I booked a middle of the road hotel for $131 a night and they told me it was too much and would only reimburse me for $80, which was the cheapest hotel in the area. They also paid for my gas, but not all the wear and tear on my vehicle. It was December in northern BC and I drove in the snow too. They told me it was my fault for living in the boonies and denied me request for a virtual IME. Said do it or else. The IME sided with me though, so I guess I had the last laugh.
I’m glad your efforts paid off! It’s good to hear from someone who had a positive outcome from the IME. I know it does happen but it sounds so rare as well…
Thanks for sharing your story. Will be relieved to just get this over with.
I would wear whatever you normally would to go grocery shopping or out for a casual coffee.
I think we really only ever hear about the bad IMEs. My IME happened without my knowledge. The insurer sent my medical reports for a document IME review , and the IME report said they just agreed with my physician. The only reason I know about it is because I asked for my compete file.
Thanks Buckets365. I’ll dress similar to what I wear for running errands. I didn’t know they send out IME requests to doctors without requiring the claimant’s attendance. I guess they’ll do anything to find reason to not trust our own doctors and specialists.
Well, they do have an obligation to verify if we have a valid claim under the LTD policy. Not a ll medical reference is nefarious! Good luck with your IME.
Thanks Caro. I have submitted enough medical evidence for over two years but now they want to verify my diagnoses with someone who doesn’t even specialize in my condition I know that happens often so it’s ok. Will cooperate with them and see what happens.
I agre with the others who have commented. You should wear comfortable cloths but avoid shirts or hats with political statements etc. Just go with plain clothes that are clean and appropriate for a meeting. No swimsuits or bare feet.
David Brannen
Disability Lawyer with Resolute Legal
The response posted above is based on the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with a lawyer, fully explain your situation, and allow the lawyer enough time to research the applicable law and facts required to give an adequate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full one-on-one discussion with a lawyer should be done before taking any any action. The information posted on this forum is available to the viewing public and is not intended to create a lawyer client relationship with any person. If you want one-on-one advice, please click here to request a free consultation or call toll free 1-877-917-7050 to speak with a member with our disability claim support team.
I just wore what I was comfortable in. They made me do an IME right before COD. I’m on Vancouver Island. I had to drive 1.5 hrs to it. I was clean but I put no effort into my appearance (makeup/hair). I had a zillion Dr reports confirming my dx but they wanted another. Thankfully that psychiatrist also supported me and Sunlife didn’t have a leg to stand on. That was in 2018.
Wow another testimonial of the IME doc favoring the claimant. So good to hear!
I went in casual clothes and I’m glad I did because I was also asked if I had any assistive devices with me. I had taken a foldable cane which she never got to see , but she was made aware that I had it in my bag. It may have been suspicious had I dressed up in business clothes.
I also had a few other things to alleviate symptoms which I told her about. She said that they have seen all kinds of medical aids people bring with them, so she wasn’t surprised at all.
I know that happens often so it’s ok. Will cooperate with them and see what happens.