Question
Should I be worried that SunLife is trying to deny my claim by making it seem like I have a mental disorder? Can they deny my claim if I refuse to undergo this needless psychiatric assessment?
I have fibromyalgia and a few other physical conditions like hypothyroidism which cause fatigue and pain. Sunlife has been discounting all the medical reports my doctors and specialists have provided, saying that their in-house medical review finds “no medical evidence” that I cannot perform my job duties (even though I am nearly housebound). Now they have requested that I have an Independent Medical Examination, but from a psychiatrist, when I have no history of any mental illness (which my own doctors confirm). Should I be worried that Sunlife is trying to deny my claim by making it seem like I have a mental disorder? Can they deny my claim if I refuse to undergo this needless psychiatric assessment?
Answer
Erin, in a situation like yours they are likely sending you to see a psychologist to determine if you are a “malingerer” or essentially, faking it. It is common that carriers will have a psychological evaluation to establish any somatoform disorders, which they believe account for a person’s complaints of pain. If you do refuse to go to the IME that would be grounds for a denial of your claim. Please feel free to contact our office if you would like to discuss your claim in greater detail.
