Originally Posted by Starscream

The FAA has a very strict set of requirements for what Medical records they will need to review before consideration. A professional service like AMAS or difficult case AME will know what, exactly, the FAA will need to see. Regular AMEs usually do not have this level of knowledge, believe it or not. Most just know whether or not they can certify on the spot or whether they have to defer your application to OKC.

If applying through an AME, once deferred, you're essentially on your own with regards to your AME. AMAS or a 'difficult case' AME will continue to be your advocate even after the application is deferred and records are sent to the FAA. They will continue to correspond with the FAA on your behalf.

If you send the FAA anything that's short of what they will need to see to make a determination on your case, it's really going to drag things out. Everytime you send them information, if takes them 4-6 weeks just to respond to. You don't want to trade letters with them.

Finally, one of the most important things to know isn't what to send the FAA, it's what not to send. Namely, anything they didn't specifically ask for that could have damaging information. That's really where a difficult case AME is invaluable. They are experts at presenting the best case possible to the FAA. Think of them as top notch defense attorneys. They're not miracle workers who can get any medically unsafe individual certified, rather they are your best hope if there is any chance at certficiation.