Originally Posted by
MatthewAMEL
You go to the AME...he defers issuance. You no longer have a valid medical. Use sick bank to cover waiting period for STD to begin. If your medical isn't issued prior to STD ending and LTD starting, then you transition to LTD.
There is no functional difference between a deferred medical and a denied medical for the purpose of benefits.
For airlines, I have never heard of any quibbling as to what exactly constitutes "loss of medical"... if the FAA doesn't give you a medical after you duly and properly apply, you get sick/STD/LTD.