You MUST get in the system BEFORE you retire or separate. Do not blow off TAP class, a lot of it can be a pain, but the VA part will help set you up to get your proper medical exams an into the system. This has NOTHING to do with you local Medical Hobby Shop other than getting a copy of your med records. You are looking to get your ailments documented and examed by the VA medical system, they will assign a level of disability from zero up to 100%. Even if it is zero, it is a least acknowledged so later in life if the problem gets worse, the VA will treat it. Can I be more clear on this? DO NOT separate or retire without going through this process. To answer your first question, acknowledged Fighter Pilot ailments are; neck, back, roids, hearing, big watches and talking louder and louder with each beer (that part according to my bride).