Thread: VA disability
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Old 09-06-2016, 04:40 AM
  #14  
Kikuchiyo
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Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 747 FO
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Originally Posted by Mink View Post
According to urban legend, a pilot (or pilots) was claiming 100% disabled though Social Security and NOT disclosing it to the FAA (assuming the two entities would not "talk"). Not sure what the disability was, but the non-disclosure to the FAA was the problem. And it thus became a red-flag item for ALL disabilities for ever after.
This has to do with the difference in how SSA and VA define disability, especially at the 100% level. It also has to do with the advice one receives when you get a 100% VA rating.

My ex is a 100% VA-rated vet. She was advised by various organizations to immediately apply for an SSA 100% rating based on her VA rating. These organizations were sincerely trying to help her maximize her benefits. But, an SSA 100% rating includes by default the statement that one is completely disabled and unable to work (or words to that effect). In her case, she didn't feel those conditions applied, so never got the SSA rating. In the case of a pilot, it's presumably kind of hard to present oneself as able to hold an FAA Class 1 medical, but also be "completely disabled and unable to work" by virtue of holding an SSA 100% rating.

It's kind of unfortunate that the VA uses "percentage" as their index for disability. 100 or even 90 percent implies near or total disability and carries certain presumptions about one's inability (dis-ability?) to work. But a 100% VA rating can be obtained without having any impact on work whatsoever. The system of adding up small item ratings (even in spite of it not being linear math) combined with large percentages for non-work affecting conditions (sleep apnea = 50%, among others) can easily result in someone receiving a 100% rating that is still perfectly able to work.

So, as stated by others, just be careful what benefits and ratings you apply for, and be upfront and honest with your AME.
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