Originally Posted by
Dr Bromus
Retiring from the USAF and getting all my VA claim info in. Starting at AA this fall. My blood pressure is below FAA Class 1 max, been consistent, and have had my class 1 for over a year. Anybody have experience getting a hypertension rating from the VA and had issues with the FAA? The VA rating numbers are well below the FAA limit. I don't want to jepoardize my next career and also don't want to hide anything from the FAA.
Yes I know I need to get my crap together, but I have always ran kinda high, even as a fit 25 year old. (42 now)
Searched the forum and didn't get a real clear answer. My current AME is not great about getting back to me via phone calls/emails.
Thanks for any insights you can provide!
Last I heard the FAA high blood pressure limit was set ridiculously high by an old court case at 155/95. Even exceeding that should not result in grounding if an average of several measurements falls at or below that level. The American Heart Association recommends far more aggressive treatment:
And while I THINK the FAA would like to use the AHA recommendations they are uncertain about their ability to convince the courts of the necessity to do that. Basically, if your doctor recommends treatment, go ahead and get it and the FDA will pretty much rubber stamp most accepted therapies as long as you are 155/95 or lower and having no threatening side effects.