VA disability vs FAA medical
 

For those with service related disabilities

I'm planning on applying for VA disability for some service related issue. If approved, does it have any impact for my class 1 medical or my job? Thanks in advance.

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Sometimes. Usually not. Denying that you have a medical problem on your FAA PX that you simultaneously claim for a VA disability will torque your shorts severely though WHEN they catch you.

If you are on any waivers in the military ask the Flight Surgeon’s Office to make a complete copy of your initial waiver package and your most recent flight physical in case the FAA is concerned. Those dudes all went to the same training and play in the same sandbox and will generally just accept the military flight surgeons opinions. It can save you a world of paperwork and bother.

The only thing that will impact your FAA Medical and your job is lying. Period.

If you have a service related disability, claim it. If paper work for said disability needs to be filed with FAA do it.

DO NOT, pretend you don't have this disability and hide it from the VA and the FAA. Even worse, DO NOT file with the VA and then not tell the FAA, that will get you in more trouble than you can imagine.

The worst, don't pretend you have a disability and lie to the VA and the FAA.

Big triggers for the FAA are PTSD and sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is fine as long as you have a special issuance and follow the rules. It will take some time for that process to take place, though.

Normal "aches and pains" are fine. Just check the box for disability on the FAA form and be up front and honest about it. I have a 5 second conversation about it once a year.

Trust me I have no intension of lying about anything, I just want to get an idea of the process. I'll consult my AME before I start my application.

A lot will depend on what you get a VA disability rating for. I have a 90% rating. Two items were an issue for my FAA medical. One took years after I left the Army to approval. The other thankfully is a simple checkbox by my AME every year.

There are things that are immediately disqualifying and other things that you'll need to provide more info on which can take thousands of dollars and requires you to go to a FAA specific doctor for review. And let me tell you they aint cheap.

If you have PTSD that can nix your flying career. If you have trouble sleeping that can nix your flying career. Nearly any mental health issue is at least going to get a second look. Tread VERY carefully if you see the VA for a mental health issue. They hand out PTSD diagnoses like candy which speaking of candy they will give you all sorts of fun candy which will immediately end your flying career whether you need it or not (the candy not the flying).

I would recommend giving ole Doc Limoge in Colorado Springs a call and have a chat with him. He is a retired AF General was a AF flight surgeon and likes helping keep us Vets flying. He can also help with difficult cases. Hes is a great dude.

Jerome P Limoge MD
1360 AVIATION WAY
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80916
Voice: (719) 659-0988

Thank you for your service!

Yes, its the normal aches/pains and tinnitus I'm seeking. Thanks for responding.

Thanks for the info!

I have open claims pending decision right now too. I asked my AME as well and he said you don't have them until they make a decision on disability rating, as stated previously. Once that's done, disclose on your annual renewal and its cake. FYSA, I started my process in March last year, then Rona; still have 1 exam to complete, and they no longer put estimates for completion of claims dates. They just put TBD on your VA profile. Get going ASAP because it will take awhile.

Much appreciated!