Thanks for the good information. I had an appointment with the base cardiologist last week (who is also a prior AME). Getting some labs and other tests done. I also got in touch with AMAS and will share my info for those with this issue in the future.

 

TLDR: No issues getting a high blood pressure rating from the VA, just do the right things. Thanks for all the good gouge, hope this helps someone in the future.

From AMAS:

For hypertension, the FAA will want to see evidence that your condition remains well controlled each time you complete a medical application. The hypertension protocol is outlined in the article referenced above. You might want to print out the article and blood pressure protocol and take them with you to your medical appointments with your personal physician if your blood pressure remains elevated on follow up.

Regarding this condition and the VA benefit and how this plays into the FAA, there should be no issue at all regarding your ability to continue to fly. You will need to mark “yes” on Q 18 Y that you are receiving medical disability benefits but other than that, there should be no issue or concern in you being able to fly and obtaining your Class I medical. Simply show to your AME medical with a copy of your VA disability letter and show that to your AME. He will then go through a checklist with your WRT hypertension and then issue you a CACI (Condition AME Can Issue) which is best thought of as a local waiver. You can find a copy of that worksheet here: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/...pertension.pdf