Well one good thing, there is no where on the medical form of to how much disability one's receiving. I'm 90% in service and can still pass a 1st Class. You get 10 points for just getting stitches. 10 points for having sinus issues. 10 here or there adds up quick. My AME knows my rating, but it's not required for the paperwork.

Good advice everyone, thanks! This issue is the only thing that has been worrying me, kind of out of my hands. I won't lie, so we'll just see what happens. I'll list the stuff just to see if anything jumps out at you as definite bad ones and for me to just stand by and wait to lose my 1C:

1. Migraines controlled on approved FAA medicine
2. lower back pain no meds.
3. Rhumatoid Arthritis approved FAA meds
4. CPAP machine.
5. Reflux with approved FAA meds.

We shall see! I felt like I answered everything honestly.

Yes, and as of this summer, the FAA now has the ability to just go get your VA records...

This was the first step. Why do that? Why not target the AMEs too? It's not about health or safety, it's about growing your bureaucracy which equals money...it's always about money.


You missed my point. They can now simply pull your VA records. If you report it, they can just go VFR direct to the VA and pull your records. If you don't report it, I guess they can just search for you in the VA database and if you pop up, you're done.

Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me! ;)

Regardless of what's happened in the past, the FAA pursued the ability to actively go get VA records for some reason or another and now has that ability. If you think they're going to stop at enforcing people who don't report it, I believe you're a bit naive, but that's my opinion only (until the FAA shows their hand).

Knowing bureaucracy for what it is, I'm sure our over-controlled, over-regulated, over-monitored, over-legislated career will lose another tiny bit of liberty sacrificed on the false altar of safety for nothing more than perception management.

I just wish I knew where they were going with all of this. I'm about to retire and I'm not sure it's worth the lousy $25/mo I'd get even to have to interact with the FAA any more than I have to...

Never said I didn't report it. There is no where on the AME's paperwork to document a rating. OKC know's that I'm a DV. That is on my paperwork. My AME only also knows my rating. I had to provide proof of being a DV during my flightcheck application/package.

Remember is the medication/treatment that one my need for what ever their condition may be that kills a physical.

That wasn't directed at you, it was general. I'm just saying you don't have to report your rating, they can go get it for themselves now. Since this is a done deal, the $64 question becomes, 'what are they going to do with that info?'

No worries. I do see where you're coming from. If asked, I will tell.

Good discussion. I have the VA paperwork in hand now to file. I have a current Class I and asked this exact question to my local AME. He told me as soon as I begin receiving benefits to check the box and briefly explain in the comments that it is VA disability, not limiting and no medications required.

Needless to say, I am still hesitant to file the paperwork for the 4-5 minor items I'd have evaluated.

Has anyone heard of any issues with the FAA and VA disability?

1,3 and 4 jump at me.

You'll need proof of "control" over time. i.e. Do you have the Dr's report post CPAP, indicating the issue was resolved? I opted for the surgery and don't have to lug the CPAP around.

Lower back pain - have Kidney stones been ruled out?

Migraines - Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Disclaimer: I'm not a Dr. or Airline guy - I'd suggest researching these items in depth.

Good Luck!

Mo better link Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

N9373M,

Since you opted for surgery, did that negate your VA rating for Apnea or were you able to keep it as 50% disability?

Not applicable for me (not a vet) - good question though. If CPAP fixes it and you can still keep the 50, logic would dictate you could keep it with surgery, but we all know about logic and....................