Airline Pilot Central Forums - "Are you receiving disability payments?"

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- - "Are you receiving disability payments?" (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/pilot-health/64328-you-receiving-disability-payments.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowSlowT2 (Post 1108373)

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! ;)

Oh, but you're not paranoid if they really are out to get you!

This thread reminds me of how the state of Florida, in the late 80's, cross-referenced DMV records with FAA medical records; hundreds of pilot got caught up...grand jury's, getting fired, etc.

I believe there will very soon come a day when the FAA begins cross-referencing perscriptions and even other medical records with FAA Airmen medical applications. The government is pushing increasingly for electronic medical records (part of the trillion dollar stimulus) and with Obamacare...you get what you vote for!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyR (Post 1137247)

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?

For what, $30/month? Is your Class I worth $30/month? It isn't an issue now, and I can't fault your AME's advice given CURRENT FAA actions, but I don't trust any bureaucracy any farther than I can throw it (which generally isn't far), so it's not worth it to me.

You can file later if you want - yes it's easier now, but not impossible later.

If, however, you can tally up 50%+ and get concurrent receipt with stuff your AME is happy with, I'd go for it because that's a different risk/reward ratio.

OK, so the 1st Class medical is still issued with your disability and you're in the clear. What about company applications? Many ask if you are a veteran... and if you are disabled.

I know that federal jobs give preference and such to veterans and disabled veterans, but if a non-government job is asking if you are disabled... on a pilot application.... are they screening you out? Disabled is a broad category, if you receive 10% disability from the VA for tinnitus, are you 'disabled'?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruise Check (Post 1304900)

Sorry for bringing back a dead thread, but I would really love to hear an answer to this, if anyone has some experience with this scenario.

I've been checking the yes box since it showed up on the application. No issues with the FAA.

Reviving the Dead

As someone who just began receiving VA Disability (I was floored) I read this thread carefully. I still have some questions- mainly about the from FAA 8500. When you check yes for anything in block 18, you must make an entry in the comments section. It seems some guys are saying they just simply check yes and move on. I am sure the AME and FAA want something in the comments box. What have you guys been putting there? Docs, what are you looking for? What documents do I need to bring. Do I simply bring my VA Letter with the percentages? I am an Army pilot and fly all the time with out issue. My issues are all small, and I can safely pilot and egress an aircraft no problem. I got my 1st class and checked no as my rating wasn't completed yet. It got completed shortly after and I am now receiving benefits. I am losing sleep though over what is to come next year, as I am getting hired by a regional soon (hopefully). Any credible input would be great. Thanks in advance. :)

1 & 4 will be an issue... Talk to an Sr AME.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geronimo51 (Post 1535215)

I would list in the comments each item from your VA disability letter, verbatim. Just the medical label, no elaboration. The AME will discuss these with you and after learning your flying is not affected (and assuming that none of these conditions is serious) he will give you your medical.

After the first time, you will always check the box and in the comments put "previously reported, no change".

That's it, nothing to worry about.

Low-level VA disability is not the same as social-security "can't work" disability. It's just compensation for loss of QOL and/or additional medical costs which were incurred (or were likely incurred) due to military service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 1108220)

Many folks have collected VA disability while holding a 1C medical. Of course it all depends on the nature and severity of the disability. But don't lie to them...

The FAA sent a bunch of folks to jail only a couple years ago by cross-referencing some federal(?) disability database with the FAA medical database...any matches who did not report their claimed disability condition to the AME went to jail. It was not the VA database though...they probably wouldn't have the political nads to target vets like that.

It is my understanding that these people who went to jail were lying about disabilities that were disqualifying according toFAA. Heart atttacks stroke etc.

Transitioning and the VA Medical

Thanks, guys. This info is helpful since several of us are getting out of our squadron and moving on to the airlines, but we are all unsure of the VA medical piece and how it may affect the Class 1. We all have back/neck issues, but I'm assuming that half of the other airline pilots do as well. Our separation counselors are really pushing us to accomplish this step before getting out of the military.