"Are you receiving disability payments?"
12-03-2015, 03:57 PM
#41
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2015
Posts: 30
For what it is worth, I've had VA disability for about 3 years now. Ticked the box and the AME asked what I got disability for. In my case I have a high percentage disability, but it is made up of a bunch of small items. None of them are disqualifying for the FAA. He said "sounds good" and that was the end of it. Since then I check yes and report "previously reported, no change" and hasn't been an issue.
Agreed that the folks who got in trouble were engaged in SSDI fraud (had VA disability and were trying to get SSDI as well while claiming they did NOT have the issue on the FAA physical). It is possible to get to 100% disabled (as far as VA math goes) with no disqualifying things. Scars, tinnitus, knees, joints, plantar fascitis, loss (or loss of use) of one or more fingers, slipped/ruptured discs, shouldersare all examples of non-disqualifying things that can add up from a VA math point of view.
Obviously everyone handles their FAA medicals their own way. In my case I felt that honesty was the best policy. I checked yes, answered the Doc's question (didn't get verbose). Knew there was a chance that the FAA might say it was an issue and I was prepared to fight them if they did. In my case it never came up.
I do think that what your disability rating is for is certainly an issue. There are a ton of people who go after sleep apnea as it gives them 50%. Obviously sleep apnea is an issue with the FAA. Can still get the medical, but you have hoops to jump through. Advice I got from a VA rep was "the military broke you. You are entitled to compensation and medical treatment. If you don't apply for it now, it will be MUCH harder for you to get that later. Of course everyone has to make their own personal assessment.
Agreed that the folks who got in trouble were engaged in SSDI fraud (had VA disability and were trying to get SSDI as well while claiming they did NOT have the issue on the FAA physical). It is possible to get to 100% disabled (as far as VA math goes) with no disqualifying things. Scars, tinnitus, knees, joints, plantar fascitis, loss (or loss of use) of one or more fingers, slipped/ruptured discs, shouldersare all examples of non-disqualifying things that can add up from a VA math point of view.
Obviously everyone handles their FAA medicals their own way. In my case I felt that honesty was the best policy. I checked yes, answered the Doc's question (didn't get verbose). Knew there was a chance that the FAA might say it was an issue and I was prepared to fight them if they did. In my case it never came up.
I do think that what your disability rating is for is certainly an issue. There are a ton of people who go after sleep apnea as it gives them 50%. Obviously sleep apnea is an issue with the FAA. Can still get the medical, but you have hoops to jump through. Advice I got from a VA rep was "the military broke you. You are entitled to compensation and medical treatment. If you don't apply for it now, it will be MUCH harder for you to get that later. Of course everyone has to make their own personal assessment.
12-03-2015, 05:54 PM
#42
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,099
Originally Posted by TheWeatherman
I am getting my First Class medical next week, but for the first time with a VA 30% disability rating. I will let you know how it goes and if the disability rating provides any roadblocks.
01-17-2016, 06:07 AM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Position: Works too much
Posts: 242
I am under Special Issuance, so my medical is signed by the FAA's medical director. VA disability is a non-issue...unless you lie about it.
Most Flt Surgeons at the FAA are former military and know exactly what a VA disability rating means. I say again...it is a non-issue.
Most Flt Surgeons at the FAA are former military and know exactly what a VA disability rating means. I say again...it is a non-issue.
