Sleep Apnea VA claim
 

I am separating from Active Duty and filling out my VA claim, wondering if I should claim Sleep Apnea. I had a sleep study done 5 years ago that said I had "mild" sleep apnea but no need for a CPAP or surgery.

I have aspirations to apply to the airlines in about 10 months (after I build time to that magical 1500 mark) and wondering if claiming sleep apnea would jeopardize getting my medical? If anyone has good info on this or can refer me to someone who does I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Do you have a first class medical? If not, you need to call someone and find out what the FAA will want.

If you are a member, Call AOPA medical. If you are not, become one, then call.

Medical Information for Pilots - AOPA

Unless you have been specifically diagnosed, and use a CPAP nightly, you probably don't have it, therefore shouldn't list it.

The less you put on that form, the better.

My personal opinion is "absolutely not".

Are you collecting disability for sleep apnea?

Don't list it. First discuss your concerns with a non FAA doctor and take it from there.

I agree with Huggy's sentiment, but, to play Devil's advocate....

If you were diagnosed with it, you have to disclose it on your FAA medical app. I'd recommend an offline discussion with both your flight surgeon and a civilian AME *prior* to actually applying for the FAA medical to get their take.

So, barring some medical legerdemain, if the condition is already & permanently in your records (and you *do*, in fact, have it), you're not making the certification situation any "worse" by having it in your VA profile.

Me, I "claimed" everything that was in my med records, and nothing more or less. Other than sitting down with a nice gentleman in the local VA office (they had a detachment right on base, in the MPF building, in my case), who went over my records page-by-page and found stuff I hadn't even remembered, I didn't make any effort to influence my claim via addition nor subtraction. All that info is now in my VA profile, I have to check the box about "disability compensation" on the FAA medical, and the only explanation I have to provide is "military service-related VA disability." My AME didn't even blink.

That's all addressing the certification part of the issue. The medical side, that's for you & your doctor to figure out the best course of action....

I agree with Huggy.

That said, I know exactly one airline pilot with Apnea, retired Navy guy. He said it was not really a big deal, took 3 months to get his medical back. So with a sample size of one, it can be done.

If it were me personally, I'd call ALPA medical and ask them. That might not be an option for you.

Apnea used to be a decent payout, I think 80% disability. But I know it's gone down in recent years. Even if it hadn't, I'd rather be an airline pilot than 80% VA disabled.

Sleep Apnea
 

Silent. You're not a doctor. Talk to a AME

1500? if you were military pilot all you need is 750.... if you were army or non flying position, then ah ok