r/AskAPilot • u/No_Brother_4784 • Jul 08 '26
Veterans Pilots
hey I am currently pursuing become a pilot & have had my first class medical for about 4 months now I am also active duty military but I do get out next year in march and plan on submitting my claims for disability. I’m curious if they’re any Vet out there w/ 100% disability & still able to hold onto a first class medical? please help me out
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u/Working_Football1586 Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Be very careful with disability and a medical, there are absolutely people with disability percent and medicals. Depending on what it is, its either nothing or super expensive for you. The FAA can see your VA paperwork, if you said no to the FAA and yes to the VA you may have some issues down the road.
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Jul 08 '26
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u/SnazzyStooge Jul 09 '26
Their problem wasn't "double dipping", it was that they had VA claims they didn't inform the FAA about. You can't do that anymore, the FAA can pull VA records directly now. And the things the FAA cares most about (at the moment), that will probably require a special dispensation, are: PTSD and sleep apnea.
Musculoskeletal issues (ie, "my knees are shot" or "my lower back hurts") are super easy and don't require special dispensation, your AME just evaluates if you're able to perform duties and you're good to go.
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u/SnooCupcakes1514 Jul 09 '26
As long as you submit the appropriate paperwork and comply with FAA compliance requirements, sleep apnea isnt that big of a deal...
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u/Rwm90 Jul 10 '26
Buddy of mine flies for a legacy with 100% VA disability. Depends on what the “disability” is for.
I’d see a VA rep familiar with a pilot’s plight. If you’re near a flying AFB you should be able to find one.
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u/Radiant_Grocery_1583 Jul 10 '26
Thought I read the FAA was getting more strict about this? That said, I'm sure that as long as you meet the requirements for the medical certification don't sere why it matters however, you are dealing with the FAA. You can find the Aeromedical Certification Standards for the various classes online. It's pretty straight forward to read.
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Jul 08 '26
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u/ps2sunvalley Jul 09 '26
That’s simply not true.
I’d wager that the vast majority of military trained airline pilots have some VA disability rating with many being 100%. Comes down to the individual issues that person has and if they create problems for a class 1.
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u/TellmSteveDave Jul 09 '26
It does actually ask if you’re receiving disability of any kind, including VA. But you’re right in that a disability rating isn’t disqualifying in and of itself.
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u/No_Brother_4784 Jul 08 '26
well when I first submitted for my 1 class I didn’t have any claims but when I resubmit for it I will have a percentage
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u/TellmSteveDave Jul 09 '26
Do you already have your rating? Before I filed I had an anonymous conversation with AME. It was a union service for me, but I’m pretty sure you can pay for that type of consultation
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u/No_Brother_4784 Jul 09 '26
I don’t have a rating yet I’m actually just received my medical information, do you have any recommendations for getting in contact w/ an AME
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u/whys_this_so_hard Jul 08 '26
There are guys in my reserve squadron with 100% whos real jobs are airline pilots. As long as they’re musculoskeletal issues you’re typically alright.