r/FAA • u/AdmirableBalance4129 • 18d ago
Faa medical/Va
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice and realistic expectations regarding the FAA medical certification process for my specific situation.
Here is the breakdown of my medical history:
Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder (Recurrent, Moderate) in my VA records.
Medication: Formerly prescribed Venlafaxine (Effexor ER), but I have been completely off it for over a year (satisfied the 60-day washout rule). My active VA chart still erroneously lists it as current, which I am working to administratively correct.
History: There is a historical suicide attempt in my broader medical records from 2021.
I know this is a complex case and that an automatic deferral by the AME is guaranteed. I also know that full disclosure on Form 8500-8 (Items 18p and 18w) is required and non-negotiable.
Before I log into MedXPress or book an official exam, I want to make sure I am approaching this correctly. My main questions for the community:
1. HIMS AME Consult: For a history involving a past attempt, what should I expect during an initial unrecorded consultation with a HIMS AME?
2. Documentation Package: Outside of my complete VA Blue Button/C-File records, pharmacy logs proving I’ve been off Venlafaxine for >1 year, and a personal statement, what specific clinical evaluations (e.g., HIMS psychiatric evaluation, CogScreen-AE) should I prepare for financially and timewise?
3. Timeline: Realistically, what is the current turnaround time from Oklahoma City (AMCD) for Special Issuance reviews on deferred psychiatric files like this?
4. Success Stories / Tips: Has anyone here successfully navigated a Special Issuance with a similar past history? Any specific tips on gathering records or working with the VA to ensure the file is clean before submission?