FAA vs Vet Pilots Receiving Disability... Everything You Need to Know

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This is an incredibly serious episode with new information that I wanted to get to my fellow veteran pilots receiving VA disability right away. Please use the resources below to inform yourself further about what the FAA plans to do with you if you are receiving VA disability and did not disclose this on your MedXpress application for a medical certificate. There were approximately 4700 US veteran pilots that allegedly didn't disclose this information and the FAA wants to bring all into compliance. Hopefully you are aware having received a certified letter from the FAA. There is amnesty for most, but apparently NOT for the 4th "bucket" receiving 70 percent VA disability and were less than truthful more than once on MedXpress. This will leave a number of pilots grounded and for some, exposed to litigation from AGC-300 (FAA's litigation office). Please reach out to me if you'd be willing to discuss your case on Part 2 of this episode where I plan to bring in a panel of those more knowledgable than me. I'm with you as your brother in arms and am pulling for you. I believe in amnesty for one, amnesty for all. To be continued...
Keep the comments section respectful and supportive. I will delete anything otherwise.
FAA Order 2150.3C with Changes 1-11:
drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExter...
MedXpress: medxpress.faa.gov/MedXpress/L...
BasicMed Disqualifying medical conditions:
www.faa.gov/faq/what-medical-...
AME Guide: www.faa.gov/ame_guide
VA Disability Ratings: www.va.gov/disability/about-d...
Pilot Mental Health Campaign: www.pmhc.org
Consider following Cleared Direct on IG at / cleared_direct_resources

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2 ноя 2023

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Комментарии : 109

@rickholman3182 7 месяцев назад

I did disclose and it was a horrible and expensive experience to fly again. I guess now I am glad I did. It is very stressful, and I feel for all the people who served their country and are now dealing with this. Thanks for the information.

@v8eater2 7 месяцев назад

I’m coming out of pocket for about $2500 just to get an exam the FAA is requiring.

@rickholman3182 6 месяцев назад

@@v8eater2 yes I had to pay for a few of those. I think by the end it was north of $15000 and it will always require a higher cost to keep it. Hope it all goes well for you.

@vegasace1767 2 месяца назад

$6k deep and haven’t been able to fly for a year. Still waiting for the FAA to finish reviewing everything. It’s been a grueling expensive process

@wicked1172 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for posting this episode, many of us are affected and now are very concerned. American service men and women defend a constitution and a government that enables citizens to enjoy prosperity and live peacefully.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

You’re welcome. Agreed.

@ianadams7026 7 месяцев назад

Excellent video! I have a number of students that have been working with Joe LoRusso and Zeke Dennison, both of whom are aviation attorneys with Ramos Law in Denver. I don’t know either of them, but I have heard good things. As a veteran, I’m not happy at all with this collaboration between the FAA and the VA. What would be interesting is to see how long some of these unreported conditions have been unreported, and if there were ANY incidents involving people with unreported conditions as a result of their disability? I’m going to guess that there were very few, if any.

@claytonstarwalt9914 7 месяцев назад

I’m glad I called AOPA on this subject after I retired in 2021 from service on this subject before I got my medical. I had no issues with disability.

@winstonsmith6204 Месяц назад

Are you at 100%?

@claytonstarwalt9914 Месяц назад

@@winstonsmith6204 No

@nelsonbrandt7847 7 месяцев назад

I’m at 90% VA disability with first class medical. Have special issuance for all of it including psych and sleep apnea. Cost me thousands of $$$ and a year and a half to get my medical back. It was terrible.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Well depending on the type and severity of sleep apnea and similarly, the type and severity of “psych”, I’m happy for you that you got your first class medical back at all. Do you have a gripe?

@jssj2851 3 месяца назад

I didn't go that far and gave up quickly because I saw the money pit. Not to mention I didn't have the money to fill it.

@Borophyll 2 месяца назад

Hey, I’m in the same boat. Could we connect on this? I’m really trying to figure out my options here.

@thatguy7085 7 месяцев назад

This completely dismisses the flight surgeon that said the pilot was OK to fly… regardless of disability. In fact… it sounds like disability discrimination.

@jssj2851 3 месяца назад

I know right, but the weird part is lately the FAA has been looking for disabled people to fill certain nothing job openings as if they are trying to look like they don't discriminate on paper.

@brianbrown23 7 месяцев назад

Around the 12:20 mark you said something about vets rated at 100% not supposed to work, that is false UNLESS the veteran is rated unemployable (TDIU). I know a lot of retirees who are 100% P&T and gov employees GS-9 to GS-13 as well as a few friends who work for the VA and are 100% P&T.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the feedback

@jssj2851 3 месяца назад

You are correct

@SpaceMedic911 7 месяцев назад

A message for everyone effected by this. I greatly thank you for your service to our country and I am very sorry for the negative effects that this situation may cause you! You don't deserve this.

@Bravo_X-Ray 7 месяцев назад

Ditto. Thank you to all the veterans for your service.

@derrickdavis7524 7 месяцев назад

There are different 100 % ratings. One you can work, one you can’t.

@rauldiaz3193 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for that I appreciate you compiling all. This info.

@VR-DroneOp1 6 месяцев назад

Got my letter yesterday, just started my research today. PPL (so class 3), AMT, with Drone. Bucket-4, 25-year-Army. I can care less about the PPL to be honest, but if they start admin action, my fear is they take my A&P and Drone, which cuts out my full-time career with the airlines, as well as my part time gig (side business doing drone work). I have the AOPA legal plan, so first stop was there. Lawyers' recommendation? Comply with the FAA. That's it, that's all he had for me. Not feeling the love on this one. Feel free to pull my PPL Big Brother, but don't mess with my A&P. More to follow, now to gather documents and start another flight physical. They love us when the wolf is at the gate.... they hate us when it isn't. I agree on your synapsis about the numbers. If they knock out a few hundred at a time, they can control the narrative. It's all based on success, however. If we allow it this time, next time will be tenfold. We cannot let the goal post be repeatedly moved.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 5 месяцев назад

Oh man. Thanks for the comment. I would love to hear how it works out for you. Best of luck. Agreed!

@winstonsmith6204 Месяц назад

Updates?

@mannygathers2114 5 месяцев назад

Great info Steve. Thanks for your research efforts. Hoping to see more positive outcomes for us Vets.

@raace10 7 месяцев назад

Great video! Last fall I went through the Sleep Apnea process both with AF and FAA. For the FAA they made it simple (with help from my airline union’s medical team) after I received my special issuance the FAA requested I submit all my VA ratings. Just for SA how the FAA asked for my VA data. Your OSA videos helped me understand the AF OSA process, thanks for putting those together!

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Awesome, I’m glad those videos helped you! Thanks for your feedback 🙏🏼

@RP09691 7 месяцев назад

Would love to see a part 2. I'm ATC and by the sounds of it, fall into the 4th bucket. I have not received a letter but would love to see an update video.

@ericsd55 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for this! Not a letter getter, but I now understand things much better.

@teglaprbambaluftlaurvafhen5449 Месяц назад

Great and excellent info!! Thankyou!!

@CLEAREDDIRECT Месяц назад

Glad it helps!

@STOLrover 6 месяцев назад

Great video. I’ve been out of the Air Force for quite some time now and have been debating going to the VA to claim benefits but haven’t because the FAA medical dictators scare the crap out of me. I love flying and don’t want to be able to loose that.

@privatepilot4064 7 месяцев назад

Okay, as a disabled vet and a FAA Certified Inspector for decades I can lose my private pilots license. I’ve made literally thousands of 8130-3 forms for commercial airplane parts and now I’m not qualified to fly an airplane? More government BS. Just because someone declares I’m not qualified doesn’t mean I can’t safely and legitimately fly an airplane. Baloney.

@winstonsmith6204 Месяц назад

Any updates?

@privatepilot4064 Месяц назад

@@winstonsmith6204At this point right now, I’m only going to fly sport or ultralight since it’s really the only type of flying I’m truly interested in. Don’t need a medical for that.

@winstonsmith6204 Месяц назад

@@privatepilot4064 have you thought about Basic Med?

@winstonsmith6204 Месяц назад

@@privatepilot4064 I'm looking into Basic Med as a work around

@v8eater2 7 месяцев назад

Been fighting with the FAA for a year to get my medical for a PPL due to depression treatment. Active duty for 31 years and still going. Not willing to give up any disability I earn to fly. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that if I’m ever approved to fly.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Wow, impressive career, thank you. Yeah the mental health issue is maddening. I’m an optimist, however and believe the FAA will start addressing it. Especially for this folks who took SSRIs years ago. Good luck, mate

@ltcterry2006 7 месяцев назад

Good video. A couple thoughts from me. The VA rates you on what’s in your records. If ‘X’ is disqualifying for the FAA, then ‘X’ then whether you skip, decline, or abandon a VA rating claim for ‘X’ it’s in your records. “Have you ever…” I’m 90% rated. All physical/mechanical. SI for OSA and related minor vision loss. SI initiated before the VA had made a decision - because I knew it was in my records. All disclosed and glad I did. I have friends going through this. It’s a mess. They all had the mentioned attitude “it’s not welfare-like disability, it’s ‘thank you for your service’.” FAA medical processes are flawed. If ‘X’ is OK for BasicMed or Sport, but you try for Third Class and fail for ‘X’ you may no longer use Sport or BasicMed where it had just been OK! Silly. If my son can drive a 5,000-pound mega pickup in Atlanta traffic, why can’t he be a Private Pilot?

@cpg727 7 месяцев назад

So clearly by going after only first and second class medical holders, and no mention of third class or basic med holders, the FAA is targeting pilots for hire.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Yeah but I wish they'd at least address everybody to ensure we know where we stand, ya know?

@cpg727 7 месяцев назад

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I agree completely! As a retired first class medical holder, with special issuance items, now operating on basic med, basic med has always seemed to me something congress forced on the FAA and they generally do the bare minimum with basic med.

@ronaldfischer1195 7 месяцев назад

Thanks man! I will be getting out of the Air Force pretty soon and I am aspiring to get an ATP and fly. However, I am super scared about doing anything to get disability for my issues. I hate this...

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for your service. Go for everything you’ve earned except that which is disqualifying. It sucks, but that’s the reality right now. I will say that there are ways to get some disqualifying conditions adjudicated via the special issuance process such as sleep apnea. It just depends on your risk tolerance. Good luck!

@ronaldfischer1195 7 месяцев назад

@@CLEAREDDIRECTThanks. I'll be doing a bunch of research before I head out the door.

@FarNorthMotoring-zc4bq 7 месяцев назад

Learn what is disqualifying. Think PTSD and mental issues, sleep apnea can be, but an SI is no big deal if you got your records using your CPAP machine. I am 60% with a class two with general wear tear and had no issues getting my medical with everything disclosed.

@ltjrotc2003 3 месяца назад

What's really sad is that they can't do this to non-veterans or non-SSI folks. So if you are a general citizen you can just keep on keeping.

@Joe_Not_A_Fed 7 месяцев назад

Wow. That is heavy. I don't have a dog in this fight but my bit of advice is don't take this lightly. If you are on that list, get a lawyer. Best of luck and God bless, folks.

@jeremyadams3538 5 месяцев назад

There is already a pilot shortage. This is going to hurt more than help the issue.

@teglaprbambaluftlaurvafhen5449 Месяц назад

Wait to our futures pilot numbers include "migrants" and other proffessionals with unprovable medicls histories!!! lol Lawyers that may see this may be able to expand this for legal arguments in defense of traditional us citizens...

@dangable2889 7 месяцев назад

I recently stsrted the process of getting back to teaching, seeking a 2nd class. Im 74, a Viet Vet with zero disability and in very good shape, had cataract surgury and DMeck by the eye surgeon that does all that for the National Guard Helo pilots in NH. Passed the AME exam. But it all had to go to Oklahoma for review with the eye surgeon's endorsement. 6 months later, after no progress I contacted my Senater. The very next week I received a letter from the FAA through the Senator I will receive a Special Issuance Medical that shortened my medical to 1 year, staring back 6 months when I passed the AME exam. My AME at the time had at least 10 commercial pilots waiting 6 months. An American Captain just copied me on his exchange with the Senate office. He is now burning sick time and not flying... What in the world is going on?

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Despite my complaints, I can see that the FAA is trying to ensure they give medicals to folks that qualify. People HAVE been covering up certain “disability diagnoses.” They’re trying to get everything above board. My only gripe is that they’re not treating all noncompliant pilots the same. They’re holding the veterans with 70% and greater hostage.

@weswood151 4 месяца назад

Hi Steve, having a 100% VA disability rating does not mean you cannot or should not be working. There is an addition category called Individual Unemployability or TDIU, during which Veterans can still receive income up to the VA poverty level of $15,225 per year gross income for veterans under 65 years old while receiving TDIU benefits. This is different from both a 100% scheduler rating or even a permanent and total rating. Also, you cannot remove a service connected rating once you have been granted it, even if you don't have the condition. It may be reduced to 0%, but it will remain on your VA rating.

@weswood151 4 месяца назад

Oh, and thanks for the research and the video👍

@CLEAREDDIRECT 4 месяца назад

Thank you for the additional info! That’s really good to know.

@1masonhenry 7 месяцев назад

As someone who is soon to get out of the military and eventually wants to get my PPL this is making me apprehensive to make VA claims..

@jssj2851 3 месяца назад

I would give mine up in a heartbeat to pursue this. In general, even without this issue I feel if they took care of all our medical for the rest of our lives and we gave up the monetary benefit then that would be a good median. But the only way this would work is if the government would allow us to chase whatever career without question, and keep our medical sealed from the public. On one hand all medical is taken care of and on the other, you are making your own career without a government VA living allowance stipend.

@Truthofstillness 3 месяца назад

Brother…I was in iraq and Afghan. I wish I could’ve dealt with the repercussions on my own, instead of coming to the VA for help. For the most part I see there’s going to be a waiting period for no symptoms of ptsd and no symptoms of TBI before I’m granted a certificate.

@Mr.Meeowgi 3 месяца назад

@@Truthofstillness not so fast. I told my AME about my PTSD and completed the med-express accurately. I explained my history (older than 2 years) and gave him medical records and my VA disability letter, which was 60%, including 50% for PTSD. After a couple weeks, he emailed me my first-class certificate. It's not all doom and gloom.

@Truthofstillness 2 месяца назад

@@Mr.Meeowgi yea…hence the wait period mentioned.

@garrettmiddleton272 4 месяца назад

I need some advice. So I’m active duty currently but plan on separating in the next 6 months and am going to use my GI bill to go to flight school. I am an aircraft mechanic currently so I know I could get a rating but with my future aspirations of becoming a professional pilot should I just skip applying for a disability rating? Or is it no big deal because I can just disclose my rating from the beginning? Thank you for the advice.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 4 месяца назад

Thanks for your service. You’re in control of what disabilities you apply for. And if you can prove them with your medical records, then you’ve earned them. Most are easily reconcilable or even don’t need any reconciliation with the FAA. All you do is disclose that you’re receiving a disability compensation and tell them what it is. It only gets tricky when it’s for something DISQUALIFYING. Inform yourself on what is disqualifying and steer around that. But also know that something that is disqualifying doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. I know, it’s complicated. You can get a medical via the Special Issuance process. I’d recommend learning more about these topics I’ve outlined and talk to some professional pilots who are disabled vets and understand the process. Good luck!

@garrettmiddleton272 3 месяца назад

Thank you that is very helpful!

@ronaldluning4010 7 месяцев назад

The ease of having a drivers license needs to be amended also. Physical ability doesnt stop all the accidents that occur daily. There also needs to be a psychological component to attaining and retaining a license, airplane, drivers, ... .

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Totally agree! Driving is a privilege, not a right.

@abeforehand171 Месяц назад

Not a pilot, but was a CCT in the air force and needed a class 2 for instructor duty-how’s this effect my medical cert if I don’t even fly?

@CLEAREDDIRECT Месяц назад

Are you a civilian instructor?

@kitanisthe 7 месяцев назад

Sounds like if I wanted to get into flying.. my Sleep Apenea rating with the VA may be a factor that knocks me out of the running

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Nope, not obstructive sleep apnea. Only central sleep apnea (very uncommon). See my video series on sleep apnea and the FAA.

@nelsonbrandt7847 7 месяцев назад

Not true

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

@@nelsonbrandt7847 how so? I’m proof that it is.

@teglaprbambaluftlaurvafhen5449 Месяц назад

Not sure if I got this letter. Alas, our license does not expire so why med ex if not wanting to fly? Apparently there may be no options for Rusty Pilots that are just hearing about this and interested in passing on our skills and experiences....Really paranoia level excess...wow

@thadburrow3073 6 месяцев назад

I was literally contacted by a buddy of mine who fly's Blackhawks for a living who stated that the FAA is about to try and take his medical card because he didn't disclose he was diagnosed with PTSD by the VA. Is PTSD a disqualifying classification? Does anyone have any clarification on this subject and has this happened anyone else on here?

@CLEAREDDIRECT 5 месяцев назад

It depends totally on the severity and recency. Greater than 2 years ago with no active effects, PTSD can be adjudicated locally with your AME. Anything more severe or recent and it’ll be deferred to OKC. I hope that helps. Google “AME Guide PTSD”

@chrislee2119 5 месяцев назад

What if I got my 1st class medical on August 1, 2023, a day after the July 31st deadline?

@CLEAREDDIRECT 5 месяцев назад

I’m not sure what you mean. What does your letter say?

@KamilFelker-qt3ov 21 день назад

In your experience How often do atp pilots lie on their medicals in the fear of losing their medicals? With mental health especially It seems like the FAA is an absolute joke and causes more harm to pilots suffering than good

@november5945 7 месяцев назад

This is a step backwards

@abeforehand171 Месяц назад

Yes-

@CLEAREDDIRECT Месяц назад

And you need an FAA Class 2 medical? I can’t see why, but if it is true that you do need it to exercise privileges of…what? then yes you are affected. Is this an air traffic control privilege? I don’t know the ins and outs of that.

@abeforehand171 Месяц назад

I questioned the need for one as well. As far as I know it maybe a contract specific detail. I would have to perform flyaways for airfield ops. But nothing that would require it. Only other reason would be for parachute operations…but I don’t think that’s part of the job as a civilian. Anyway, thanks for addressing the issue

@micclay 5 месяцев назад

What about those who were honest and never became pilots became of it?

@CLEAREDDIRECT 5 месяцев назад

I think this only affects folks who were already pilots in the military that developed service-related disabilities.

@seanholster5344 7 месяцев назад

Once again the federal government finds a way to drop veteran’s to second class citizens. Vets should be encouraged to continue to serve and work. Being productive is what we are built for.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Hear, hear. Amen. All the things. Grrrrrr

@MaxRunia 7 месяцев назад

Why didn't the FAA catch these when the original medical application was submitted?? I think someone at the FAA learned SQL and is starting to do data analysis. This probably won't be the only issue they find in the data. Especially when they start joining FAA data with other govt databases.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Because they trusted the applicants to be truthful. They weren’t.

@cpg727 7 месяцев назад

Not to remotely sound like I support the collusion between these 2 agencies, but remember, the only people with a problem here are the people who did not disclose but certified they were truthful. As someone who has gone through the special issuance process more than once, I am well aware how slow and painful the FAA is! And how the process can be a real roll of the dice with your career and paycheck on the line! Thank God for union medical expertise and representation! But that said, once you have disclosed and suffered through the special issuance process, your VA records are not a problem

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Yep. Luckily that’s where I stand too. But I could see not wanting to tick that box.

@elizabethdicus4589 7 месяцев назад

I’m hearing from some that they disclosed VA disability and are still getting pulled into this

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

@@elizabethdicus4589 yeah I think AMEs are instructed to look at the disability “conditions” to ensure everything is adjudicated and above board.

@user-ty1ri8xw1s 6 месяцев назад

Do you have a good Lawyer you would suggest?

@A.J.1656 7 месяцев назад

This mess is exactly why I never claimed disability from the VA despite many people telling me I should.

@jssj2851 3 месяца назад

Smart man

@planefun2962 7 месяцев назад

I'm a vet pilot with a disability percentage. I stopped watch at the minute 40 mark after you said you're gonna delete comments you don't agree with. I disagree with you deciding who can and cannot engage in conversation, and what opinions are allowed, vs not allowed. As such... Thumbs down and do not recommend.

@amywhite375 7 месяцев назад

It's his video and he can do what he wants. There is zero reason to allow commenters to shame veterans for what they should or shouldn't have done, when they are already navigating a tough time.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

Perhaps your disability is for lack of hearing because that’s not at all what I said. But thanks for helping promote this informative video by commenting and helping the algorithm.

@CLEAREDDIRECT 7 месяцев назад

@@amywhite375 thanks. I said “inquisitive, supporting discussion.” Clearly this troll is interested in bringing everyone down. For everyone else, there’s a way to disagree without being disrespectful. Do better.

@jeffreyjvettes5025 7 месяцев назад

I did go to VA years ago to try to downgrade a rating. They pretty much said, “Nope, we rated you and that issue WILL come back as you get older. The rating stays!”