Migraine disqualifying?

D

Dispatch1

New Member
I was in Iraq in 2005 and 2006. I was forced to take a medical discharge after 26 years in the Army. One of my conditions was chronic migraines. I have not suffered from a migraine attack in over a year. I have VA disability at 70% due to the fact that I used to have the migraines weekly. They are controlled with the use of Zomig 5mg. have not needed to take the Zomig in over a year. What can I do to get a student pilot certificate. I have all the required flight hours but I can not get the medical cert to finish getting a license. I want to go on to CFII. I do not wish to fly commercial right now I only want to instruct on my own at the local FOB.
I also do not want for this to affect my disability rating from the VA.
I filled out 8500-8 online at medxpress.com and I listed the migraine issue. I have been told by people at the VA office that my VA info is confidential and I don't have to divulge any my medical info to any one. Can I get a special issuance license and if so how do I go about it. I have a doctor that will state that the migraines will not be a problem to me while flying. I still work as a dispatcher, and have no problems with the migraines.
 
First, the VA person was correct, you do not have to divulge the VA medical information to anyone - likewise, the FAA does not have to issue you a medical certificate. If they ask for the information and you do not produce the records you will be denied.

Flying is privilege, not a right and the FAA's mission is to insure the safety of those who fly. They gather all the pertinent information to be able to make an informed decision.

For a history of migraine, the FAA requires you submit all pertinent medical records (these are the VA medical records), current neurologic report, to include characteristics, frequency, severity, associated with neurologic phenomena, and name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects. From this information, the FAA will make a determination regarding a medical certificate (Special Issuance).
 
I do understand all of this. I just want to know what I need to do to get the special issuance.
If I do not divulge the VA info will the FAA check this? I am trying to figure how this works so I know what I need to do and tell the doctors. I have never been diagnosed with chronic migraine syndrome or anything like that. I used to suffer from them but have not had them for over a year. I fought the VA for several years for my rating and I do not want to do anything that will reduce my percentage or get me disqualified from obtaining a pilots license.
 
I indicated what the FAA wants to see. You have 2 choices when completing the form 8500-8, disclosure or non-disclosure. As you may have heard, the FAA and the Social Security Administration did a cross check of people and indicted 43 pilots in California for falsifying their applications. Although the VA medical records will require your signature for release, but the information on disability may not require your signature. You may be in a Catch 22 position.
 
i do know that the VA does not release any info on any vets. This being a federal thing it may be different I don't know.
 
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