BLUF: The secret sauce to pursuing an honest, well-documented VA claim while keeping your FAA medical on track is preparation. If you’re still on active duty, timing matters: use BDD (180–90 days pre-separation) when you can, and coordinate with your AME early.

Your 5-Step Game Plan 🏈 (Active Duty Edition)

1) Start the clock (smartly)

If you’re 180–90 days from separation: file a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim now so VA can queue exams before you get out. Plan to be available ~45 days after filing for C&P exams.

If you’re >90 but <180 days out: you can still file a pre-discharge claim even if you miss BDD by a little. 

If you’re >1 year out: an Intent to File (ITF, VA Form 21-0966) would expire before it helps you. Wait until you’re ≤1 year from separation (or closer) to set the ITF, or just plan on BDD at 180–90 days. ITF gives you 1 year to finish the claim, but compensation can’t start before separation; the effective date can be the day after you separate if your completed claim is received within a year of discharge. 

How: File BDD/claims online (fastest). If you’re not ready, file ITF (21-0966); when ready, submit 21-526EZ for the full claim. 

2) Build the evidence (think like a rater) 📜

Pro tip: Consider reviewing the VASRD (VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities),  taking note of what conditions apply to you in the sections titled "Schedule of Ratings -- [Body Part]". 

VA looks for a current diagnosis, an in-service event/exposure, and a nexus connecting them. Use as evidence:

- Service Treatment Records + private treatment records

- Lay/buddy statements (VA Form 21-10210) for gaps and operational details (frequency, duty limits, grounding), especially useful for aircrew. 

- DBQs (public list; pick your condition and bring it to your PCM) so your clinician documents exactly what VA needs for rating. 

If offered, complete your Separation Health Assessment (SHA/SHPE)—it feeds both DoD and VA and is perfect evidence to include. 

Note: The SHPE generally focuses on finding conditions that need an MEB. Submit a thorough list of the conditions you plan to claim, but this is not where the bulk of VA assessment/determination is happening. Which is our segueway into...

3) Prioritize your C&P exams!

Pro tip: If you get a good scheduler, they will typically book all your appointments for you. Tell them to book everything and just send you where to be. Ideally, show up. 🤷🏻‍♂️

At the C&P exams, assessors will ask you many questions (generally verbatim from the VASRD). Answer accurately about symptoms and functional impact—no more, no less. 

Pilots report that if you go too far into detail, you may buy yourself a condition you didn't ask for... It can occasionally makes the FAA side messy. As always, the golden rule KISS ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") is in order. 

4) Get legit help (if you want it)

If you want assistance with the claim itself, use a VA-accredited VSO/agent/attorney (avoid “ratings guarantee” shops). Use VA’s official search tools to find and appoint a representative. 

5) Keep VA and FAA lanes clear 

VA ratings follow the VASRD (38 C.F.R. Part 4), FAA medical guidelines follow Part 67 and the AME Guide. Some conditions are CACI (your AME can issue if criteria are met); others go to FAA for review. Book a consult if you'd like an AME to help you wrap your head around CACI requirements or just give you the warm-fuzzies about how everything is going to be okay 💕

Aircrew-Common Conditions

Attached is a practical list of conditions we often see in pilots/aircrew with notes on what paperwork plays well with both VA and FAA. For some conditions, your AME may be able to issue under CACI if criteria are met; others require FAA review. If unsure which lane you’re in, book a quick consult with your AME of preference (it's us, right? 😉). 

After you submit your claim: 

At your next FAA medical, disclose VA-related conditions on MedXPress and bring your supporting documentation. If you have prepped up to this point, you should know what you need to bring and things should be smoothhhhh. 😎

Bottom line

You can pursue a solid, truthful VA claim and keep your FAA medical on track. Use BDD when you can, time your ITF wisely, assemble focused evidence (DBQs, treating notes, SHA), and coordinate early with your AME.

If you’d like help organizing records for your FAA medical—or a quick pre-check on whether your documentation looks “FAA-ready”—book a consultation with HIMS AME of Houston. We’ll help you line up the ducks so VA and FAA stay in their lanes.

As Always, 

Smooth skies and steady pulses,

— HIMS AME of Houston

Disclaimer

This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or legal advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with your healthcare provider for case-specific assessment. Always seek the advice of your physician for any concerns or questions regarding medical conditions. Following the suggestions in this post does not guarantee a specific medical outcome or certification outcome. HIMS AME of Houston is not a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration. No physician-patient relationship is created by reading this post. VA ratings are determined under the VASRD; FAA medical decisions are independent under Part 67/AME Guide. Always verify with official sources and/or accredited representatives. 

Last updated: September 15, 2025.