Wingman Med was founded to solve one problem: helping pilots obtain and maintain their FAA medical certificates as efficiently as possible.

That mission grew directly out of our experience as military aviators and flight surgeons.

As military flight surgeons, we didn’t simply perform annual flight physicals or treat sick and injured pilots. One of our primary responsibilities was returning aviators to flying status as quickly—and as safely—as possible. We understood both the medical standards and the operational realities because we were flying the same aircraft, deploying on the same missions, and serving alongside the pilots we cared for.

Often, a pilot would come to us worried that a new diagnosis meant the end of their flying career. Many times we could reassure them that it was not nearly as serious as they feared. Other times, we had to explain that additional evaluations or documentation would be required before they could safely return to flight. Our job was to help them navigate that process efficiently.

Over time, pilots from other squadrons and even other military bases began seeking our guidance. We also helped with FAA medical exams for our reservists and separating pilots. Eventually, civilian pilots started calling as well. We realized there was a significant need for physicians who didn’t simply perform FAA medical exams, but who could help pilots understand the FAA’s expectations before they walked into the exam.

As our FAA consulting practice grew, we noticed a recurring pattern.Many FAA certification cases weren’t caused by serious medical conditions at all; they were caused by misunderstandings about VA disability.

The Biggest Misunderstanding About VA Disability

Many separating service members believe VA disability is simply compensation for injuries or illnesses that occurred during military service.

In reality, VA disability is a legal and administrative process designed to compensate veterans for conditions that currently produce functional impairment as defined by federal law.

That distinction matters because the VA and the FAA are evaluating completely different questions.

The VA asks, “How much does this condition currently impair your ability to function?”

The FAA asks, “Can you safely perform the duties of an airman?”

Those are not the same question.

A condition that results in a disability rating may have little or no impact on FAA medical certification. Likewise, a condition that is relatively unimportant from the VA’s perspective may require significant FAA review.

Understanding those differences before you begin either process can save months of delay.

How We Got Here

Years ago, many veterans struggled to receive disability ratings because the medical evaluations often failed to document the specific findings required under federal disability regulations.

To improve consistency, the VA developed today’s compensation and pension (C&P) examination process. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) help veterans file claims, and VA examiners complete standardized Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) designed around the legal rating criteria.

This has made the disability process far more consistent. However, these examinations are designed to answer VA disability questions—not FAA medical certification questions.

Most VA contract examiners are appropriately focused on completing the required disability evaluation efficiently. They are generally not evaluating how their documentation may later be interpreted by the FAA.

That becomes especially important because these examinations occur during one of the most stressful periods in many people’s lives.

Separating from the military often involves moving across the country, starting a new career, buying or selling a home, financial uncertainty, and major family transitions. During a brief evaluation, it can be difficult to distinguish between normal stress associated with a major life change and symptoms of an ongoing medical condition.

As a result, some disability ratings may describe conditions in ways that later create unnecessary questions during FAA medical certification.

Why This Can Create FAA Problems

The FAA generally is not concerned that you sustained a concussion years ago.

The FAA generally is not concerned that you attended counseling after a combat deployment.

The FAA generally is not concerned that you experienced certain medical conditions during your military career.

What the FAA cares about is whether you currently have symptoms or impairments that could affect the safe operation of an aircraft.

This distinction is critical.

For example, a disability rating related to traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another condition may prompt additional FAA review—not because the historical event occurred, but because the VA rating documentation suggests there may be ongoing symptoms that require evaluation.

That is why planning ahead matters.

Don’t Rely on Internet Advice

One of the most common pieces of advice separating service members hear is, “Just don’t claim anything involving your head or your heart.”

Unfortunately, aviation careers are too valuable to rely on internet anecdotes.

Professional airline pilots may earn several hundred thousand dollars annually during the later years of their careers. Because airline seniority determines schedules, aircraft assignments, and lifetime earnings, every year of delay obtaining an FAA medical certificate can have significant long-term financial consequences.

When your future career depends on getting this right, guessing is not a strategy.

The Right Plan Can Help Both Processes

The good news is that VA disability and FAA medical certification are not competing goals. With proper planning, it is often possible to build documentation that supports both.

The clinical records that accurately document your condition for the VA can frequently be organized in a way that also demonstrates to the FAA that your condition is stable, well-managed, and compatible with safe flight.

That requires understanding what each agency is actually looking for before the evaluations begin, not after unexpected questions arise.

Why Wingman Med Created a Combined VA & FAA Process

Wingman Med originally focused exclusively on FAA medical certification. As we worked with more military pilots and separating service members, we repeatedly encountered FAA delays that could have been avoided if proper planning had occurred before the VA disability process began.

That experience led us to create our integrated VA FAA Disability Program.

Our goal isn’t to reduce your disability rating or discourage legitimate claims. Our goal is to help you receive every benefit you have earned while protecting your ability to obtain and maintain your FAA medical certificate.

Every week we speak with pilots whose flight training has been delayed or whose airline class date has been postponed because they didn’t realize how their disability could impact their FAA medical.

Not everyone will encounter these problems, but if you do, the consequences can be measured in months of delay, significant expense, and potentially years of lost career progression.

Planning ahead is almost always easier than fixing avoidable problems later.

If you’re separating from military service and aviation is part of your future, don’t treat VA disability and FAA medical certification as two unrelated processes.

Preparing for both from the beginning gives you the best opportunity to receive the VA benefits you’ve earned while keeping your aviation career moving forward.