Active Duty Pilot VA Disabilities – If you’ve submitted a VA disability claim and received a decision letter with a disability rating, you may be wondering what happens to your VA compensation if you return to active duty or join the reserves. For pilots—especially those flying under civilian FAA certificates—there’s an added layer of concern: How will my FAA medical be affected while managing VA disability status?

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to maintain FAA medical certification continuously, even with a VA disability rating, especially if you’re working with experienced services like Wingman Med, which specializes in helping pilots navigate the complex intersection of VA disability and FAA medical eligibility.

VA Disability Pay Is Suspended During Active Duty

Once you receive a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you become eligible for monthly compensation. However, this VA disability pay is paused if you return to active duty, including full-time reserve service (e.g., active duty for training or mobilization periods).

According to 38 CFR § 3.654, VA compensation is generally not payable while a veteran is receiving active duty or training pay unless the veteran waives their military pay for those days—which most do not. If the VA discovers overpayments due to unreported military service, it will initiate recovery of the overpaid benefits.

Notify the VA When You Return to Service

Whether you’re re-enlisting, mobilizing under reserve orders, or participating in training duty, you must notify the VA. This prevents overpayments, protects your benefit status, and keeps your disability record current.

You can notify the VA by:

• Submitting VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim), or
• Calling the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000, or
• Updating your status via www.va.gov/disability.

Your VA Disability Rating Is Preserved

Importantly, you do not lose your VA disability rating by returning to active duty. Your rating is placed on hold—not eliminated. For example, if you have an 80% VA disability rating and go back on orders, the rating remains active, but benefits are paused. When you later separate, your compensation will be resumed at the previous level unless a re-evaluation is warranted. 

The VA has clear procedures for reinstating benefits after re-separation. These are outlined in M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B. 

You Can Maintain Your FAA Medical with Help from Wingman Med

For pilots, maintaining your FAA medical certification is essential—especially when you hold a VA disability rating. Some VA-rated conditions can raise red flags with the FAA, but they are not automatic disqualifiers. Wingman Med specializes in helping pilots bridge the gap between VA benefits and FAA medical requirements.

Wingman Med offers:

• Assistance with FAA documentation for VA-rated conditions.
• Coordination with AMEs to prevent denial or deferral.
• Strategies to maintain medical eligibility continuously—even during periods of active duty and VA disability interplay.

This ensures that your flying career—whether military, civilian, or both—continues without interruption despite VA-rated disabilities.

Submitting a New VA Claim After Returning from Active Duty Is Optional

When your new period of active duty ends, you have the option—but not the obligation—to submit a new VA disability claim. This is particularly relevant if you experienced any new injuries, illnesses, or aggravation of existing service-connected conditions during your latest time in uniform. The VA allows veterans to file supplemental claims or new original claims for any conditions incurred or worsened during additional service.

For example, suppose you previously had a 30% disability rating for a knee condition and that condition worsened due to your duties on active orders. In that case, you may choose to file for an increased evaluation. Similarly, if you developed a new issue—such as hearing loss or a back injury—you can submit a new claim to have it evaluated and possibly added to your overall rating.

However, if no new conditions occur and your existing disabilities remain stable, there is no requirement to reapply. Your prior disability rating remains valid, and once the VA verifies your separation from service, your compensation payments will resume at the previously established rate. 

Notifying the VA of Separation to Restart Your Disability Payments

When you complete a new period of active duty—whether it’s a full deployment, short-term mobilization, or active duty for training—it’s crucial to notify the VA of your separation date. This step helps ensure that your disability compensation payments are reinstated without unnecessary delay.

Because your VA pay is paused during active duty, the VA cannot resume payments until they receive confirmation that you’ve been discharged or released from service. Failing to provide this update can result in significant delays, potentially pushing back the resumption of your benefits for weeks or even months.

To restart your VA compensation:

• Submit VA Form 21-4138 (Statement in Support of Claim) with your separation date.
• Include a copy of your updated DD-214 or orders showing release from active duty, if available.
• You can mail, fax, upload to your VA.gov account, or deliver documents to your local VA regional office.

The VA Adjudication Manual (M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, Chapter 2, Section B) provides guidance on how award adjustments are made after returning from and being discharged from active duty.

If you’re uncertain about what documentation is needed or how to proceed, it’s highly recommended that you contact a Veterans Service Representative directly at your local VA Service Office. 

Summary for Pilots with VA Disability Ratings

1. VA disability payments pause while you’re on active duty unless you waive military pay.
2. Your VA rating is preserved, not erased, during active service.
3. Benefits can resume upon separation without needing to reapply (unless a reevaluation is triggered).
4. You are not required to file a new claim after your new period of service ends.
5. FAA medical certification can be maintained with expert help from Wingman Med, ensuring no disruption in your flying status.

Final Thoughts

Returning to active duty with a VA disability rating is possible. When managed correctly, the VA and FAA systems support this path, protecting your service-connected benefits. Furthermore, with the help of Wingman Med, your FAA medical can remain active, ensuring you’re cleared to fly.
# Active Duty Pilot VA Disabilities