Basic Med and PTSD

Terry

Terry

Line Up and Wait
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Display name:
Terry
Hl All,

My Pilot Buddy called the other day and is going to take the Basic Med route and wanted to know if I would join him.

I am currently on 80% disability from the VA.
Originally, I was receiving disability for Parkinson's disease. (30%)

Due to sleep disorder, I was re-evaluated with the following results:
  • The minimum evaluation of 30% for Parkinson's has been discontinued and henceforth your disability will be evaluated on each affected system or body part separately because it is more advantageous, as your combined evaluation solely for Parkinson's disease will increase to 40% disabling. (38 CFR 4.25) A separate 20% evaluation is assigned for the upper right extremity tremors associated with Parkinson's disease (Major) effective August 15, 2022.
  • A separate 20% evaluation is assigned for the upper left extremity tremors associated with Parkinson's disease (Minor) effective August 15, 2022.


  • Your combined evaluation rating is:
"Combined Evaluation Rating" 30% February 8, 2021
80% June 10, 2022
80% August 15, 2022

Earlier, on September 20, 2022:
  • Service connection for PTSD to include major depressive disorder, single episode, severe, without psychotic features is granted of 70% effective June 10, 2022.
  • Service connection for tinnitus is granted with an evaluation of 10% June 10, 2022.
So, do I try and apply for my Basic Med or am I disqualified because of PTSD and Parkinson's disease?

I don't want to mess up my VA Benefits but I would like to get in the air again.
Thank you for listening and hopefully someone can give me an answer.

Terry
I am 76, good physical shape. I am still fighting on trying to sleep all night, have occasional nightmares, and my sleep score averages 0% to 60% per week. When I get tired, I usually take a nap. Still have flashbacks from Vietnam.

Doctors think because I spent all but about 3 days in the jungle, I was exposed to high adrenalin levels for extended periods. Plus several good doses of Agent Orange.

I am not suicidal or violent.
 
Do you have a current FAA medical? If not, when did your last medical expire?

That will determine whether or not you are even eligible for BasicMed.
 
Here are the items that require an SI before going back on BasicMed.

(a) General. An individual who has met the qualifications to operate an aircraft under § 61.113(i) of this chapter and is seeking to serve as a pilot in command under that section must have completed the process for obtaining an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate for each of the following:

(1) A mental health disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of -

(i) A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts;

(ii) A psychosis, defined as a case in which an individual -

(A) Has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; or

(B) May reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis;

(iii) A bipolar disorder; or

(iv) A substance dependence within the previous 2 years, as defined in § 67.307(a)(4) of this chapter.
 
Thank you.
I made just go back to a 3rd class medical and go through my AME and that way, I am sure and confident that I will not get myself in trouble.

I am glad I asked now and appreciate you answering.
 
Terry said:
Thank you.
I made just go back to a 3rd class medical and go through my AME and that way, I am sure and confident that I will not get myself in trouble.

I am glad I asked now and appreciate you answering.
Click to expand...

If you have a condition that require a one-time SI, then by all means do it. If not, consider if you are denied, that disqualifies you from BasicMed.
 
How difficult would it be to convert to Sport Pilot?
 
Dry Creek said:
How difficult would it be to convert to Sport Pilot?
Click to expand...
If your last application for a medical certificate was successful, you have a valid driver's license, and you don't have a condition that would make you unsafe to fly, all you have to do is fly a light sport aircraft and comply with sport-pilot privileges and limitations.
 
Palmpilot said:
If your last application for a medical certificate was successful, you have a valid driver's license, and you don't have a condition that would make you unsafe to fly, all you have to do is fly a light sport aircraft and comply with sport-pilot privileges and limitations.
Click to expand...
And since the OP's BM had expired, instead of any other action - he should be able to convert to SP. Right?
 
I lost an uncle a few weeks ago who had Parkinson’s Disease. Over the last several years I saw his cognitive impairment become quite severe, and for him it seemed that his judgment and ability to prioritize became very poor.

I know that Parkinson’s varies quite a bit from one individual to another, but I would be very very cautious and seek frank advice and expert evaluations.
 
Terry said:
I made just go back to a 3rd class medical and go through my AME and that way, I am sure and confident that I will not get myself in trouble.
Click to expand...
If your Basicmed just expired, just go get another Basicmed exam and take the online course like you did the last time. Don't mess with trying to get a class 3 from an AME with all the special issuance hoops you'll need to jump through based on your first post above... unless you need to do something that you can't do on Basicmed (like flying to Canada, etc.).

Dry Creek said:
And since the OP's BM had expired, instead of any other action - he should be able to convert to SP. Right?
Click to expand...

There is no "convert" to SP. As long as you haven't been denied a medical and you have a drivers license, you can fly as a SP.
 
Dry Creek said:
And since the OP's BM had expired, instead of any other action - he should be able to convert to SP. Right?
Click to expand...
Whether a previous BasicMed qualification has expired or not has no impact on whether he can exercise sport-pilot privileges, because a BasicMed qualification is not an FAA medical certificate.
 
OneCharlieTango said:
What has changed since you got your recently-expired BasicMed?
Click to expand...
1. I was originally flying with a 3rd class Medical, on last renewal, went to Basic Med to offset medical cost.
2. At no time has my Medical Certificate been cancelled or suspended.
3. Received Basic Med and Certification.
4. Was taking BFR and performed poorly enough that my CFI said I needed to come back out and fly some more and "knock the rust" off and then I would be good to fly again.
5. While waiting for the next weekend, I decided to not pursue my BFR and told my CFI. He, at that time said, "When you are ready to fly again just give me a call and we will finish up. I hate to see you quit flying."
6. It was during this period that my Basic Med expired. (Basic Med was given 10/25/18 and was good for 4 years, [Took the AOPA Basic Med Certificate that was good for 2 years] so 10/22, it expired.) I didn't catch it in time because I had not been flying.
7. While I was not flying, my VA disability claim left my Parkinson's Disease at 30% but raised my PTSD and hearing loss to a disability rating of 80%.
8. That was because I went to the VA and they recommend that I see a Behavorial Psychologist and she referred me to a PTSD Psychologist.
9. I have requested his evaluation but have never received any kind of, prescription, or recommendation or diagnosis. (I have requested this evaluation but it has not come in yet.)
10. So, my Pilot Buddy and I decided to start flying again and that is when I discovered my Basic Med was expired.
11. I have no problems functioning or performing flight maneuvers other than I was rusty from not flying for some time.
12. On filling out my Basic Med, it asked if I had a neurological disease and I said yes. (Even though I had been flying with Parkinson's disease for some time.) As, I said, the Parkinson's condition is very mild and due to diet, exercise, and medication, I am not having tremors in my right hand. (Occasionally, I do but never to the point of not being able to function)
13. So when I get my PTSD evaluation back, I will decide whether to file for a SI or just renew Basic Med.
14. The only thing that has changed since I started using Basi Med was a change in my disability rating. (Not Parkinson's Disease but PTSD.)
15. But who decides if I ask for a SI or just go back to Basic Med?

Hope this clears up some points for you all.
Terry
 
Terry said:
…
15. But who decides if I ask for a SI or just go back to Basic Med?
Terry
Click to expand...
You must determine if your condition is one that meets the FAA’s legal definition of whether or not you must go for the SI or can stay on BasicMed.

I do not think you fully understand BasicMed and that’s okay. I do think you should be having conversations with your PCM and other medical providers on your fitness to fly. That is entirely separate from your legal authority to fly.
 
The doctor signing your BasicMed comprehensive medical examination checklist does not decide if you can fly. The doctor merely attests that he or she is not aware of a condition that would prevent you from operating an aircraft safely.

You are the one responsible to making sure you comply with the requirements for operating under BasicMed. If you are not able to comply with the requirements, you must hold a medical certificate (or go the glider or sport pilot route).

One item of compliance is 14 CFR 68.9. Specifically, 68.9(a)(1) and 68.9(a)(2).

if you reported the PTSD and Parkinson's to the FAA when you applied for your last medical certificate, and the conditions haven't changed, then you are in compliance with 68.9. If you've never received a SI regarding the two medical conditions, then it sounds like you need a medical specialist to weigh in on whether you comply with 68.9. The FAA doesn't review pilots going BasicMed...the 8700-2 is not an application, just a checklist to assist the physician in conducting an exam. Generally the FAA doesn't ask to see the 8700-2 unless there's a reason for them to do so..i.e. an enforcement case or accident.
 
Terry said:
14. The only thing that has changed since I started using Basi Med was a change in my disability rating. (Not Parkinson's Disease but PTSD.)
Click to expand...
The disability rating is irrelevant. If the existence of these conditions was disclosed in your last medical application, you're good to go.
 
Looks like I will be good to go with Basic Med.
However, I will make sure before I return to flying.
My Primary Doctor was a flight surgeon in Alaska.

Thanks Everyone.
Terry
 
I’m far from and expert, but I think you would be good to just renew basic med.

That said. I strongly encourage you to reach out to AOPAs medical folks. They are very good with this stuff and helped me a ton when I went basic med.

More sound advise then us yahoos on a forum. Lol!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Jim Schilling said:
I’m far from and expert, but I think you would be good to just renew basic med.

That said. I strongly encourage you to reach out to AOPAs medical folks. They are very good with this stuff and helped me a ton when I went basic med.

More sound advise then us yahoos on a forum. Lol!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Mr. Jim,
Called AOPA and I am good to stay with Basic Med. Thanks for your input.
Terry
 
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