Is spinal stenosis a disqualifying condition for someone wanting to become a pilot in the Army?

2022-05-05T12:13:27-04:00

I jus been told that I have Spinal Stenosis moderate to severa bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis and also Very mild degenerative disc disease with small lateral or neural foraminal disc bulges.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made May 5 at 2022 12:47 PM

2022-05-05T12:47:02-04:00

I would talk to an army doc about your question, because depending on the diagnosis and the treatment it also potentially can put you against a MEB for your regular army career.

I can tell you that if you have stenosis now, going on a helicopter increases your risk in getting your condition worse (Several studies on this) and I have a friend that stopped flying helicopters due to this reason.

Take care of yourself

Response by SFC Dan Thomsen made May 5 at 2022 1:01 PM

2022-05-05T13:01:56-04:00

Might want to ask here: https://www.armyaviationmagazine.com/index.php/archive/not-so-current/1944-intervertebral-disk-disease

Intervertebral Disk Disease

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2022 1:06 PM

2022-05-05T13:06:57-04:00

I'm not a doctor, but everyone I know that has gone thru flight training said that the flight physical is no joke in regards to what is allowed and what isn't. I would definitely guess that you will be medically denied to fly for this condition. Again, I'm no physician so you need to seek out the person that does flight physicals and get their input. AR 40-501 would be your reference.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 5 at 2022 1:58 PM

2022-05-05T13:58:05-04:00

While not a doctor I can say that what you are describing (mildly) can quickly devolve based on the level of physical activity, even basic unit runs. I would honestly recommend you see a spine specialist to determine whether you should remain in service likely causing further damage, or separate-file for VA benefits, get more college or training and move on with your life.

At the very least my thoughts are wrong and you get answers either way.

Your health is the most important thing at play. Being debilated after a long term in service with full benefits is one thing, getting to banged up at a younger results in a far smaller package

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made May 5 at 2022 4:36 PM

2022-05-05T16:36:41-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I have been living with this condition for nearly 20 years. I have had L3-S1 fused and now L2-L3 is deteriorating. Take care of your back!!!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 5 at 2022 6:39 PM

2022-05-05T18:39:27-04:00

My experience with Air Force flight physicals indicates that you may not pass with a chronic back problem. You should contact competent medical authorities to determine if the condition is disqualifying.