Can I pass a flight physical if I was previously diagnosed with PTSD?

2016-02-25T14:43:24-05:00

so, back story. I was diagnosed with ptsd just before leaving active duty. I am 15T with 5 deployments and loads of flight time. my question is, my unit wants to get me back on flight status (medevac) because I have lots of experience. am I wasting my time going through a flight physical? I feel I can be an effective crewmember in any situation, regardless of my ptsd.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-02-25T14:46:02-05:00

additional info: I am not on any meds currently but have been kicking around the idea of trying them, which would ground me for I think 6 months

Response by SGT Larry Prentice made Feb 25 at 2016 3:41 PM

2016-02-25T15:41:31-05:00

I think you should just go through with it and let the cards fall as they may. No harm, no foul right?

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 25 at 2016 5:03 PM

2016-02-25T17:03:47-05:00

If your not being medicated and if you are not showing signs of depression, mood swings, alcoholism and so on. If you mentally fine, and know that you can be an effective crewmember, I say go for it. I personally did not see anything in the regulations that addressed PTSD diagnosis as a disqualifier. Good Luck, I hope the best for you. Just curious, what state.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 25 at 2016 9:18 PM

2016-02-25T21:18:19-05:00

There comes a time when you have to step back and negotiate the obstacle.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Feb 27 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-02-27T10:32:46-05:00

Only You hold the answer to this question, Sir. PTSD is something that happened to you. It does not define you. It is how you change your responses to "it" that will help you walk through the trauma. I say Kudos to you for even speaking out. This civilian will help you anyway she can. Give it a Fly Over!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-02-28T10:14:13-05:00

If you are getting VA disability for it then they will not even let you take a class 3 flight physical.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 7:59 AM

2016-02-29T07:59:34-05:00

Are you able to contact the flight doctor for your state/unit?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-03-29T21:45:55-04:00

My unit had a guy that was in the same boat that you are in. He deployed, transferred to another unit and continues to fly this day. I am unsure of his current meds or how it effects him but I do know he has a waiver.