Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 37. Vascular System


The following lists the most common conditions of aeromedical significance, and course of action that should be taken by the examiner as defined by the protocol and disposition in the table. Medical certificates must not be issued to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral, or for any condition not listed that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.

Common Conditions and Course of Action

Disease/Condition Class Evaluation Data Disposition
Aneurysm

(Abdominal or Thoracic)
All Submit all available medical documentation Requires FAA Decision
Aneurysm (Status Post Repair) All Submit all documentation in accordance with CVE Protocol (PDF), and include a GXT Requires FAA Decision
Arteriosclerotic Vascular disease with evidence of circulatory obstruction All Submit all documentation in accordance with CVE Protocol (PDF), and include a GXT, and CAD ultra sound if applicable Requires FAA Decision
Buerger's Disease All Document history and findings If no impairment and no symptoms in flight - Issue

Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision
Peripheral Edema All The underlying medical condition must not be disqualifying If findings can be explained by normal physiologic response or secondary to medication(s) - Issue

Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision
Raynaud's Syndrome

(Primary Raynaud’s/Raynaud’s Disease or Secondary Raynaud’s/Raynaud’s Phenomenon)
All See disposition table See disposition table
Phlebothrombosis or Thrombophlebitis 1st & 2nd See Thrombophlebitis Protocol Requires FAA Decision
  3rd Document history and findings

See Thrombophlebitis Protocol
A single episode resolved, not currently treated with anticoagulants, and a negative evaluation - Issue

If history of multiple episodes - Requires FAA Decision
Last updated: Wednesday, March 27, 2024