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.
| 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 |
| Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) - Peripheral (lungs, liver, bone) | All | See disposition table | See disposition table (PDF) |
| Buerger's Disease | All | See disposition table | See disposition table (PDF) |
| 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 (PDF) |
| 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, August 26, 2026