Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 42. Upper and Lower Extremities
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputations | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | If applicant has a SODA issued on the basis of the amputation - Issue Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision After review of all medical data, the FAA may authorize a special medical flight test |
| Atrophy of any muscles that is progressive, Deformities, either congenital or acquired, or Limitation of motion of a major joint, that are sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties |
All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medication with side effects, and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Neuralgia | All | See Neuralgia (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Post Herpetic Neuralgia) Disposition Table | See disposition table |
| Neuropathy (Peripheral Neuropathy) | All | Neuropathy Disposition Tables | See disposition table |
| Osteomyelitis, acute or chronic, with or without draining fistula(e) | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Sciatica, if sufficient to interfere with function or is likely to become incapacitating | All | Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports | Requires FAA Decision |
| Tremors | All | See Tremors Disposition Table | See disposition table |
Last updated: Wednesday, January 28, 2026