The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not have direct, real-time access to your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical records due to privacy laws like the Privacy Act of 1974. However, they can and do cross-reference disability benefit data. In recent years, including 2026, the FAA has collaborated with the VA Office of Inspector General to identify pilots who are receiving VA disability benefits for medical conditions that they did not disclose on their FAA medical applications. This "cross-check" is intended to ensure flight safety. If the FAA finds a discrepancy—such as a pilot receiving benefits for a disqualifying mental health or neurological condition while holding a first-class medical certificate—they can subpoena specific records for a detailed review. While your private medical files are protected, any federal benefits you receive are part of a database that the FAA may audit. For pilots, the best policy is full disclosure; failing to report VA-rated conditions can lead to the immediate revocation of all pilot certificates and potential legal action for falsifying federal documents.