Neuropathy
What the FAA's documents say about neuropathy, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Neuropathy (Peripheral Neuropathy)Covers: All classes
Show the FAA's words: which classes the FAA's table covers
NEUROPATHY (Peripheral Neuropathy) All Classes
- Row B's note says that if the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes, see that section. Crosscheck has a page on diabetes controlled by diet, written from the FAA's Diabetes Mellitus disposition table and its protocol for diet-controlled diabetes; it names that table's other rows, for diabetes treated with medication and with insulin, which have pages of their own.
Short version
The FAA's table sorts it into two rows.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row AWithout functional limitations | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Row BWith weakness/numbness, or functional limitations | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Neuropathy
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Neuropathy without functional limitations. If the examiner can determine the condition is under control, medications are acceptable, and the individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60. If there is no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
A. Neuropathy Without functional limitations If the AME can determine the condition is: • Under control; • Medications are acceptable; and • The individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. If no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
- Row B · Special Issuance
Neuropathy with weakness/numbness, or functional limitations. The row's note says that if the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes, see that section. The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and annotates elements or findings in Block 60. If not addressed in the progress note, the examiner should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operate aircraft controls (the table's word is "operation").
B. Neuropathy With weakness/ numbness OR Functional limitations Submit the following for FAA review: … Note: If the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes - see that section. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance Annotate (elements or findings) in Block 60. If not addressed in the progress note, the AME should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operation aircraft controls.
- A note on the table, 1
Row B's note says that if the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes, see that section.
Note: If the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes - see that section.
The FAA pathways for neuropathy
Which one describes yours?
The FAA's table sorts it these ways. Choose yours to see its plan.
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: Row A: what the examiner determines
Neuropathy without functional limitations.For Row A, your AME determines the findings the table lists. If your AME can determine them, the table says ISSUE.
If the AME can determine the condition is
- Under control
- Medications are acceptable
- The individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties
At the exam
- Your AME annotates this information in Block 60
- If there is no AME explanation, the table says the pilot may be asked to provide documentation
Show the FAA's words: Row A: what the examiner determines
If the AME can determine the condition is: • Under control; • Medications are acceptable; and • The individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE
FAA source: Neuropathy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. If no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
FAA source: Neuropathy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: See your AME
If the examiner can determine the condition is under control, medications are acceptable, and the individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60. If there is no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.Exam day- If the examiner can determine the condition is under control, medications are acceptable, and the individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60. If there is no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
A. Neuropathy Without functional limitations If the AME can determine the condition is: • Under control; • Medications are acceptable; and • The individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. If no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
FAA source: Neuropathy. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Row AExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
If the examiner can determine the condition is under control, medications are acceptable, and the individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60. If there is no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
Row BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and annotates elements or findings in Block 60. If not addressed in the progress note, the examiner should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operate aircraft controls (the table's word is "operation").
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Neuropathy without functional limitations. If the examiner can determine the condition is under control, medications are acceptable, and the individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60. If there is no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
A. Neuropathy Without functional limitations If the AME can determine the condition is: • Under control; • Medications are acceptable; and • The individual has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60. If no AME explanation, the pilot may be asked to provide documentation.
- Row B · Special Issuance
Neuropathy with weakness/numbness, or functional limitations. The row's note says that if the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes, see that section. The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and annotates elements or findings in Block 60. If not addressed in the progress note, the examiner should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operate aircraft controls (the table's word is "operation").
B. Neuropathy With weakness/ numbness OR Functional limitations Submit the following for FAA review: … Note: If the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes - see that section. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance Annotate (elements or findings) in Block 60. If not addressed in the progress note, the AME should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operation aircraft controls.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table marks Row B, neuropathy with weakness/numbness or functional limitations, DEFER.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. A current, detailed clinical progress note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days before the exam, including what the table lists.
- Item 2. Items the physician specifically addresses: a description of any weakness, numbness, or functional limitations. The FAA's progress-note sheet says that when a letter uses the words "it must specifically include", they highlight specific items (that may or may not be part of a standard current, detailed Clinical Progress Note) for the physician to address.
- Item 3. Lab already performed for this condition.
- Item 4. Any other testing or imaging deemed clinically necessary by the treating physician.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table marks Row B, neuropathy with weakness/numbness or functional limitations, DEFER.
B. Neuropathy With weakness/ numbness OR Functional limitations … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
A current, detailed clinical progress note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days before the exam, including what the table lists.
1. A current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days before the AME exam. It must include
- Item 2
Items the physician specifically addresses: a description of any weakness, numbness, or functional limitations. The FAA's progress-note sheet says that when a letter uses the words "it must specifically include", they highlight specific items (that may or may not be part of a standard current, detailed Clinical Progress Note) for the physician to address.
2. It must specifically include a description of any weakness, numbness, or functional limitations.
“IT MUST SPECIFICALLY INCLUDE” If this language is in your letter, it is to highlight SPECIFIC items (that may or may not be part of a standard current, detailed Clinical Progress Note). Make sure your physician addresses these specific items important for medical certification or clearance.
- Item 3
Lab already performed for this condition.
3. Lab already performed for this condition.
- Item 4
Any other testing or imaging deemed clinically necessary by the treating physician.
4. Any other testing or imaging deemed clinically necessary by the treating physician.
What a Special Issuance is
The Guide says an Authorization for Special Issuance, valid for a specified period, may be granted at the Federal Air Surgeon's discretion to a person who does not meet the established medical standards, if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period the Authorization would be in force.
How the FAA pathways workGood to know
Points from the FAA's own documents that are easy to miss.
What a progress note must include
In most cases it should come from a visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days ago, and cover the history, medications with dosages and side effects, exam findings, test results, diagnosis, assessment and plan, prognosis and follow-up. The FAA's sheet says to make sure the physician adds the prognosis. A portal note or an After Visit Summary that does not meet these criteria is not enough, and neither is a simple "ok to fly" letter. The FAA's documents also call it a status report.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
your patient portal to print out “notes” or an “After Visit Summary (AVS).” … Patient Portal notes or an AVS that do not meet the criteria listed below for a detailed Clinical Progress Note are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. … To be “current,” in MOST CASES, the detailed Clinical Progress Note should be from an evaluation in which you saw your treating physician no more than 90 days ago. … It Must include the following items: … A summary of the history of the condition, … Current medications, dosages, and side effects (if any); … Clinical exam findings; … Results of any testing performed; … Diagnosis; … Assessment and Plan; … Prognosis (This item may not be on a standard progress note, make sure your physician adds this information.); and … Follow-up … Please note: A letter stating, “Mr. Smith is ok to fly” (or any other simple note), is NOT a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note and is NOT acceptable. … You may also see this called a “current status report” or “status report” in current FAA Guidance. Any reference to a “status report” equals the criteria listed on this sheet.
Row A and Row B both fit weakness or numbness without functional limitations
Row A is neuropathy without functional limitations. Row B is neuropathy with weakness/numbness, or functional limitations. The table does not say where weakness or numbness without functional limitations is placed, and this page shows both rows as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
A. Neuropathy Without functional limitations … B. Neuropathy With weakness/ numbness OR Functional limitations
An underlying condition such as diabetes
Row B's note says that if the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes, see that section.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
Note: If the neuropathy is due to an underlying condition such as diabetes - see that section.
If not addressed in the progress note
For Row B, the table says that if not addressed in the progress note, the examiner should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operate aircraft controls (the table's word is "operation").
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
If not addressed in the progress note, the AME should describe any functional limitations that could affect the pilot's ability to operation aircraft controls.
FAA sources
Every FAA document this page relies on, with the FAA's own date and the date Crosscheck last read it. The documents to print open at the FAA, so they are always the FAA's current ones.
This reports what the FAA has published. It is not medical advice, and it does not say how the FAA or an examiner will decide a case.