Factor V Leiden

LisaTempleton Newcomer

My son is in the military as an Air Traffic Controller and has been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden as the result of a blood clot (he also had cellulitis at the time). Now he is non-deployable, and possibly may receive a medical discharge. Would he still be eligible as an ATC with the FAA?

G_Orsak Aviation Medical Examiner Pearland, TX

I am not quite sure on that one. Will have to do some research on it.

LisaTempleton Newcomer

Thank you so much for looking into this. My understanding of Factor V Leiden is that approximately 5% of the American Caucasian population has it, and of that 5%, 99% never develop a blood clot. My son actually flew home on leave (9 hour flight) and while home, went to local ER. It was the local ER who diagnosed cellulitis and blood clot. So, we're thinking blood clot is a result of cellulitis combined with a 9 hour flight. Helpful website is genome.gov | Learning about Factor V Leiden Thrombophilia.

Thank you again.

G_Orsak Aviation Medical Examiner Pearland, TX

Looks like this one would be decided on a case by case basis. A more detailed review of history and the workup of the disease will need to be reviewed by the FAA. Unfortunatly, I will not be able to speculate on this one.

LisaTempleton Newcomer

Thank you, sir, for your time and response.