Statistical analysis of major disease waivers in the United States Air Force aircrew

Abstract：Objective To review waiver progression of cardiovascular, bone and joint, ophthalmology, psychiatric and neurological disorders in the US Air Force (USAF) aircrew, and provide the information as reference to study. Method Disease waiver cases data of the Aeromedical Consultation Service (ACS) and the number of individuals in the category is analyzed as the statistical object.Results Statistical results of 5 major diseases are shown as follows: in 3456 cardiovascular submissions, 2929 (85.15%) were waived. Among them, FCⅡ accounted for 1664 (56.81%). The number of coronary heart disease was 185, waived 115 (62.16%); in 17620 ophthalmologic disease submissions, waived 14220 (80.70%); in 3699 bone and joint disease submissions, waived cases accounted for 2983 (80.64%). Among FCⅡ accounted for 1638 (54.36%); in 4676 mental illness submissions, waived cases accounted for 2164 (46.28%). 5 kinds of diseases were mood disorders, adaptive disorder, alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder accounting for 90.93%, FCⅠ, FCⅡ and FCⅢ accounted for 55.41%, 60.63%, 45.93% respectively. In 3868 neurological disorder submissions, waived cases accounted for 2588 (66.91%), headache, traumatic brain injury, sleep disorders and syncope had shown high incidence. In 1643 headacheindividuals, waived cases accounted for 785 (47.78%), and FCⅠ77.43%, FCⅡ 76.12%, FCⅢ 62.03%.Conclusion Scientific management of aviation medical evaluation and identification greatly enhanced accuracy of USAF aircrew waiver, improved efficiency of Aeromedical Consulting Services obviously, maximized conservation of experienced active flight personnel. More than 80% individuals returned to active flight duty, made great contribution to maintain combat power for the USAF.