MARINES · JOB CODE 6156
Helicopter Crew Chief Your military role & VA condition guide
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This guide brings together conditions associated with 6156 (Helicopter Crew Chief). Start with a topic that relates to your experience, then follow its guide for more detail.
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Conditions are grouped by occupational exposures and physical demands. These are research connections, not statistics about claim frequency or approval.
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Conditions to explore.
Choose a body system, search for a condition, or open a preview. Each full guide explains its rating criteria and evidence in more detail.
8 of 8 conditions
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
A strain or sprain of the muscles and ligaments supporting the neck or lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion — often from lifting, impact, or repetitive strain during service.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- C&P or orthopedic exam showing measured loss of range of motion, muscle spasm, or guarding
- Service treatment records documenting the in-service injury, incident, or repetitive strain
- Buddy statements or personnel records corroborating the in-service event (e.g., heavy lifting, vehicle accident, parachute jumps)
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, fragmenting rest and often leading to loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, it's also linked to higher blood pressure and heart strain, which is part of why the VA rates it based on treatment need rather than just the diagnosis.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A polysomnography (sleep study) confirming the diagnosis - this is the evidence the rating schedule specifically requires.
- A CPAP prescription along with compliance or usage reports, since device use is what supports the 50% tier.
- Medical notes describing sleep-related symptoms like loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus means you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears even when there’s no sound.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Consistent reports of tinnitus in VA exams
- History of military noise exposure (e.g., flight line, artillery)
- C&P exam confirmation
Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI results from head trauma and can cause lasting issues with memory, mood, sleep, and decision-making.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- VA TBI screening and exam results
- Neurologist evaluations
- Neurocognitive tests (e.g., memory, attention)
Chronic Bronchitis
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing persistent cough and mucus production.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- VA or private pulmonologist diagnosis
- Pulmonary function test results
- C&P exam with respiratory symptoms documented
Bronchiectasis
A condition where airways in the lungs become permanently widened, leading to mucus buildup and infections.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A CT scan showing bronchial dilation, the imaging finding that confirms the diagnosis.
- Pulmonary function test (PFT) results.
- A documented history of antibiotic treatment for lung infections.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa — one of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons and muscles where they pass over bone — most often at the shoulder, hip, elbow or knee, causing pain and painful, restricted motion. DC 5019 has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the affected joint.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the affected joint — this is the only thing DC 5019 rates, and a compensable evaluation depends on comparing it against that joint's own diagnostic code.
- Examination findings recording objective painful motion, swelling or muscle spasm, which is the confirmation DC 5003 requires before the per-joint 10 percent can be assigned.
- Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) showing bursal thickening or effusion, and any aspiration or injection records, which establish the diagnosis.
Myositis
Myositis is inflammation of muscle, producing pain, swelling and weakness in the affected group. DC 5021 has no percentages of its own: it is rated as degenerative arthritis, on limitation of motion of the part the inflamed muscle moves.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Goniometer range-of-motion measurements, in degrees, for the joint the affected muscle group moves — this is the only thing DC 5021 rates.
- Examination findings recording objective painful motion, swelling or spasm, which is the confirmation DC 5003 requires before the per-joint 10 percent can be assigned.
- Strength testing and documentation of functional loss on repeated use, which 38 CFR 4.40 treats as "as important as limitation of motion".
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A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
Questions about the 6156 guide
What do the conditions in this guide represent?
They are conditions grouped with 6156 (Helicopter Crew Chief) by the role’s occupational exposures and physical demands. Use them as a starting point for research. The list does not rank conditions by claim frequency or VA approval rates.
Where can I find rating levels and evidence guidance?
Open a condition preview for a quick look, or follow its guide link for the published rating criteria, an evidence checklist, and available exam guidance.
What if I served in more than one role?
You can explore a guide for each of your military jobs. Use the military job directory to search another code, job title, or branch, and keep notes on the experiences you want to discuss.
What if my condition is not listed here?
This is a curated starting point. The condition library has additional guides you can search by name, body system, or diagnostic code.
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