MARINES · JOB CODE 6469
Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician Your military role & VA condition guide
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This guide brings together conditions associated with 6469 (Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician). 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
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, making it hard to hear clearly or distinguish words.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A VA-compliant audiogram including Maryland CNC speech discrimination testing, performed by a state-licensed audiologist without hearing aids.
- Evidence of in-service noise exposure, such as an MOS with a recognized high noise profile or documented acoustic trauma.
- Lay statements from coworkers or family describing communication difficulty.
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.
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)
Degenerative Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions a joint, producing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion. DC 5003 is not primarily a ladder of its own: the schedule rates degenerative arthritis established by X-ray "on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved", so most evaluations come from the affected joint's own code and DC 5003 supplies a floor.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- X-rays or an MRI confirming joint degeneration in each affected joint - this is the evidence the rating schedule is built around.
- A doctor's notes describing joint pain, swelling, and specific functional limitations, not just general 'joint pain,' in both your own words and your provider's clinical observations.
- Documentation of any incapacitating episodes or flare-ups, since these are what can raise a claim from the 10% to the 20% tier.
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
Damage to the sciatic nerve that causes leg weakness, pain, or paralysis.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- EMG or nerve conduction study showing sciatic involvement
- Neurologist report describing motor/sensory deficits
- Functional assessment showing gait or mobility loss
Migraine
Severe recurring headaches that may include nausea, light sensitivity, and inability to function.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Neurology consult with detailed migraine history
- Headache diary showing frequency and impact
- Employer or family statements about missed work or functional episodes
Median Nerve Paralysis
Damage to the median nerve causing weakness, pain, or paralysis in the hand.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- Nerve conduction study results confirming the location and severity of the nerve damage.
- Grip strength comparison between the affected and unaffected hand.
- Evidence of occupational impact, such as difficulty performing fine motor tasks required for work.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is stomach acid and stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort. DC 7206 has its own criteria table, and what that table measures is not how often heartburn occurs — every step is written around a documented esophageal stricture causing dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and the treatment that stricture requires. Note (1) requires the findings to be documented by barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
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Evidence covered in the guide
- A barium swallow, computerized tomography, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy report confirming the stricture — Note (1) names these three studies specifically.
- Dated procedure records for every dilatation, including any performed using steroids, plus placement or operative reports for an esophageal stent, surgical correction, or a percutaneous esophago-gastrointestinal tube (PEG tube).
- Prescription records showing daily medication taken to control dysphagia, which is what the 10 percent row is written around.
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A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
Questions about the 6469 guide
What do the conditions in this guide represent?
They are conditions grouped with 6469 (Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician) 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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