I am a U.S. veteran and, like many others, I feel my rights have been compromised by the "Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Privacy Act". The Act currently authorizes the FAA to share private medical information of airmen with Federal bodies, ostensibly to verify its accuracy. Their unrestricted access to Veterans Affairs records is a clear overreach mirroring discrimination against us, Veterans.

More specifically, it is this troubling phrase that we ask be removed: "Sharing personal information of airmen with other federal agencies for the purpose of verifying the accuracy and completeness of medical information provided to FAA". This provision can lead to violations of an airman's privacy rights, potentially harming the thousands of airmen in the United States, not least among us, the Veterans who served the country in various capacities.

Making matters worse, this provision does not only impinge on personal freedom: it may have profound psychological effects. A Journal of General Internal Medicine study showed intrusive sharing of medical information can lead to stress and anxiety among patients. For Veterans, many of whom are dealing with mental health issues resulting from their service, this stress can be even more damaging (source: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2015). How many Veteran pilots are abstaining from the care they need in fear of FAA repercussions? Is it fair that those pilots who have never served in the armed forces can choose what medical conditions they disclose? This FAA overreach is not consistent with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

It is time to put an end to this violation of personal privacy. We ask the FAA to review, amend, and show a little more respect for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country. Please sign this petition to demand a change in the FAA medical privacy act. Protect our veterans. Protect our rights.