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959 Responses to “Medical Issues Not Normally Waivered”
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Wendy,
Yes, an arachnoid cyst requires a waiver for all services, with special forces having additional medical fitness requirements. -
I have scanned over previously posted comments and or questions and cannot find anything relating to my question, so if I am re asking an already asked question please forgive me. My husband in currently attempting to enlist and he has been working with a recruiter, however we have hit a bump in what seemed to be a smooth road. My husband had a testicle removed when he was 12 years old because it died. This was neither due to a birth defect nor due to injury or cancer. It just simply, died due to lack of blood flow. Now, my question is two fold. 1. Do you know of any cases where a med waiver was approved for having only one testicle? 2. Why is the military concerned with whether or not the recruit has a full set? Thank you for your help, my husband is truly dissapointed with how this is playing out as this has been a dream of his for years.
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MommyZ,
1. Yes, I have seen waivers for missing testicles. However, they are getting less likely these days because:
2. The military has seen a significant rise in the number of blast injuries to the genitals resulting in loss of testicles. This is due both to the design of body armor leaving the groin exposed, and the number of injuries caused by IEDs in Iraq. If an individual only has one testicle to start with, the odds that a blast injury to the groin will leave him with no functioning male organs is double that of someone with 2. While this is a survivable injury, it can be a psychologically devastating one.
This is similar to the reason for DQ’ing people with only one kidney or only one functioning eye or ear. When you are supposed to have a “matched set” and you have only one, the consequences of an injury to the remaining organ can be catastophic. Loss of a single kidney (another not-uncommon result of blast or penetrating injury) is survivable, but if you lose your only kidney, you will die. With single eye or ear scenarios, you are a potential danger to both yourself and your unit because your blind or deaf side makes you vulnerable in combat. For these cases, waivers are not granted because the risks are too high.
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Thank you for your response sir. I understand that it could be potentially detrimental to ones psychological health to lose ones only testicle, however would sworn affidavidts from a mental health professional help? As far as preventing him from reproducing, we have three children and no plans for more. When asked about it could he not just reply with ” my wife hangs onto it for me?” sorry I find humor in serious situations alleviates much stress
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thanx navy doc after chating here on this site i called the marines in my area and they think i shouldent have a problem… i appreciate ur timely feed back….and no i do not have anyother underlying problems.
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Hi!
I recently went to my recruiter and told them I have duane syndrome. They said I would have to get all of my medical records that have to do with it and turn them in with the medical pre screening. I have type 1 which means my left eye does not turn to the left. I have 20/20 vision and i have peripheral vision as well. I do not have double vision and it cannot get any worse. I’m worried once they see my pre med. screening they wont even accept me for a physical. Do you know if anyone with duane syndrome has ever been able to join? -
Jessica,
Duane’s syndrome is indeed PDQ and will require waiver. I do see waivers granted for all services except Coast Guard, if you are correctable to 20/20 and have no other eye pathology. If you have a current (within past 60 days) ophthalmology–not optometry–evaluation and can submit that to MEPS prior to processing, you may be able to submit a packet earlier for waiver. If you don’t have a current ophthalmology eval, MEPS will schedule one for you, but that will add about 3-4 weeks to your processing time. -
Thank you very much!
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Hey navydoc I finally heard from my recruiter. I had wrote back in november 24 2011 about my med history on hypertension and asperger. November 24 2011 is when I submitted my paperwork and my recruiter is just hearing from meps that they should provide an answer in three days. I didnt think meps would take that long to respond to a document reading. Let me know what you think navydoc I appreaciate it.
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Hello. I am a prior service member of the Army Reserves. I was honorably discharged back in 1996. I had discovered that I had high blood sugar back in Novembe 2010. Initally, I was on insulin for 3 months, then downgraded to pills. Now It is just exercise and eating correctly. My height and weight are proportionate and my blood sugar levels have been under control since early 2011. Is there a chance for a medical waiver if I decided to join the Navy Reserve or any Reserve component? Do I need a statement from my doctor and lab results to help me with chances of re-enlisting?
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PriorServiceGuy,
I have only seen a waiver for diabetes once. It is extremely unlikely. -
Hey Doc. I’m a 26 year old male who is seriously thinking about heading to BUD/S. However, I’m concerned I might not be eligible because of counseling I received when I was 19. Back then, I went to a college counselor and she diagnosed with me “Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Rule out Major Depressive Disorder.” She prescribed me with an antidepressant which I made the decision to stop taking after 3-4 months.
In the 7 years since that brief period, I have not felt the slightest bit depressed. I’ve done extremely well academically and now have a high pressure job in finance. I attribute the past depression to a phase… just part of growing up, you know?
I was able to get a copy of all my counselor’s notes. It says things like full range of affect, no personality disorder, and most importantly no suicidal intent. Although strangely there’s a check box during my first session that says suicide concerns, but I’m thinking they just put that as a precaution since I’ve never entertained thoughts of suicide and made that clear from the beginning (it even says “no suicidal ideation” in all of her write ups).
Okay, obviously the question is can something like this be waived? Should I seek a counselor’s opinion preemptively? Should I not even bring it up at MEPS since it was so long ago (7 years)? I want to give the evaluator a better picture of how I am now, not how I was 7 years ago, when I was still a teenager.
Thanks,
Drew -
Drew,
You must disclose the treatment for depression on your medical prescreen and submit your records for review. Most likely you will be required to have a MEPS directed psychiatric consult. Do not bother with your own consult at this point; it would be a waste of your time and money. Depression in the past can be waived, depending on the needs of the service.Waiver for special warfare classifications are through a different mechanism, and I do not deal with those, so you need to be talking to your recruiter about the likelihood of acceptance into BUD/S with your history of mental health treatment.
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NAVY DOC
how likely is it to get a wavier for encopresis an adjusment disorder discharge from the air force basic military training … the case i was excited an also i made not so smart choices everytime on the amount of food i ate… ? i have a doctor letter an my personal letter an 4 character letter .. ? im working with NG now
i was eating as if i was at home … since then i understand if i want to continue with my passion i make wise choices on the amount of food i eat an what i eat.. i didnt have many medical documents for meps so i was wondering how likely would it be waiver but im working with the national guard also
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Focused,
With a medical discharge, waiver is unlikely. -
its mental.. adjustment disorder ! i went through the B.A.S ! i dont have nun of that stuff an also i made wrong choices on what an how much i ate that caused me to use the latrine ! had to see a psychotrist got a letter an wrote my own letter an got 4 character letter 3 from military personell
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Focused,
Mental health is a medical discharge, since both encopresis and adjustment disorders are medical diagnoses. In fact, mental health reasons are the second most common medical discharge from basic training in all services (orthopedic problems is number one).
Character letters are not useful to the medical personnel at MEPS (I personally don’t even read them), because the medical fitness standards apply to everyone irrespective of anything other than medical information. It doesn’t matter if you’re an Eagle Scout and head of your JROTC unit, or a rock who barely graduated from high school, if you don’t meet the medical fitness requirements, you are not medically qualified.
If you are medically discharged from the military, you need a waiver to get back in. Right now, waivers for prior service with less than an RE-1 enlistment code are unlikely. Have your recruiter send your medical records, including your military medical records, and your DD214 to the MEPS for review.
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its been sent today ! but ill just pray anything possible thanks doc
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Hi,
My husband has been in for 10 years (USN-R). He was diagnosed with unilateral traumatic cataract (stable) because of an accident about a year ago. I understand that for initial enlistment intraocular lenses are disqualifying but I can’t find anything on retention standards.
Any info would be appreciated. -
Concerned,
If your husband is still on active duty, he would not be discharged unless he cannot meet the requirements of his rate and rank. If he is a reservist, it is possible that they could find him not fit, especially if he had the intraocular lens placed without letting his command know his medical situation. He should be addressing any concerns he has to his unit medical officer, who can guide him. In my experience, if his vision and condition are stable, he would probably not be med boarded out of active duty. -
Thank you for your response. His Command was aware but since it was so recent did nothing further. He is a reservist and was just selected for DCO (reserves). He also indicated on his DCO application that he had the surgery. We are just concerned that he might lose his commission and even his enlistment because of his eye. His recruiter is concerned but she mostly recruits new AD not drilling reservists. She kept referring to the manmed but since it is specific to new enlistment I didn’t think it applied to his circumstances. I guess it’s on a case-by-case basis depending on what you stated above. I mean, the package was selected. I know they (the board) aren’t doctors, but I don’t think a package would get selected if it was an imminent disqualification. It’s frustrating, I am former Navy and I know how much this means to him. He will be submitting a waiver along with his physical. Thank you for you time, it is truly appreciated.
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I have a Trama Cataract that happened 6 years ago due to an accedent with a BB gun. The Cataract is non progressive and my vision is 20/20 both eyes 20/25 in the eye with the cataract 20/20 in the other eye. I am interested in joining the Navy as a rescue swimmer and I am wondering if this will bar me. If I cant be a rescue swimmer, I am willing to do a different rate that is not Spec. I am also an eagle scout, college credit, and a lifeguard. Would this help or does it matter? Thanks for any help!
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Doc-
I had a severe head injury (one fracture and contusion) when I was 14. My doctor cleared me to play football and other contact sports throughout high school. I have had no problems since recovering from the injury. I am now a Junior at UNCW and would like to enlist in the Navy after graduation. What is the likelihood of receiving a waiver? Thanks a lot.
Henry
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Doc how likely can someone get a consult? especially if i do not have encopresis never been to the hospital for any negative reason ? i jus over did my eating habits at chow ?? GOD knows im medically an pyscically fit its me against thoes discharge papers ! my papers have been sent off to meps for med read ..
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Hi Navy Doc,
I’m 22 and looking to go for a Navy commission when I’m either 24 or JAG at 26. I saw a therapist when I was six years old and was on medication for anxiety until I was 9 or so. I talked to an Army recruiter and he told me only info for the past seven years was relevant. Is this true? Might a boyhood problem keep me from this? Thanks so much.
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Henry,
IT will depend on what type of injury you had (there are varying degrees of contusion) and whether or not you required surgery. Waivers for mild-moderate head injuries 5-10 years ago are pretty common. -
Sean,
The medical history forms request your medical info from the day you are born until the day you ship out. Disclose your history up front and you are more likely to get a waiver if the condition is waiverable. It’s important for everyone to realize that while a condition CAN be waived, doesn’t mean it MUST be waived.If someone lies on their paperwork, and I later discover a disqualifying condition, I am less likely to recommend for waiver,as I question their moral fiber and maturity level as being acceptable for service in the military. -
Thanks, Navydoc. It was never my intention to submit a false application. With that said, in your opinion, do you think I am likely to get a waiver?
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Thanks, Doc. It did not require surgery and it was not an intracerebral contusion. Thank you for the response.
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Hi doc, I have a question regarding a missing testicle. I was born with only one….no accidents etc. I have been to urologist and had things looked at and he said everything is fine and doesn’t pose any future health issues. What is the procedure for getting a waiver for this? Does this take place at MEPS? Does it happen immediately? Will I be able to continue thru the MEPS procedure once this is disclosed? Is than any other important facts that I need to know or expect before going to MEPS? Thanks for the input and helping clear up the procedure.
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Ron,
You must submit a surgical report or CT scan that shows that there is no remaining tesicular tissue within the abdomen. You will generally be unable to swear in the first MEPS visit after your physical while you wait for a waiver. If you never had exploratory surgery or imaging studies, you are unlikely to get a waiver. -
Thanks for the quick reply. I do have the images from a CT scan as well as letter from the Dr stating his findings. How long have you typically seen these waivers take?
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Doc-
Sorry, one more question. Will my skull fracture and contusion prevent me from diving/SCUBA training if I have no residual effects and it has been 10 years? Thanks again.Henry
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Navydoc,
My fiance was honorably discharged from the navy in 2008. He wants to reenlist but was diagnosed with colitis in 2010. We believe he was misdiagnosed for a number of reasons including drastic improvement in digestion with simple dietary changes. We are considering a second opinion.
If a second opinion rules out colitis would the first diagnosis completely rule him out of reenlisting. He has an re-1 code.
Additionally he has received no other care meds it otherwise to treat this condition and seems fine
Thank you
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Babs,
Colitis is DQ, and dietary changes are often the treatment needed to treat it. Waiver is unlikely, although if he had and has normal colonoscopies, it is possible they might consider it. -
Hey navydoc are you sure autism can be waived if an applicant is high functioning because I submitted my medical documents and the meps doc disqualified me with no waiver recommended. He put on there reasons are history of autism hypertension ICD 299.9 obesity etc. Does that mean gameover or can I resubmit my school records once I finish this semester in college.
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Brian,
With hypertension, obesity AND autism, and no waiver recommended by the CMO, you need to start working on a Plan B, as the military is a no go for you at this point.
While almost anything CAN by waived, it doesn’t mean it MUST be waived. The military always has the discretion to not allow someone to serve.
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So what if the issues resolved such as hypertension and obesity. And even get my school records to prove that im high functioning without any special accommodations can I always resubmit later or does that mean game over since the cmo didnt recommend the waiver. You know something navydoc a lot of parents claim something wrong with their children just to get an ssi check and thats my situation. Me personally I dont think I ever had autism because I still gradurated from high school without any special accommodation. Now im in college and so far my gpa is 3.4. I even went to a doctor to get an second opinion &nd he said he do not see me having autism. But in my opinion the cmo at the shreveport meps didnt even bother to understand my situation.
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Doc,
I swore in with the Army back in August (no medical issues at the time), but a month later I started experiencing a burning/numbing sensation in my right foot. I’ve seen several podiatrists who seem to think it’s a morton’s neuroma, but the results of an MRI does NOT confirm the condition. It only showed a small amount of fluid in the area of my toes.
Since I have the symptoms of a neuroma my doctor has been treating it as such with cortisone shots, ice and lots of rest. The pain has gone from a 9 to a 5, but my feet are still sensitive. I’m able to run and do everything normally, but the sensations are still there.
My doctor has told me that everything they’ve done should stop the formation of a neuroma, but suggested that I have decompression surgery to stop the pain now. As I understand it, I would need to cancel my enlistment and try to reenlist 6 months from the date of the surgery.
My questions…
1. If I have the symptoms of a neuroma, but an MRI can’t confirm it…can I ship with the symptoms I’ve described? I can wearing boots and running shoes, but can feel the sensations slightly more than if I weren’t wearing them.
2. If I elect to have the surgery (either decompression or excision), what are the odds of receiving a waiver to reenlist 6 months from the date of the surgery (have you ever seen a waiver for something like this after surgery)?
I’m really distraught. I’ve planned this transition for several months and don’t know what to do. I want to ship.
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Jonathon,
No, you cannot ship with your current problem. It needs to be completely resolved with no pain and no further treatment required for at least 6 months. If you have surgery and your symptoms completely resolve, you will not need a waiver after 6 months. -
Thanks for the response! Would I need a waiver if it were less than 6 months? If I had the surgery immediately and waited 6 months, that would take me past 12 months of being in DEP.
Assuming everything went as well as it should 3-4 months from surgery, would it be possible to get a waiver before the end of 12 months in DEP?
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Hey navydoc if my situation change can I reversed the cmo decision or once the cmo made their determination is that a no go forever?
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Jonathon,
No, you cannot get a waiver for a temporary problem, only permanent ones. Theoretically, you could be permanently DQ, then referred for waiver, although I try not to do that to applicants, as it effects which jobs they can get and follows them for their entire career. -
Brian,
Military accessions are always changing. So something that cannot get a waiver now, during a period of high recruitment and when we are turning away 10 people for every job, may become waiverable during periods when recruting is poor, and we need bodies to fill the billets. This is also true of moral waivers. Right now, nobody with drug charges is getting in, but 12 months ago, I saw at least one a day. Also, if you get within weight standards, that will help, as obesity is never waiverable. But the high blood pressure and autism may be tough to overcome. -
hello I was looking into go into the us army(I understand you mainly focus with navy, but im hoping the standards are even across the board.)I was born with a Coarctation of the Arota. I had surgery before I was a year old. Problem is fixed I run 10 miles a day, along with other physical activty. Do I have any chance of getting into the us army?
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Mark,
The medical fitness standards for all military branches are the same. Coarctation of the aorta is PDQ. If you currently have an entirely normal echocardiogram, waiver for the Army is possible. -
thanks navydoc, i just wanted to claify there is no way to get in unless my heart and everything associtated with the heart is fine now?
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Mark,
Correct. You cannot have any residual coarct, valvular stenosis or more than mild regurgitation, or an abnormal ECG. -
Hi Navydoc,
I’m planning to join the Air Force but I had a testicle surgically removed due to an infection when I was nine months old. How would this disqualify me?
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Steve,
Loss of a testicle is PDQ. The Air Force can consider you for a waiver. -
I was wondering is it possible to enlist with a air national guard re-code 2c jfy “adjustment disorder” I was misdiagnosed encopresis which is when people use the bathroom on themselves ” I never have done that since being a 11 month old child” … I made ignorant choices on how much I ate an what I ate when during chow which cauded me to use the latrine frequently cause of being full by choice.. got entry level separated Feb 3rd 2011 … I have a psych evaluate letter clearing me an 2 personal letters an 4 character letters is a wavier possible ? I
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I understand I’m jus seeking is it wavierable ? You know sir or madam !
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Buddy/Focused,
Theoretically, anything could be waived. I doubt you will get a waiver, but I am not the waiver authority. You need to follow the procedure and wait for an answer. Nothing I tell you on an internet message board can replace your recruiter and your MEPS who have all the information to make a determination. -
I was jus curious though why do you doubt ? I have a written notice from a psychotrist stating I don’t have that condition. Never have but thanks a lot I want get discouraged Philippines 4:13
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buddy,
Having spoken to recruiters in all of the services, it is my understanding that RE code waivers are not being entertained at this time, so I doubt your 2807-2 will even be presented for review by the MEPS CMO. However, if it does get submitted, more weight is given to the diagnosis of the military medical staff who found you not medically fit than a civilian physician who saw you after the fact of your medical discharge when you are trying to get back in.
Personal and character letters of recommendation are meaningless in terms of medical fitness and are not considered at all. The bottom line is that you had a chance at boot camp and were unsuccessful. Slots are scarce, and they are most likely going to be given to someone with a better track record.
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My son was recently medically disqualified at MEPS due to anaphylaxis. He had two idiopathic reactions 5 years ago about 2 weeks apart just as he turned 13 years old. All causes (food, bugs/bees, medications, exercise) were ruled out. All doctors notes were provided from that time and our current doctor also provided paperwork, clearing him as a healthy athlete (HS football player past 4 years) . He has never had another reaction since those back in 2007. We don’t even have Epi-pens around anymore. Anyway, our recruiter told us he would go back one more time to MEPS for us with additional paperwork from current doctor diagnosis, but was unwilling to start a waiver or tell us what we should exactly supply now that might have MEPS overturn the qualification. He had a very high ASVAB score and was cleared medically for all other. Do you have any suggestions for us? Thanks
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David,
ANY history of anaphylaxis is PDQ, no matter how long ago. There is really nothing else to submit now, as the history has already been documented. It is not a particularly difficult waiver to get, however, so your son should ask his recruiter why it is not being forwarded for consideration. If he does not get a satisfactory answer from his recruiter, have him talk to the recruiter in charge. -
Ho Doc, my son is going to MEPS in two weeks. We have given the recruiter medical records dating back to 2001. When he was four years old he got a rash from penicillin, when he was 15 he was prescribed a ZPAK and a ProAir inhaler for an upper respiratory infection (We DID NOT fill the inhaler and have proof of this from the pharmacy). The Doc prescribed the inhaler because my son was competing in an upcoming regional wrestling tournament and he thought it my help him if he was short of breath. Finally, when my son was 7 he took an IQ test at the request of his teacher; he scored very high. We explained this to his Pediatrician at the time and she prescribed Concerta which he only took twice and has never had since. All of these issues are completely document through medical records. He is a healthly 17 year old and an amazing athlete who ran track, played football, wrestled and competes in Jui Jitsu. Please respond as we are very interested in your thoughts. Does he have anything to worry about; MEPS seems so ominous…Thank you very much, Rob
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Thanks for responding. My son’s preference was Coast Guard so this recruiter is a Coast Guard Recruiter and is the “head recruiter”. He says they aren’t doing any waivers since they have stacks of applicants. He did say that my son was an excellent candidate and that he wanted him (ASVAB score of 82; qualified for all A schools.) which seems to conflict with not wanting to support the waiver. Where is the next level or the recruiter in charge?
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David,
Coast Guard waivers are exceedingly rare, even when recruitment is low. Right now, there are plenty of fully qualified applicants for every position, and many who do not need waivers are being told there are no jobs for them. It may indeed be true that they will not entertain waiver requests at this time because of this. Your son can try another service. -
is a surgery 2 years ago for a herniated slipped disk PDQ? its better and ive had no complications with it. im able to do just as many physical activities as anyone else.
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NavyDoc,
At the age of 3, he had a reaction to Sulfate drugs. The Dr. said the rash was Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. No re-occurrences.
At the age of 8, diagnosed with ADHD, stopped taking meds at the age of 14.My son had surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst 6 years ago. No re-occurences.
Would any of these disqualify him?
Thank you for your generous time,
Ximena -
NavyDoc,
First, I’d like to say thank you for the service you provide not only to the readers here, but also to the country.
I want to apply to OCS but think I do not have much of a shot. I was treated for anxiety for about 3-4 years on celexa (~’06-’09). I no longer take the medication and have not had a presrecption for from my doctor since ’09. I am completly fine without it. However, I am thinking that a waiver for this is near impossible to get, right?
Is there anything I can do to make a really good case to grant me a waiver? The only other waiver I need is for eyesight.
Thanks for any help or insight you could give. I think I have a really good appliaction otherwise.
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Hi Doc,
So it looks as though I’m being discharged from DEP because of a surgery for morton’s neuroma. I don’t know just yet what that discharge looks like on paper or if that matters when I try to enlist again in 6 months.
1. Do you know if there is something specific that needs to happen with this dep discharge, so I’ll have an easier time enlisting again in 6 months (from the date of the surgery)?
2. What do you think my chances are for getting a waiver to enlist after I wait the 6 months after surgery? I was diagnosed with morton’s neuroma in both feet and recently had an EDIN done to surgically correct the problem. I also understand it needs to have worked, not just wait 6 months to enlist.
I ask these questions because, I had previously waited 7 months to ship only to have this issue popup and want to know if I should continue to try and make this army enlistment work or if I’m really wasting my time because this type of a waiver might be difficult to get.
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Jason,
You will need a waiver for the mental health issue since you were on medications for more than 24 months. Since OCS slots are so competitive right now, it might be a good idea to have a plan B. -
Jonathon,
As I previously stated, after completing treatment and waiting 6 months, if you are completely free of symtpoms, you will not require a waiver. I would suggest that you get the medical treatment you need, wait the mandatory recuperation period, and then plan on enlisting. -
Ximena,
He will need a waiver for the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The other issues should not be a problem. He will, however, need to submit all of his ADD treatment records and high school transcripts to demonstrate no other mental health issues and academic success off of the medications. -
jessiica,
If you had a single level lumbar discectomy with no fusion or hardware, more than 12 months ago, you do not require a waiver. Most likely you will have to see an orthopedic or neurosurical consultation at MEPS. -
I am trying to find out more about Keratoconus and whether a waiver within the navy is purely impossible. I see that Photorefractive keratectomy surgey is being used to correct the issue, but is this something approved by the military. I am curious if anyone has ever heard of anyone with this condition obtaining a waiver.
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Curious,
Keratoconus is not waiverable, nor is a history of KCN corrected by PRK. -
Hi Doc,
I had a septoplasty for a deviated septum (no allergies or sinus issues) at Norfolk Naval Hospital. I was asked by the recruiter to bring in my med doc for a read through before going to MEPS. Do you think I will need a waiver? It was a slight deviation and I healed well with no lingering issues.
Thanks!
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NorfolkNavy,
As long as the septoplasy was at least 6 months ago, it is not DQ. MEPS medical likes to read the surgical report to ensure there were no underlying issues like nasal polyps (which requires a 12 month waiting period) or other disqualifying conditions. -
Hello Doc,
I had childhood asthma and it was diagnosed before my 13th birthday and the diagnosis was believed to be borderline to mild. I had inhalers prescribed but never used them after shown how in the doctor’s office because there was no need. I have ran track, played baseball, football, and wrestled. I haven’t had an attack since my initial one. I had inhalers prescribed as a precaution due to worried parents but never used them and now don’t carry or own one.
My 2nd issue is when I was 6 I had Kawasaki Syndrome. The effects of the disease is gone except I was left with a very slight ballooning in a descending coronary artery. The ballooning is very slight as small as 2mm. I would appreciate it if you could give me insight to if these are complete disqualifications and if I i could possibly get a waiver for them.
Thanks
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Hello I am currently trying to enlist in the Marine Corps but I need a waiver. I am aware that a history of any eating disorder is indeed a permanent DQ however I did speak with my Recruiter and was upfront and he did say that I could pursue a waiver. I no longer have this disorder and have been living a nice healthy life for the past year. The factors that led me to my ED have been removed from my life. I was never put on medication nor was I in an institution nor was I hospitalised. But most importantly I am in perfect health. My question would be basically should I even try, I know all waivers are looked at on a case by case basis or will this just get categorically rejected?
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Dear navy Doc,
About a year ago I hurt myself, it only lasted for a month or two and only have two scars from it. I’m going to see a counselor, but before I put in over $200, I would like to know what are my chances of getting a waver for this? Also do you know my chances for any other branches? The more information the better. -
Hi I am hoping to join the USMC I have been attending PT at my local recruiting station for the last 6 months and am scoring a 250 on my IST but, I had a skull fracture and a sub-dermal hemitoma at the beginning of the month, but I have been cleared by a neurologist and hearing has been unaffected neither has sight or anything else. I was wondering if this would be covered by a waiver if I wanted to join the DEP in September? I am currently a Junior In High School and was wondering what you thought.
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Chance,
History of Kawasaki’s disease is DQ, and the fact that you have a coronary artery aneurism makes waiver extremely unlikely.Asthma has been addressed many times in this forum. If you have had an inhaler prescribed to you in the past 3 years (whether or not you used it) it is DQ and waiver is unlikely. If you have had no prescribed medication and no treatment for asthma within the past 3 years, and a normal PFT/MCT within the past 90 days, you can be qualified.
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Rick,
I have never seen a waiver for history of an eating disorder. -
Ana,
Waiver for self-harm occassionally is given if it was many, many years ago, but something as recent as yours is very unlikely to be waived. The only branch I have seen a self-injury waiver for in the past 5 years is Air Force.A letter from a civilian counselor and/or psychiatrist is a waste of money, unless you are currently being treated by one already. If you are approved to process at MEPS, they will send you for a psychiatric evaluation. However, I recommend you start working on a Plan B.
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Jeff,
History of a sub-dural hematoma requires a waiting period of at least 12 months, as well as a follow-up scan (either CT or MRI)showing complete resolution of the lesion before you can even process at MEPS. -
Hello,
How likely would I be waivered for my eczema? I have only experienced the symptoms once in my life, in 2011 for only 3 or so weeks. It was a quarter sized area at the back of my neck, where my head and neck meets. The one time I went to the doctor for it, he diagnosed it as eczema. I have only had these symptoms for three weeks entirely. I have not had a “flare up” since August of 2011. How LIKELY would I get waivered?
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TRDubya,
From what you have presented, it sounds like you had a simple case of contact or irritant dermatitis, rather than true eczema, which would not require a waiver. Eczema, like asthma, is a recurring illness, so a single episode cannot make a definitive, reliable diagnosis. -
Hey Doc,
I have keratoconus and will need corneal transplants on both eyes within the next year. I also had an allergic reaction to penicillin as an infant.I would like to apply for direct commission as a JAG officer. Have you ever seen waivers for the above conditions?
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Schills,
No, keratoconus is one of the absolute DQs, with no waivers authorized. -
Doc,
In 2006 I had a medical waiver denial for history of GERD and eating disorder after 13th birthday. Both were when I was 15-16 years old. I am now 23 and have been healthy and off of gerd meds since 16. Im interested in the navy nurse candidate program- what is the likelihood of having these waived ?
Thank you!
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Septoplasty for deviated septum, would that cause problem at meps ? Should I hold off and get it done after I get in the door?
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Sarah,
The history of eating disorder makes it unlikely that you will receive a waiver. GERD is no longer disqualifying if it is treated and well controlled, with no complications. -
Sean,
Septoplasty has a 6 month waiting period (12 if you have any sinus polyps) after the, but it is not PDQ. If it is medically necessary, have it done prior to joining the DEP, because once you are in, having to be TDQ will mess up your ship date. -
Doc,
Thanks. Since it has been 8 years, with no other history of the eating disorder… Doesn’t make sense to me that I am perfectly healthy with no other medical issues, yet a record of eating disorder from 8 years ago would DQ me forever. What do I need to do to get a waiver?
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Thanks Doc,
I have no polyps, sinusitis, etc just want to breath out of my nose better. So I’ll get the surgery now so I can start the recovery.
Thank you, Took a load off my shoulders! -
Sarah,
All history of eating disorders is permanently DQ. The raltionale is that eating disorders are often exacerbated by stress, and there is no greater stress than military combat. I have never seen a waiver for a history of anorexia or bulimia, no matter how distant the history, but you willl never know until you try. -
Navydoc,
Earlier someone asked about an issue with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. I was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in October of last year. Doctors were perplexed and chalked it up to an allergic reaction to Sulfa drugs. Air Force had me see an allergist 2 months ago, and he saw no signs of allergy, and could not confirm or deny if I had Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Have not heard anything in two months, packet is waiting to be reviewed by “consultant”. What would be your opinion on my situation. Pilot selectee.
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Drew,
The AF is slow. I have seen it take 6-9 months for action to be taken on a waiver request. At this point, all you can do is wait for the response from the SG and stay in touch with your recruiter. -
Doc,
Prior enlisted looking at rejoining the reserves. Discovered a micro-Pituitary adenoma only discovered because of my age (40) and a low testosterone level… Low(T) which is somewhat normal in “mature” males. I was given a low dose testosterone prescription. So, two issues… the adenoma and low dose anabolic steriods. Could a waiver be possible? No other health issues. -
NavyDoc
Quick follow up – Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome a waiverable issue in your opinion. And do you think that the difference in opinion of what caused my episode may cause me to have issues getting a waiver? Thank you for your time in advance!
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Jon,
Both the adenoma and the testosterone will require waivers.The likelihood of getting a waiver will depend on your records, which I obviously don’t have to review. Waivers are getting hard to come by, and prior enlisted are not getting a lot of slots these days. As always, talk to a recruiter and submit your records to MEPS. -
Drew,
I do not know the likelihood of getting a waiver for history of Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome. I have not had anyone with it come through my MEPS. -
Hey navy doc what’s the likely hood of getting a waiver for enuresis ? for navy or national guard planning on joining after school . which I slightly never had . I went an had a psychological evaluation an the psychologist wrote a huge letter stating I didn’t have no history of mental issues past to present.
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hello im attempting to pursue a career as a SWCC and i was just wondering what are the chances of me getting a waiver for migraines that occur maybe 2-3 times a year? and if i cant get a waiver for swcc can i just get one more a normal rate?
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Tony,
I don’t know what “which I slightly never had” means. If you have wet the bed in the past year, it is DQ. -
Jerry,
If your migraines require prescription medication, or cause you to miss work or school within the past 2 years, waiver is unlikely. -
Doc, thanks for the response. The migranes occur maybe at the most 4 times a year, I do have prescription medicine BUT IT’S NOT required and i never use it, excedrin migraine usually fixes them. Also Is the missing work on occasion or for extended periods of time? Like miss 1 or 2 days out of the last 2 years
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Jerry,
If you have been prescribed migraine medication or missed ANY work or school due to headaches in the past two years, it is DQ. -
I have a 2mm disc bulge at L4-L5. After undergoing physical, and having no pain, is this a waiverable condition? Is there any length of time I must wait after being fully healed to enlist?
Thank you. And thank you for providing so much info on this website.
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Johnny,
Most disc bulges are incidental findings and cause no symtpoms at all. Only frank disc herniations are DQ. -
I attended a service academy with no history of mental conditions. I entered the academy with a case of constipation which progressively got worse the first three days of summer training. Despite the pain and my complaints of the pain to command, I was ridiculed and told I was “lazy” and “lying”, which escalated despite proof from a ct scan that I did have significant constipation. (The constipation resolved, which was not the issue.) Despite medical treatment and proof that I was telling the truth, I was continuously ridiculed, to the point of verbal hazing. I reacted in a very stupid way by making remarks of suicidal ideation. (I was bullied as a young child and I used the same statements made to me then. I have never, though, been suicidal in any way.) I was sent to the hospital for a few days where they diagnosised me with major depression, but that diagnosis was changed to adjustment disorder which resolved within a couple months. I left the academy voluntarily with an RE-1.
I definitely want to reenlist at some point. Is this going to be an issue? Is there anything I need to do? -
So here’s my question. I enlisted with neurofibromatosis and have served for 18 yrs with it. Now trying to get a commission and was DENIED due to the NF. i also was diagnosed with migraines while SERVING and that was another causitive factor for denial. How can I have enlisted with NF and served for 18+ yrs but now I’m not good enough to continue serving as an officer because of NF? What can I do about it?
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Lab girl,
If you are prior enlisted and have a DD214, you are now evaluated under the accession medical fitness standards, and both migraines and NF are PDQ. Neither of those things are likely to get a waiver as you’ve discovered, for either enlisted or commissioned, in this current recruiting climate.
If you are currently in the military and trying to commission, the pool of selectees may be very good, and they are choosing not to consider you due to your medical issues.
WTM,
Single kidney for any reason is PDQ with no waiver allowed.