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685 Responses to “Medical Conditions Normally Waiverable”
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I had open heart surgery when I was 13 months old. There was a hole that needed to be patched up, basically a VSD. I played sports in high school with the approval from my cardiologist. I am 24 now, in the best shape of my life, and have no physical limitations. I also work out 6 days a week. I have echocardiograms and EKG’s with no problems. Would the Navy, or National Guard be able to grant me a waiver? I’m looking into the OCS program since I have a degree as well. Thanks
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I was wondering what my chances are for getting back into the military? I am applying Air Force now.. but I dont think I will be able to get my medical stuff approved by the board at the end of this month. I was going to apply to the Army. I was active duty for 6 years. I had left hip bursitis, which I got 10% VA disability. I have not had issues with my bursitis since I got out. I had my MD write a letter saying I had not been seen for this issue for the last three years. I can’t get other MD’s to sign off since they were in other states and my medical records are no longer on those bases when I was a civilian spouse. I do have the records but there is nothing in them because I did not have any issues. I had no surgery. All I was given was motrin. All documentation said full range of motion and strength. There was some documentation about sciatica too. Also the same – I had two bad paps in a row but have been cleared negative since 2001. I have all copies except 2005-2008 reports. I requested my records for that time. I am a critical care nurse with a masters degree in nursing. I know its a critical shortage in the military and they are offering me bonus and 02E. Will this play into them approving or getting a waiver? I am healthy with no issues. I am not taking any medications. I really want to get back in but I am afraid they won’t let me. Any advise?
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Jon,
Thoracic surgery (for repairing the VSD) requires a waiver. If you have a recent (within the past 6 months) echocardiogram and cardiology consult, that will speed things up. In my experience, waivers are granted if you have normal heart function now. -
MAitaigal,
The bursitis should not be a problem as long as you were not medically discharged for it. The “bad paps” may require a waiver, depnding on what that means. If you had HSIL or CIN II or above, you would require a waiver. Generally, if you have negative paps now, a waiver would be granted. Waivers are granted irrespective of your pay grade or rate, based solely on medical evidence. -
My recruiter submitted my medical prescreen to MEPS and he stated that if they DQ me, I’m officially done and I cannot proceed further in the process. Is it possible for my recruiter to submit a request via BUMED to get permission from the Navy for me to go thru MEPS in spite of a potentially disqualifying condition?
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Rod,
N3M (BUMED is not the Navy waiver authority) can indeed request that a MEPS provide a physical to a medically disqualified applicant. However, ometimes the services choose not to pursue a waiver for an applicant with a disqualification. -
Navydoc,
If MEPS PDQ’s me without even giving me a physical, will that make it almost impossible to get into any branch of service?
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Navydoc,
Thanks for the response. I looked up my report. The colpo path report said LGSIL, mild focal displasia due to HPV. I saw the HPV is excluded in MEPS disqual. I have documentation post saying WNL f/u in one year post abnormal pap. Since the last abnormal was in 2001 I think I should be ok. As for bursitis.. I was never placed on a profile during my term of service and I was not discharged medically for it. I had a voluntary- honorable discharge RE-1. I know they will want to see my MRI results but they were not in my medical record. Only think I have is my physical therapist at the time mentioning the diagnosis of mild trochanter bursitis and D/Cing my therapy at the time – which I have a written copy of the change of care. I remeber my the CMDR saying that the current therapy plan made my problem worse for the last 6 months (back in 2004). I am an ICU nurse. I stand on my feet for 13 hour shifts three days in a row a week. I have not had any issues since I got out of the service. I hope they take that into consideration.
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Navydoc,
I was wondering – do I have to go to MEPS? I spoke with the Army recruiter and they said that they take all their enlistees to the army base for medical evaluations since the local MEPS likes to disqual everyone. The Navy and Air force can not do this because there are no fully active bases within the state (just small reserve bases (Air Force only – no Navy.
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Rod,
When there is something that is identified as disqualifying on the medical record review, the CMO has two choices, based on his experience: 1) authorize to physical, and then request a waiver (this is done when the CMO knows a waiver is very likely); or 2) forward to the service waiver authority to see if they will give permission to process (this is done when the CMO believes a waiver is unlikely, and we do not want to waste the applicants time if there is no hope to get a waiver).
If a service waiver authority does not authorize processing at MEPS, you can try another service, but the waiver authority is the final say for any given service. -
Maitaigirl,
It sounds like your medical issues are not disqualifying. I have not heard of bases in CONUS doing enlistment physicals. They do sometimes do commissioning physicals, since those have to go before a board. Overseas physicals are often done at military treatment facilities. Most physicals in the US are done at one of the 65 MEPS. -
navydoc here my question to you. i was recently permantly dq from meps last week from the navy. i was dq before i even went up to meps because of my eye sight. here is the kicker i went to see to differenet eye doctors and they said my eyes are completely healthy just have astigmatism. the doc noted that i have no pathology and my eyes are healthy.. i was wondering what are my chances of getting a wavier or what i have to do in ordered to get a wavier????
sphere cyl axis
OD -1.25 -2.25 096
OS -1.00 -3.50 093
my vision is 20/20 with my glasses on and without my glasses is 20/200. thanks -
Keanu,
Astigmatism with a cylinder (that’s the second number) greater than +-3.00 is disqualifying, doesn’t matter if the eye is otherwise healthy. The good news is this is waiverable up to +-5.00 diopters. You will most likely need to submit corneal topography to the waiver authority. If you had this done by your eye doctor (unlikely, they don’t usually do it routinely), great, if not, the waiver authority will probably request MEPS to do it as a consult. Problems with visual acuity are one of the most common reasons for waivers. -
I had my ACL replaced in 1993. I had hardware placed (two small screws, we’re talking mm’s here)and was wondering if that would be a problem for enlistment. I was told in 1997 when I first tried to join that they would have to be removed. Would that still be the case today? I know a lot has changed in the way of recruitment. Also, I recently had an arthroscopic procedure performed on the same knee to clean some surfaces. Would that be cause for disqualification? I have wanted nothing more than to serve in the military and hopefully will be able to fulfill that dream soon. Any information you provide will be helpful. Thanks.
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Navydoc,
I am currently trying to join the Marines, but I am awaiting clearance for a left pectoralis major muscle repair. The accident happened December 2010 while training.
After the repair, which was done 4 days later, I began recovering and have fully recovered according to my orthopedic surgeon who has provided me with the surgery report, x-rays, and a clearance letter upon passing proper medical screening (ROM. strength test, flexibility test, resistance test, etc.). When the injury happened my recruiter was in the process of completing my SF86 – a process that took, for circumstances beyond my control, a considerable amount of time.
Recently, my recruiter had me fill out and sign for a waiver. All the documents aforementioned were sent to MEPS. I am wondering whether my injury and reason for hospitalization would be disqualifying factors. I have two screws – one distal of the deltoid tuberosity, one proximal of the surgical neck – of the anterior aspect of the humerus (i.e. nowhere near the joint). The screws secure the tendon which is “stable, there is no pain, and not subject to easy trauma” nor do they “interfere with proper wearing of protective equipment or military uniform”.
I have not been able to get the archetypal ball rolling through my recruiter; hence, why I am resorting to your help which was highly recommended by NCCM Goering. I appreciate your time and help in advance.
Thank you,
Will -
dear navydoc,
i had my acl replaced when i was 21 and am now 25 i was wanting to go into the marine corp and was wondering what i need from the doctor that replaced it and what i should expect as far as whats to come if im disqualified. -
Amanda,
A single ACL repair is not disqualifying, provided the knee is stable. The second surgery may be an issue. Two ACL repairs on the same knee is disqualifying, but waiver is possible. Having any kind of cartilage resurfacing (debridement, chondroplasty, micro-fracture, to name a few techniques) is disqualifying as well. That being said, with a good result, a waiver is possible. -
Will,
The Marines are extremely conservative about any surgeries involving the upper extremities, as they have a very high upper body strength demand. I have not seen a case like yours before, and so cannot comment specifically on your chances for a waiver for the Marines. I think with any other service your waiver chances would be good. However, the worst that can happen is the waiver authority says no, so I would have your recruiter sumbit the paperwork up to the Marines at BUMED. -
Cam,
ACL reconstruction is not disqualifying as long as there is a good result and a stable knee with no further problems (as long as there was no concurrent cartilage surgery as mentioned above). Hardware is irrelevant, and not disqualifying anymore. Some CMO’s will send you for an ortho consult, and others are comfortable doing a good knee exam at the MEPS. If you have a recent visit to your orthopedist, submit that along with your surgical report, and you should be good to go. -
Thank you sir.
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I’m sorry sir one last question, I recently went through a police academy with P.T. I was wondering if a letter from an instructor stating i had no problems during the training be advisable, and if so what should it state?
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NavyDoc,
I had a deviated septum corrected in my nose about 2 and a half years ago. I have been fine ever since and have submitted post-operation reports to show that. However, the surgeons also removed nasal pollyps while doing that work, and I’ve found online elsewhere that at least 3 years had to have passed for that to have been waiverable. Is this true? I had my physical done at a private clinic and he didn’t even ask me about it, even though I put it and a few other (hopefully minor/waiverable) things on my forms. Hoping you have good news for me! -
Cam,
A statement from your Police Academy trainer is not really useful. ACL reconstruction is not disqualifying in and of itself, so the only thing that will really matter is your physical exam. If the knee is stable, you should be good. -
BE,
Nasal polyp removal is temporarily disqualifing for 12 months after the surgery, so you should be good to go, as long as you have no further problems.You mention having your physical at a private clinic which might indicate that you are National Guard (home town physical program). That program has been suspended due to the poor quality of the physicals that were being done and non-compliance with the established medical fitness standards. At this point, all individuals who had a home town physical are being required to re-physical at a MEPS.
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Hey navydoc back in 2007 I was disqualified for high blood pressure. But my blood pressure is controlled now and I been off meds about 4 months now. What do I have to do to cleared the disqualification and how long do I have to be off blood pressure meds?
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Brian,
You cannot be “cleared” from that disqualification. Any history of hypertension, even if now controlled, will require waiver. -
Oh I didnt know that so basically I can get a waiver since its controlled now navydoc? And how can I get a waiver?
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I have a tiny hiatal hernia diagonosed in 2007 all military doctors and civ said if its tiny dont have it fixed its fine if you have know symtoms would meps give me an issue about this.
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Brian,
Given that you have only been off medication for 4 months, it is unlikely that you will qualify for a waiver. After 12 months or more, it will be more likely. Some of the services will not give waivers for HTN. The only way to get a waiver is to get approval to process at MEPS, have a physical and be disqualified. Then your packet is forwarded to the waiver authority for your service, where the physicians there make the final recommendation. -
Joe,
An asymptomatic hiatal hernia is not disqualifying. But if you never had problems from it, how was it diagnosed? Usually a hiatal hernia is found during a work-up for heartburn or chest pain. -
Well he prescribe me tribenzor on december 2010 and took me off of it on february. Because when I lost a bunch 60 pounds that kinda help out a lot. So he took me off cuz it was bringing it down way too low. But I have my records that I started in december 2010 and stop in february.
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Brian,
Tribenzor is a three combination drug that is usually prescribed only when other drugs have failed, so that is worrisome. I still think a waiver would be more likely if you prove to be well-controlled off all medications for at least 12 months, but ultimately it is up to the waiver authority if they are willing to take a risk on you. -
What about minor depression? I’m on celexa 40mg for my depression and I do not meet the criteria for severe depression and could possibly be able to come off the medication. I also had a ventral septal defect in my heart at birth (premature birth via C section) that closed on its own.
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Megan,
It depends on the actual diagnosis. For lesser depression, you must be off of all medication and therapy for at least 3 years. Major mood disorders are permanently disqualifying. -
hi,when i was 3 years old i had cancer i ended up getting a kidney removed. I am now 23 will this disqualify me? people can live normal lives with one kidney and i havent been hospitalized or taken medication in over 10 years.
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Danielle,
Bothe the hisotry of cancer and having only one kidney are disqualifying. I have never seen a waiver for a missing kidney, whether lost through trauma, tumor, absence at birth or from being a donor. -
Hello my question is if I had surgery a year ago for a fractured pinky is it waiverable. I had 4 stitches and had 2 pins inserted to hold the bone in place but the pins were removed when I got my cast off. I can still make a fist and pretty much do anything pull ups etc. it jus a little deformed (some swelling, not really) from the surgery but there’s no problem except the range of motion is not 100% but its right about 100%. The fractured occurred at the center joint of my right pinky and eveything is good no pain no nothing besides the scar. Also I have one more question another is having a blood pressure of 124/74 disqualifying?
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Smith,
Your surgery is not disqualifying if you have a functional hand. The blood pressure you posted is normal. -
Hello I had tubes in my ear when I was a child and a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy when I was 14 1/2 (around early 2006). I have my eardrum repaired and they made my ear canal wider. My hearing is perfect now and everything is in normal ranges without any recurring issues. What are the odds of getting a waiver for something like this. Im in generally good health bar a minor colds/stomach bugs every once in a while. Also I have documentation from my surgeon who was also my specialist for the surgery stating exactly what was done on me and when.
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Okay so I have a question/concern. I had plantar fasciitiis in the past and so I am trying to get my medical records pulled. I got a letter from my physician saying that I am okay to do any activities including but not limited to (running, marching, etc.) Anyway I can run up to 22 miles so far and im totally fine and I also do not see the physician anymore for my condition.
What are the chances of me getting a medical waiver since the condition is gone and I do not see the Orthopedic anymore?
I do have to call and stuff to see what he lastly put on my records but, he told me I was fine and was writing it down in his computer. I am going for the MArines active duty with College credits as well.
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Chris Perez,
History of mastoidectomy is PDQ. You will require a waiver. -
Arleenee,
If it has been several years since you had the fasciitis, you should not require a waiver. -
I just found out that I need a waiver of some sort because I was diagnosed with autism as a child(I didn’t require medication but I did go through occupational and physical therapy). I have no criminal record(also no reports of anxiety disorders or temperament issues), a 3.45 unweighted GPA(4+ weighted), and I’ve got some AP credit under my belt. What is the likelihood of getting such a waiver?
Also, I’ve sprained one ankle 6 times… Any suggestions as to how to strengthen the muscle?
I hope I can serve because I want to be a Navy physician someday.
Thank you in advance for answering my question, Sir/Ma’am.
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Megan,
I would question the accuracy of the diagnosis of autism if you are functioning in a normal school environment with no current individual education plan or therapy. Perhaps you had some other developmental delay that has resolved. Regardless, the waiver authority looks at function of the individual, so if you are doing well in a normal environment, you should have a good chance. I have seen one waiver for a person with Asperger’s syndromeTalk to an athletic trainer about your ankle. That could be a significant problem at basic training.
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I’m really glad to hear that.
I’ll get the ankle checked out and see how I can strengthen it, only one of the sprains was documented, I think(My physician recommended an X-ray and it wasn’t a fracture, the other ones my ex-Army parents told me to take aspirin and deal with it). I’m probably not going to enlist for the Navy until I’m heading to graduate school for the MPSP, so that will take around 4-5 years…
Thanks, Navydoc, I thought for a moment I’d be auto-DQ’d.
Also, did you get your medical license through the Navy or did you do that the civilian way? What’s the best option for those who want to be military physicians?
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I have read all of the comments regarding HPV and I think I have a better idea now but I just want to ask for my specific situation. Two years ago I had an abnormal pap (before the ‘you only need them once you’re 21′ rule) my second one was this february after I turned 21. It was normal but positive for HPV. I am curious if I should get the results from my doctor to bring to MEPS or if they will have access to them? Thanks
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Megan,
I went to a civilian medical school on the Navy’s dime (HPSP), then did my residency in the Navy, then my fellowship training at a civilian program, came back to the Navy and served my time. Loved it so much I stayed in.
The military doesn’t license physicians. We must pass the same medical boards and licensing requirements of all physicians, and carry a valid license from one of the 50 states of Puerto Rico. They just don’t make us get a new license every time we get transferred to a new duty station.
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Melissa,
MEPS will ask for copies of your pap results since they were abnormal. However, if all they show is HPV, you will be good to go.
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Hey navydoc autism is permanent disqualifying. Because I was diagnosed with it at 6 years old.
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Brian,
I am aware that autism and autism spectrum disorders are disqualifying. However, as I stated to Megan, waivers are possible because the waiver authority looks at a person and how she or he functions, not just a diagosis. -
Oh ok thank you navydoc my recruiter dont wanna work with me when I told him that. Also he told me that I would be disqualified and no waiver will be granted for it but I show appreaciate it to actually hear it from a doctor than a recruiter. Hey megan since im in the same boat with let me know about your status on getting a waiver.
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NavyDoc, is Bell’s Palsy disqualifying? My doctor ran blood tests and ct scans to find out where it came from. Nobody in my family has ever had this. The only thing he can tell me is all tests were negative. But that I had a viral infection that attacked the facial nerve causing it to swell and press against the bone in which it runs through to your face. And this is causing me to have a temporary paralysis of the right side of my face. I am taking Prednisone to aid in reducing the swelling of the facial nerve. And I am expected to make a full recovery due to the fact it’s not hereditary and it is not the result of anything other than a basic ear infection that somehow attacked and inflamed my facial nerve. I have no loss of vision, no balance issues, no strength issues, no other issues what so ever other than this temporary set back. Would this DQ me or is it waiverable? I’m 6’2″ and I recently lost 33 lbs. dropping from 235 to 202 so I could meet the weight requirement and then this happened, go figure lol.
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I’m 15 and looking at applying to Annapolis when I graduate to eventually become a Naval Aviator. Unfortunately I have mild hemophilia (Close to 50% of normal clotting factors in my blood). I do not bleed faster, or with injuries that would not normally induce bleeding. I have great platelets and am an active, smart guy. I’ve read a few places that hemophilia was a definite DQ, and unwaiverable. I was hoping to get more information on this, as it does not effect my ability to function or do rigorous tasks required by the US military.
Thanks for your time.
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Hello Doc, just curious what a psych eval entails. I am getting one to submit with my waiver request. My husband is a corpsman, and his OIC said that he thinks talking to the doctor at their clinic will be enough. If I speak with the lcdr and I have a mini consultation and she writes something up, would this be considered substantial? Or will I need to actually go to a psychologist and have a consult? I am applying for navy nurse corps, and my recruiter didn’t make any arrangements for me to see someone through them; she said since I have tricare to try and get a consult myself. Thanks!
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BKS,
You will need to fully recover from the Bell’s palsy, and then you should be fine, with no need for a waiver. -
John,
Hemophilia is unlikely to be waiverable. -
NJ,
If you have had your MEPS physical and require a psych consult, MEPS will make the arrangements with a contracted physician. If your recruiter wants you to have a psych consult prior to submitting your paperwork to MEPS, then you would arrange for that on your own. Personally, if I, or one of my doctors, request a psych consult, I accept it only from my consultant, not from one the applicant selects and pays for. -
Thank you Navydoc, I appreciate your response. I’m recovering quite well so hopefully not too long and I can get back on the “boat” per se..again thank you
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I am 17 and want to become a SEAL, a 2 years ago i broke my ankle and received some screws and a metal plate, but the Dr said i can have them removed now. Will this disqualify me? let me add that i have full range of motion and have been running and training strenuously like nothing happened. Their is no swelling or pain whatsoever.
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Ryan,
Surgical hardware is not disqualifying, so there is no need to have is removed unless there is a medical need to do so. You may have to have an orthopedic consult once you get to MEPS, but otherwise, yours is a common condition that poses no issues. -
Thank you very much for the feedback, iv been stressing about it for some time now and its very releaving to hear that. God Bless
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Hey navydoc do the navy waive high blood pressure
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Brian,
I have seen two blood pressure waivers for prior service Navy when the individual was bringing something special to the table (one was a chaplain, the other a nurse). The worst they can do is say “no”, so in my opinion, it is worth sending in your paperwork showing good control of high blood pressure on medication and see what the waiver authority says. -
Well back in 2007 when I went to meps I had fail the physical due to high blood pressure. The doc at meps even told me to sit awhile a see if it will go down and it never did so he disqualified me and told me to go to a civillian doctor and get 5 blood pressure checks. I never done so yet but since thats been 5 years ago and my physical was only good for two years how do I clear the disqualification.
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Brian,
If the only time you were found to have high blood pressure was at the MEPS (never treated by your own physician for it) you should go into the MEPS with a clean record and they will just see if your blood pressure is high now. Just annotate it on the 2807 (medical pre-screen) that you had high blood pressure on the day of your previous MEPS physical, and none since then. -
I am interested in the Navy Nurse Corps after graduation. I was wondering if the MEPS requirements were the same for officers and enlisted. I also have had a couple of kidney stones over 3 years ago that needed no medical intervention except pain medication. Could this keep me out of the Navay Nurse Corps?
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Hello, I really want to join, but I have a condition called Mitochondrial disease complex III. In saying this though I function normally I can do all of the required sit ups, pushups,chin ups,running,jumping jacks, and can lift my own weight easily. I talked to a recruter who said it was “Disqualifying”, but I can do everything that is ask of me. Do you think I could get a waiver? It is so mild I did not even know I had it until I had a doctors appointment and they found I had it.
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Hey navydoc I went to my appointment yesterday and my doctor dianosed me with high blood pressure so if I get it under control can I get a waiver for it
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Heather,
The same medical fitness standards apply to both officers and enlisted. Recurrent kidney stones, or stones that occur in both kidneys, are disqualifying, and require a waiver. If it has been at least 12 months since you last had a stone, and have no underlying kidney disease, waiver is likely. -
Brian,
Once you have shown good control of your blood pressure for a period of at least 6-12 months, send your records in for a waiver review. Waviers for high blood pressure are not common, but I have seen some. -
Kyley,
Given the multisystem nature of mitochondrial disease complex III, I think your chances for a waiver are unlikely. -
Navydoc:
You had previously answered a question about my Celiacs (I am the one attempting to enlist as a chaplain). I found out today from my recruiter that Celiacs wasn’t a problem on the med-read for MEPS. I had taken Allopurinol in the past for gout (so I listed it on my pre-screen). The LT called today and said that Big Navy Medical has to approve me coming in for my MEPS physical. What does this mean? Is this a waiver? If so, how serious is this and what all do they take into consideration? – Thanks again, Josh
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My son is trying to join the Air Force. Nothing medically wrong except appendix out 10 years ago. Will this be a problem when he heads off to meps? Should he be prepared with anything?
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Alex Josh,
An appendectomy 10 years ago is not a problem. -
517.hi my name is charles berry im 23 i posted on lines 365 n u answered on 367
so i went tothe rolla recreuiting station in missouri comng back from my dr appt
my thyriod level ere in range i weighed 207 a that time sill droppin weight im now 195 well the med read states i was hyperthyriod when i was 14 got radical pills to kill thyriod n now am hypothyriod medically inducted hypothyriod levels are controoled since 2007 im in great shape so the meps prescreen over the phone the st louis meps lady said she just doesnt see me in themmilitary she said side effects i told her i do not experience any ide effects at all and am very active and has been loosing weight at a steady pace she said no over the while i didnt send any paperwork up at all what can ido to elp my chances in getting in i have 30 credits grad from high school in 2006 i been employed since 2005 on ft leaonard wood help m i really want the military any branch will do i didnt give meps no info no social just a name and birth date was said over phone no address no nothing didnt even fill out the med records im fit and can run 2 miles in 16 mins
im 70 inches tall currently 195 pounds
what do i do here my hypothyriod is well controlled i have no issuses with it at all i have my complete up todate thyriod recrods they are up to date no under development of muscles im strong as an ox no lower core body temp or anythang i want to get in and make a something of my life im going to be 24 in ctober please help me -
Berry,
History of hyperthyroid is disqualifying, although if you have been treated (sounds like you received radioactive iodine treatment) and are now either euthyroid (meaning normal tests and no medication) or hypothyroid (taking medication) and stable, you should be elibigle for a waiver. I would get with a recruiter and submit your documents, inlcuding recent thyroid function tests that show normal numbers. -
407.Berry,
History of hyperthyroid is disqualifying, although if you have been treated (sounds like you received radioactive iodine treatment) and are now either euthyroid (meaning normal tests and no medication) or hypothyroid (taking medication) and stable, you should be elibigle for a waiver. I would get with a recruiter and submit your documents, inlcuding recent thyroid function tests that show normal numbers.Comment by Navydoc — September 1, 2011 @ 1:48 pm
thank you sir i will do that is october 1st best time to hit up a recuiter n push for a wavier
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I was recommended for a commissioning program, took my physical at the base clinic, was deemed fit for fully duty by the Navy doctor. My paperwork has been sent to N3M for approval about 3 weeks ago. (I am getting anxious)
I have FAI (Fameroacetabular inpingement)in my hip that doesn’t interfere with my daily activities. I need to take Naproxen (NSAID) for the pain. The injury had occurred while I was on Active Duty. I received a couple of streoid shots for pain management and also ortho surgeons didn’t recommend a surgery.
What are the changes of my condition being approved by Millington? (I also have a letter from my own physician).
Thank you very much! – Gwen
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Gwen,
About 80% of officer candidates who require a waiver will receive one. -
Navydoc,
Thank you for the response.
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I’m 22, and as long as I could remember, I’ve had the ability to intentionally sublux my knee cap. I am really determined to join, and recently recieved a 98 on my ASVAB. Would this be something that could potentially be a permanent disqualification? I’ve played sports, and never required surgery, but I have had minor injuries in the past, years back.
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Hi I pass my ASVAB and went to MEPS last month during my physical at meps two doctor look at my ear drum first one said i have perforated (hole) eardrum so she called the other doctor to double check…the second doctor said its fine and its healing so they qualified me the same day. Doing my research ( some recruit pass meps but DQ during bootcamp) i have learned that if u go too bootcamp and the doctor there found about perforated eardrum you can be medically discharged….i am quite confuse because the doctor at meps qualified me. Can i get waiver during bootcamp or is there any chance they let me graduate me. I will be quitting my job so if i go to bootcamp and get discharged it will be a great dissapoinment and hardship for me and my family.
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Both Babesiosis and Lyme’s disease will be disqualifying and need a waiver. You will need to submit records of treatment, especially about the seizures to show you have been seizure free, to the MEPS.
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Boy,
A perforated eardrum at boot will get you an entry level discharge. Any waivers (and there are none for perforated eardrum) would have to be given before you report for basic training. If there is any chance that you have a perforated eardrum, get it taken care of. MEPS doctors do sometimes make mistakes, and people get discharged from the recruit training centers for medical issues that should have been caught at MEPS. -
Thank you navy Doc. I will go for a private doctor just to make ut sure its healed or getting healed. Thank you again.
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Navy Doc
For those who went to boot and get medical discharge or ELS what kind of benefits will they get? ( if theres one) can i reenlist if my eardrum healed or totally healed? Can i push back my bct until i healed my eardrum( i will be getting my ship date next week. Thanks navy doc
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Boy,
Entry level separation for failure to meet medical fitness standards get no benefits at all. It is considered an erroneous enlistment. A ruptured eardrum, whether it heals on its own or requires surgery, is temporarily disqualifying for 180 days, after which time you can be medically qualified for duty. If you have one, let your recruiter know, that way they can schedule you a BCT date after the mandatory 180 day waiting period (or get you a waiver if the eardrum has healed, but the 180 days has not yet passed). Remember your MEPS physical is good for 2 years. -
Navydoc
I am 22, just graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing with a 3.75 GPA. I am interested in becoming an Officer but I would like to know if the following would automatically disqualify me or if I can get waivers (basically what you think my chances are of getting in):
1) UTI’s – I had multiple UTI’s for a while (like the span of a year) but haven’t had one for probably a year now.
Problem is “a. Current cystitis, or history of chronic or recurrent cystitis (595).” So what exactly is considered “chronic/recurrent” in a specific timeframe?
2) depression – episode for which I took medication for 6 months and then took myself off, then recurrence of what seemed like depression 6mo-year later for which took meds for 3 months before realizing it was just the anxiety, and have been off for 6mo. All during college, for which I still went to class and maintained my grades. (I understand the being of medication for a year but the two times taking the medication, would that look bad?)
3) diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder – only seen by doctor once before diagnosed, but was taking medication for 6 mo, then stopped and then recurrence 6mo-year later and still taking medication now for about 6mo. (I was told if get psych to “un-diagnose” me with gen anxiety disorder and stay off meds for a year I would be eligible).
4) premature ventricular/premature atrial contractions – diagnosed about a year ago, no medications taken, no physical effects noted, was told they were benign (should have not problems in future – like heart attack etc), and were probably caused by the anxiety (usually caused by caffeine, stress, etc). Echo done and nothing abnormal noted.It states “j. Current or history of ventricular arrhythmias (427.1) including ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, or multifocal premature ventricular contractions. Occasional asymptomatic unifocal premature ventricular contractions meet the standard.” If they fall under the “occasional asymptomatic unifocal” section does that mean I would be qualified?
Sorry for all the questions, just want some things cleared up.
Thanks -
Dear Sir,
I went to MEPS in 2010 for Army. All physical was fine but was DQ for dental. I did all the dental work and this year (2011),I met with the Navy Reserve. The Navy recruiter submitted all documents and N3M approved a waiver last week. Now I’m scheduled for MEPS next week to hopefully take the oath and enlist.While at MEPS, will I undergo another complete physical or will it just be height/weight and urinalysis? What portion of the physical is valid only for 30 days or 1 year? There seems to be alot of conflicting information out there….
Thanks in advance for the reply as well as providing this opportunity.
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NCCM,
I am applying to the Naval Academy, and have gone through the DoDMERB process. They have sent me a letter saying that I have been disqualified for a stress fracture received in the last 12 months. This stress fracture I developed during the track season last spring (I am a distance runner) and was a compression-sided femoral neck fracture that had to be pinned. I’ve heard from the doctor that did my physical and read from this website that orthopedic conditions are usually waiverable, and I now have a full range of motion, no limitations, and have been training again for cross country. I was just wondering the chances I had of receiving a waiver with retained hardware if the hardware is no longer supportive.
Thanks in advance, and I appreciate the opportunity. -
Thanks very much for the clearer information.
Best,
Mike. -
Tom,
Temporary disqualifying conditions, such as a stress fracture, are not eligible for waiver. There is a 12 month waiting period for stress fractures. The only way to get a waiver would be to permanently DQ you, then send for waiver. I usually try to avoid this route, as it can have repercussions later down the line (DQ you from certain jobs, etc). -
Rach,
Depressions and generalized anxiety disorder are both PDQ. Waiver is possible after 3 years off all treatment, including medications or therapy. The UTI’s probably wouldn’t be an issue. The PVC’s would require further investigations, possibly a cardiology consult, and waiver approval. -
Hi Navydoc,
Is being on coumadin for an instance of a DVT over 10 years ago a disqualify for a dentist wanting to go in the Air Force reserves?
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Marie,
History of DVT is PDQ. Waiver is possible if the condition is resolved and unlikely to return. -
I appreciate the answer so quickly. So is the coumadin therapy a PDQ? Is there a possible waiver with that?
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Marie,
Waiver is possible if the condition is resolved and unlikely to return. The PDQ condition is history of DVT, not just the coumadain therapy (as there are multiple uses for coumadin, as well as multiple treatment options for DVT). -
3 years off of medication and therapy would just be prescribed medications and actually seeing a psych/therapist for anxiety/depression? would alternative therapies or OTC things be fine?? Also, if I was seeing a Therapist for other reasons would that be a problem?
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Rach,
Any treatment for depression or anxiety, whether prescription or OTC, and/or therapy would be disqualifying. You need to submit your entire psychiatric record to have it reviewed to see if waiver is possible. -
Question can a bronchitis be detected without being mentioned at meps?
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Jezibel,
The medical questionnaire does ask if you have had bronchitis, and you should always tell the truth (in fact you are swearing that you have done so). However, history of bronchitis a time or two is not disqualifying unless you have an underlying lung problem. If you currently have bronchitis, the doctor will be able to tell when he/she listens to your lungs. -
Hey, I’ve had congenital nystagmus (since birth) and am currently waiting on a waiver from the national guard. I was able to get my license no problem and have corrected vision of 20/40 in both eyes. My nystagmus doesn’t affect me whatsoever, I wouldn’t even know I had it if I hadn’t been told. I am dying for this waiver, what doyou think my chances are of getting it? Thanks much in advance!
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Dane,
I have seen waivers for nystagmus, but generally those individuals have vision that corrects to 20/20. Nystagmus can be a problem on the rifle range, with such individuals unable to meet marksmanship requirements. Waivers from the National Guard often take a considerable amount of time to hear back, so be prepared to wait. Good luck. -
I take Keppra for Migraines is this something that you can get a waiver for?
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Christian,
Prescription medication for migraines is disqualifying. Waiver would not be recommended. -
Hello:
I have a general question about steps to being commissioned.
Will MEPS only see you after you get all your medical waivers? (I’m currently waiting on a mild case of eczema medical waiver.) I know you wrote “The medical records will be sent to the MEPS in advance for a medical review so having them ready will save you a ton of time.”
Is MEPS the last stop before being commissioned or do they do a background check afterward?
Do you have to bring all your medical documents to MEPS or will they have a copy of all the documents you sent through your recruiter?
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Jes,
Since eczema is disqualifying, your medical record was probably sent for a “courtesy review” to see if they will even consider you for a waiver. The Navy does not want to spend money giving you a MEPS physical if waiver is not possible. So if Millington says they will consider you for a waiver, they will give MEPS permission to physical you. You will then get your physical and be officially disqualified. Then, once your blood and urine tests are complete, your entire packet goes back to the waiver authority for the waiver (you can’t get a waiver before you have your MEPS physical, contrary to common belief).
The medical records you gave to your recruiter are what the MEPS uses to decide whether or not to process you, request waiver permission to process you, or DQ you without waiver request.
Well I just got an evaluation and it went well but what else can I do to possibly increase my chances on getting a waiver since it was long ago