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685 Responses to “Medical Conditions Normally Waiverable”
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Jessika,
Scoliosis must be less than 30 degrees in both the thoracic and lumbar spine, when measured by the Cobb method, to qualify. Higher than that will DQ you and not be waived. -
Hey Doc,
I was recently cleared by my VA Cardiologist stating that I have no physical limitations and even have it on a VA document signed and dated by her. I am a prior service Army Medic that had mitral valve replaced and not on disability or SSI or TDRL. What is the outlook of joining the navy reserves.
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ED,
Waiver for a prosthetic mitral valve is unlikely. -
Thank you! My scoliosis is <15, that means that I'll be able to be in U.S. military? Is it posible to be disqualified?
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Jessika,
Scoliosis less than 30 degrees is not disqualifying. -
Hey i just finished my physical and by blood pressure came out a little high! Can that disqualify me from joining? Is it possible to get a waiver for it??
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Sotokid,
If your blood pressure remains high (above 140/90) you will be DQ with no waiver authorized. -
My son had shoulder surgery at 15 yrs old. He was just disqualified before going to MEPS because of the wording on the medical records. He is devastated. Had the dr not stated that it was reoccuring he would have made it through. It was reoccurring before the surgery. That was the purpose of the surgery.
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Christine,
That is correct, a history of shoulder instability or dislocations, as well as surgery to correct those (commonly called Bankart repair, SLAP repair, or capsulorrhaphy) are PDQ for all services. Generally the Marines and Coast Guard will not waive this particular disqualification, but the other services will. If your son is joining the Navy, AF, Army or National Guard, he has a good chance of getting a waiver. -
Hello Navy Doc,
My husband had plans to join the Navy last year but was delayed due to a back injury that happened at work. He had no history of back pain, surgeries or any injuries to his back before this incident. His job concluded that he had a bulging/herniated disk with sciatica due to the bending and lifting that was a required part of his job. He has since then completed all required physical therapy that was asked of and has since cleared to return to work with no limitations. Does his back injury qualify as a DQ even though it wasn’t a pre-existing condition? And if he can get a medical waiver for what is the likelihood of them approving it. Thank you for your time.
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sparklez33,
Yes, your husband’s condition will DQ him. Waiver is possible after a good 6-12 months of pain-free normal activities. How likely the waiver is to be granted depends on the length of time since recovery. -
Thanks Navy Doc for your reply. Just one mre thing. I was doing some research last night and I found this:
(g). Current herniated nucleus pulposus (722) or history of surgery to correct (CPT 63001-63200). A surgically corrected asymptomatic single-level lumbar or thracic diskectomy with full resumption of unrestricted activity DOES meet the standard.
What exactly does this mean? Does it mean only if you had surgery to correct the problem you would qualify? It was a PDF file of the standards to serve in the military that was revised September of 2011. Thank you again for your help and clarification.
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sparklez33,
That is correct, if your husband had surgery to correct the herniation (and assuming he recovered fully and the 12 month waiting period had passed) he would not require a waiver. However, given the facts as you stated, having gone through only conservative treatment, he is PDQ and will require waiver. -
hey navydoc, it’s me again. Thank you for your reply, I am relieved. But, why are the recruiters questioning about me qualifying just by having scoliosis?
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Hello,
My son is waiting to hear back from BUMED. He wants to join the Marine Corps. He is currently a PO1(and his division LPO and is awaiting approval of his CPO promotion) with the USNSCC(Naval Sea Cadets) He has had some knee problems in the past (has had no treatment, drugs, etc for over 2 years) His right knee was injured in PeeWee football. He had mulitple surgeries over the course of a few years, due to football. He finally gave it up his freshman year of high school since he wanted to join the military and his ortho (who is former military and a well known NFL ortho surgeon) advised that if he wanted any chance of a military career he needed to give up football and spend the time getting his joint stable and the quad strong. He took the advise, and along with Sea Cadets he is in a military program in his high school. He passes all PT test, can do a 10 mile hike with a 40lb pack and has no issues. Since we live in KY, the runs he does always involve hills and or uneven pavement/stones and he never has an issue. He does not take so much as a tylenol. MEPS initially DQ’d him, which was expected and his file just went to BUMED last week.
He just had an ortho consult and everything was clear. He is concerned that BUMED will DQ him..
How long does BUMED really take, his recruiter said 3-6 months (really???)
He has participated in some rigorous Advanced Trainings with the Sea Cadets in the last 2 years with no problems.
Do you think he has a chance at a waiver based on his current status and ability rather than the number of surgeries? -
So no way at all can I get a Waiver for one Kidney? What is the reason for not being able to get a waiver for a kidney?
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Nick,
Waivers for single kidneys are not authorized. Because of the high risk of abdominal trauma (whether gunshot, blast or blunt) in combat, loss of a kidney is not an unusual injury, and when you only have a single kidney to start with, if you lose it, you die. It is not considered an acceptable risk. -
sswartz,
I usually get responses from BUMED in about 6-8 weeks. If your son has not heard by then, have him contact his recruiter. -
hello, i recently went to MEPS and was told to go back for two consults. One is for my eyes since i have stigmatism (i wear glasses). The second one is for my knee (tore acl in 2003 & had surgery that same year). My doctor released me and since then it has been fine. I run and play sports with no trouble at all (excersise on it regularly). I was wondering if i will have any trouble in joining the navy for being asked to go back for consults. Will i have trouble in obtaining the waivers i need to join the navy? thanks!
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Hey Doc,
About 3 years ago I had mild back surgery from playing hockey. They did orthopedic surgery and had to cut the herniated disc to release fluids and to relieve the pressure. With that said, will I be disqualified? I still play hockey and do other physical activities. I know someone who is in the navy reserves and he said it shouldn’t be a problem. -
Patrick,
It depends on what your “mild back surgery” was. A single level thoracic or lumbar microdiskectomy can meet the standard after 12 months and full recovery. Any instrumentation, fusion or multiple levels is DQ and unlikely to get waived. -
Yeah, I have no rods or anything metal in my back. I just don’t if i even should get a waiver?
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NavyDoc,
my question was not answered….. -
Well I have no fusion and what do you mean multiple Levels?
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JoJo,
Needing consults doesn’t mean you necessarily need waivers. Wait for the results of the consults, then see if you are PDQ. -
Parrick,
Multiple levels means more than one. -
navydoc,
great info! i was just wondering if you could shed some light on my situation. I was in trouble at my college in march 2010 for an incident that happened on campus. I was in an argument with another student and made the much regretted mistake of spitting on him. I was subsequently suspended and forced to do some anger management, roughly 6 sessions and the doc said it was pointless to continue as he saw no signs of any problems and noted this on his letter of completion. also, I went to one psychiatrist session in june 2011 and he “diagnosed” me with mood disorder after 30 mins. he even said it want necessary but he prescribed me with paxil, which I never took. I spoke with him recently and he advised me he would write a letter starting the insignificance of the situation. my question is, do you see this as a waiverable situation for the navy, or am I SOL? thank you ahead of time for your input.
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Hi Doc and thank you for all of the valuable information. My son is going to MEPS in the next few weeks. At the recruiters request we have medical records from his dermatologists regarding a wart that was excized and benign (it was smiply a wart). However, also on his medical records the physician stated under, physical exam, that there is “no dermatitis at this time seen, healed multiple papular urticaria from sand flea bites.” We live in south Floirda and my son is out doors swimming, fishing, running, wake boarding, etc. Just wondering if any of this sounds ominus or potentially worthy of being DQ’d. We have read that the terminology “dermatitis” can cause concern. Thank you in advance for your time. Best regards, Rob
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jjw44,
There are several diagnoses possible as mood disorder, so it would depend on the specifice ICD9 code. Waiting periods are anywhere from 3 months to 3 years depending on the diagnosis. It doesn’t matter than you didn’t take the medication; what matters is that is was prescribed. The fact that you had anger problems and then subsequently were prescribed psychiatric medications is significant, and will require review of your medical records to see whether or not waiver will be needed. Mental health waivers are one of the more difficult, but not impossible, to get. -
I know this may sound silly but live in SWFl and am outside a lot, fishing, hunting, boating, etc. in the Everglades. As such, I have some sand flea bites, spider bites and mosquito bites which I itch. In a few spots the icthing causes discolored bumps…I probably have 3-4 such spots on my arms and one from a spider bite on the back of my leg. Never been to a Doctor because they’ve never caused any problems…my Dad gave me benadryl spray & the itching stopped but the scars, bumps are still there. Do I need to be concerned? Thank you NavyDoc, I appreciate your help. Alex
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Sorry Doctor, just realized my Dad posted on this topic already.
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that’s disappointing to hear. I have considered not mentioning it but seeing as I’ll need a secret clearance I guess I should go by the book on this one. its really unfortunate that someone who has never been in trouble with the law, doesn’t drink or do drugs, and all around good person should be subjected to such ridicule over something so small.
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jjw44,
No one is EVER ridiculed for having a medical condition that precludes military service. Those of us at MEPS, especially those of us who have honorably served our country (which is most of us) understand the patriotism and courage of the young people we see each day who are willing to step up and defend our country. Every one deserves our respect and gratitude.
Unfortunately, not everyone is medically, mentally, or morally qualified to meet the standards. However, we try our best to work within the system to enable people to join, despite disqualifying conditions. Hence the procedure for medical and moral waivers. If you submit your records, you may find that you are either not DQ, or could be eligible for a waiver.
The military has found that mental health issues are a significant cause of morbidity in the stress of battle, and the best predictor of mental health issues is prior mental health issues. It is no different from the fact that the best predictor of significant back pain is prior back pain.
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Navydoc,
I recently received a PDQ for meningitis when I was 10 & 15. I was recommended a waiver and wanted to know if the odds are good of getting the waiver. The meningitis was caused from an allergic reaction to ibuprofen. I have no damage from the sickness and never have from it. I currently 25 now so it has been 10 years since the incident.
Thanks for your input.
Danny -
navydoc,
is there anything I can do on my behalf that would increase the likelihood of getting the waiver passed? for example, if this if even possible, get evaluations from both the doctors I saw as well as from as many others I can afford?
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Danny,
If you recovered from both bouts of meningitis without any sequelae, you might be eligible. Of more concern is the ibuprofen allergy, as that usually means you cannot take ANY anit-inflammatory medications, which might be denied for a waiver. -
jjw44,
Submit your records and see what MEPS says. When waivers are denied, they sometimes come back with something like “May reconsider with a current evaluation by…” If the waiver authority asks you for that, then see other doctors. Otherwise you are just wasting your money and time. -
Navydoc,
Thanks for your input on the ibuprofen thing. I am only allergic to ibuprofen. I have taken other anti-inflammatories before. -
I broke my right femur 3 years ago. I had retained hardware but got it removed a year ago. Have full ROM and no pain ever and doesnt even feel like I ever even broke it. I got cleared to go to MEPS for my physical will they disqualify me when i get there. Also underweight for my height by 5 pounds but am perfectly healthy and in shape, just skinny. Will this combo be look at as some problem and just disqualify me.
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Hello NavyDoc,
I called into the recruiters office today, to get the general requirments to enlist. When I told him that I had Scoliosis, he flat out told me that I would not be able to enlist, no matter what. I also have Congenital Kyphosis, meaning my back has a slight curvature to it. I was diagnosed with SuperVentricular Tachecardia back in ’07, and had a ablation done the same year.
I did a little research, and the websites so far have told me that only severve cases of scoliosis get DQ’d. If my Kyphosis is greater then 45 degrees it will get me DQ’d. I am only at 25 degrees. And with the SVT, it said that as long as there are no reoccuring issues within 2 years. I havent had any issues since ’08.
I just want to make sure that the recruiter didnt just make up an answer, if there is paperwork out there that states otherwise.Thank you!
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Zack,
The femur fracture should not be a problem. They may require you to have an orthopedic consult. If you are underweight for the Marines, they will DQ you. For the Navy, you must have a BMI of 19 to sign a contract. For all other services M\BMI under 17.5 is TDQ until you gain the weight. -
Megan,
Scoliosis of more than 30 degrees or kyphosis of more than 55 degrees is DQ. With kyphosis, we also look for any signs of juvenile epiphyisitis, which is DQ. The SVT is ok as long as you have required no medication or treatment, and had no symptoms for at least 2 years and submit a current cardiology workup no more than 3 months old. -
Thanks Navydoc! Its the Marines Im trying to join so hopefully I can gain the weight in one week for MEPS. My recruiter said there is a waiver for underweight recruits. Is that true?
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Zack1011,
Yes, Marines have an underweight waiver that can be done by the local recruiting district commander, if it is not too far below accession standards. Underweight Marines have a higher than average risk of stress fractures of the feet and hip at recruit training, which would result in medical discharge and TDQ for 12 months, so do your best to put on some muscle mass so that you are ready to donn full battle gear and go on a 12 mile hump.
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Will do thank you so much for the information.
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Hi Navydoc,
I have a little bit of a chronic cough. I know for sure I’ve had it since September 2011 because I moved away and went to college and my roommate noticed and complained about my coughing all the time. My cough is mild and I get it most often after eating food, which makes me suspect I have GERD, but I never get heart burn. My cough doesn’t slow me down, I’m in good shape (I exercise about every other day), I’m at a healthy weight, I don’t smoke or drink and have no other medical issues. Exercising doesn’t aggravate it any more than just going about my business, if anything, I feel better after running! Running doesn’t make me wheeze or struggle for air beyond just catching my breath normally like everyone does. I’m considering joining the Navy, could my cough be an issue? Would it be possible or likely that I could get a waiver for it if it is an issue?
Thanks!
Lisa
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Lisa,
You need to have your cough evaluated by your own physician prior to going to any MEPS. You cannot have an active medical problem and be medically qualified to enlist. -
Hi navydoc,
I was trying to enlist in the navy when I was temporarily disqualified for having tb. The situation is I had a positive skin test when I was 11 but I did my treatment and was cleared I never had the disease just a positive skin test but my x-rays were always cleared they were even clear when I was on meds. That was 10 years I brought in my form showing I’ve been cleared since then but was disqualified anyway even on my medical document it states I had a possibility of getting it not actually having it and that was before I was treated I’m 100% fine with no health problems at all. I was told I can appeal but I feel I shouldn’t of been disqualified if it states my x-rays and everything are cleared losing my chances of serving my country and being in the one branch I want to join Please give me some insight on my situation it would be greatly appreciated.
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Hello Navydoc,
I was going thru the process of joining the navy when a situation came up. I had told y recruiter from the beginning that I did have childhood asthma. However, he insisted that I lied and say no I didn’t at meps. When I came back, he was upset that I had said yes I had a history. Supposedly he tried to help me and I had a PFT performed and set the results with a doctor’s letter stating that I did not have asthma. He said I was permanently disqualified and couldn’t get a waiver.
I never had an asthma attack in my life nor have I ever been hospitalized for it. The only time I did have asthma was when I was a child with bronchitis which didn’t last more than a month. However, I did get prescribed for an inhaler by doctors (that weren’t my actual doctors but understudies) each time I went for a check up but have not used then and at the time I was overweight so I did have a hard time breathing when exercising.
Am I or am I not eligible to get a waiver? -
Anissa Benton,
You must provide documentation that you completed a course of antibiotic therapy that met CDC standards at the time you had a positive PPD (usually 6-12 months of either isoniazid or rifampin), as well as a current normal chest x-ray, and you can be qualified. -
Alexandria,
If you have been prescribed an inhaler within the last 3 years, you are unlikely to get a waiver. -
Hi navy doc,
I have a couple of medical questions. when I was 13 I was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis,but have recently about 6 months ago cured it. I am 25 years old now and all symptoms are gone. I had large amount of proteinuria and some hematuria. It is all gone now and I am healthy and fit. what are chances of getting a waiver for either army or navy.I also have had eye surgery over 10 years ago because i had a cross eye. vision is fine surgery was only for cosmetic reasons. is that a problem?
thanks
Matt
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Matt,
History of glomerulonephritis is PDQ, and if you only have 6 months of normal renal function, waiver is unlikely. Usually the waiver authority likes to see several years of normal kidney function before considering a waiver. -
My son wants to join the navy. He is concerned that an injury he had 13 years ago will disqualify him. He broke his jaw in a bicycle accident and had to have a small titanium plate put in his jaw. Will the titanium plate or the surgery make his disqualified?
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Bonnie,
No. Surgical hardware in the clavicle, ankle or elbow is DQ, but hardware in other locations is OK, as long as it is not palpable, causes no pain, and is unlikely to interfere with military equipment. -
Hi
I have been PDQ from MEPS but with a waivers recomendation on epispedias
I saw on some pages that if is accompanied with other conditions is not waivable but is epispedias alone waiverable? -
Hey Doc,
I have been trying to get in the military (Army) since I was 17. I have a scar on my stomach from where, when I was born they opened me up and did “exploratory surgery – neonatal hypotitas” (According to my memaw). They took nothing out of me or added anything either. At the time what I had apparently was rare (cause not many cases.) but today it is somewhat common. I can’t tell you what I had because I do not no the name but what it came down to is all I needed was a milk formula which solved the issue. (It had to do with digestive.
I submitted medical documentation to meps and went threw meps but was DQ’d. I have done contact sports including bullriding yet have never broken a bone. I’m extremely athletic. So Im aggravated as to why I would be DQ’d. We are in the process of getting a medical waiver. Is there any advice you could give me to help my chances? Thank you.
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NavyDoc,
I have a rather confusing problem. Last year, I requested a waiver. In may 2011, CNRC responded and requested MEPS to perform a physical. I had scheduled three physicals, and they were cancelled each time. There was no explanation given as to why. I have just switched to another recruiter. I have no idea what in the world is going on. Can you possibly help me understand. I am seriously contemplating a Congressional Inquiry. Im not sure if that would help.
Thanks,
Tyler -
I recently went through MEPS for the CG and passed received a ship date on June. I found a umbilical hernia , it was giving occasional pain and wanted To get it fixed ASAP. The hernia was very small and the doctor said I will have a full recovery on a month and can return to fill activity. I only have about 3-4 stitches and it was done laparoscopically. Is this going to push back my basic date that I’m set to go for on June?
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Hey Doc
I have an update on kinda what happened as I was a baby to give you a better insight. I had a hernia repair. I also had or believed to have intestinal lymphangiectasia. Also possibly Acites I believe is what they named it. I was put on a diet. I had check ups until I was 2 years and only progressed in health and started to be healthy like a natural baby my age. The surgery on my stomach was for the exploratory surgery. (Eliminating all other possible conditions to find the problem.) They did do a biopsy on my liver as part of the exploratory surgery. But I have all parts in my body none was taken out or added. So with that said can you shed on light on this and tell me in your opinion on the steps I need to take to get a successful waiver?
Thank you an advance.
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Cici,
Your hernia will need to be repaired before you ship for basic training. There is a 6 month waiting period after any abdominal surgery, but the CG can waiver that. But with symtpoms of pain, you will be PDQ unless you have it repaired. -
Cody,
You will need to submit your records to MEPS for review. Your case sounds complicated, and I cannot make an educated guess based on the partial information you have provided. -
Doc just wanted to say thank you for your response. It is complicated. I will say I have already been Dq’d from meps and am in the process of getting a waiver above that. Lets pray I get it! Thanks anyhow.
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Hello Sir,
I am trying to enlist in the Marine Corps and might need two medical waivers. I have a three part question. I wrote you about a month ago in regards to getting a waiver for sustaining a dural tear, resulting in a csf leak. The injury happened while working as an EMT and lifting a patient. You told me that injuries to the meninges may be applicable for a waiver after 12 months. I obtained copies of my medical records, and in all the records, it states that a csf leak/dural tear was ruled out because they never did the procedure to test for it.
So my first question is, will it stand in my favor that the dural tear/csf leak was ruled out because no test was done (even though it was blatantly apparent that it was a tear?
My second question, is that I had an MRI done on my lumbar spine and it was found that I have mild lumbar spondylosis.I know that spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are DQ.
Is spondylosis accepted or waiverable?Last, given my work history as an EMT, will it help to get a waiver for the Marine Corps? I want to enlist as infantry and I know that the Marines rely on navy corpsman. As far as waivers, I was wondering if my background could be taken into account in regards to crosstraining?
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Johnny,
Submit your records for review. While I can give general info about commonly seen things, when histories get convoluted, it is hard to armchair quarterback without all of the information that can be found only by a thorough reading of your medical record.Medical waivers do not take into consideration anything other than your medical information. ASVAB scores, other certifications, being on the football team, etc, are irrelevant. As you know, the Marines do not have their own medical staff. If you want to be an EMT in the Marines, join the Navy and go FMF corpsman.
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Navydoc
I have been PDQ from MEPS but with a waivers recomendation on epispedias
I saw on some pages that if is accompanied with other conditions is not waivable but is epispedias alone waiverable? -
Erick,
Epispadius is a new DQ, so I do not have enough data to know yet if it will be commonly waived or not. If you have functional anatomy and no problems with voiding or recurrent urinary tract infections, I don’t know, from a medical standpoint, why it wouldn’t be waived. Once you get your answer, please post back here so that others can know your outcome.
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Thanks for the info i will post the results
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Navydoc,
Hello sir I’ll try to make this question as quick as I possibly can. I am attempting to enlist, and have already taken the ASVAB (AFQT of 96) and was forthcoming about seeing a psychiatrist following my parents divorce from ages 14-16. I am currently 25 and was released from care, and have since worked one job (7 years) and completed college since. I was told I needed to get a letter stating when I was released from care by the physician, which I did. However, during my time as his patient my family nor I were ever told a diagnosis, only prescribed medication. Upon receipt of the letter he gave me, he put my last appointment date of 19012004 and that he had treated me for Bipolar, Mixed, Mild. I have already had an independent evaluation done by a former medical officer now lead psychiatrist at a state medical college giving me a clear bill of health, and stating that had I truly had any mental health disorders they more than surely would have reoccurred during the last 9+ years. Granted bipolar is listed as a mood disorder which you have listed in the possibly waiverable section, yet bipolar itself is listed as a PDQ. Is there any hope of this going through, or am I throwing pebbles at a lead wall? Thanks a ton for your time.
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Good morning,
I am a 28 year old Registered Nurse exploring the possibility of joining the Navy Nurse Corps. I am color-blind and was wondering if this is something that is tested, and if so would it disqualify me? I can easily identify different colors, but I do not pass the color-blind tests.
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Dustin,
You will need to submit your medical treatment records from your original treating psychiatrist. You can submit your most recent evaluations as well, but a history of bipolar is PDQ and wil require a waiver. Your ASVAB scores are irrelevant to the medical waiver process. I have never seen a waiver granted for bipolar disorder. -
Anthony,
All applicants are tested for collor-blindness with PIP plates, and if they fail those, with the FALANT or red/green test. Color blindness is not in and of itself DQ, but it can DQ you from certain jobs. I wouldn’t think nursing would be one of them, but your recruiter should be able to tell you. -
Glad to hear it, thanks for the info Doc.
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I am showing signs of biliary problems that I am afraid to get checked out because I don’t want to get disqualified from the military. But will having biliary problems disqualify me?
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Travis,
Get your problems checked out. Better to do it now and take care of your health, irrespective of the impact on a possibe future military career.
Gall bladder problems are not DQ if they are surgically cured, after a mandatory 6 month waiting period.
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hey navy doc i was wondering what are the chances of getting a waiver for childhood asthma? don’t sugarcoat it either. my documents went to BUMED about 1 an a half months ago and I haven’t heard a answer yet. so what do you think? its for the Marine Corps by the way.
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Hi Navydoc,
I have a skin condition called vitiligo. From information that I’ve gathered from other internet sources, it doesn’t appear that it is a disqualifier, but I haven’t found any sources directly from military websites. I’m in good health, it doesn’t effect me, it’s not communicable, it’s really more of a cosmetic thing. It also would not show when I am in uniform (I have patches on one of my legs, and a small spot on my back). I’m pretty pale as it is so it barely shows up. Just wondering if you know if that is even something they take note of and if I may have to get a waiver for it or not.
Thanks!
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Chance,
The new reguation for asthma is that you cannot have required any asthma medications for the past 3 years, and have a normal pulmonary function test and methacholine challenge test. If you cannot meet those requirements, you are DQ and you will not get a waiver. -
Michelle,
Vitiligo is not disqualifying. -
Doc,
I had open ingunial hernia surgery. I have done some research online and found numerous sources saying it is a 60 day wait with release from care. However, my recruiter says it will be a 4-6 month wait. I was wondering why my recruiters wait is significantly longer than what I’ve found here and from other sources? -
i was diagnose with asthma at the age of 11 and ive never had an asthma attack also hadnt had any painful symptoms in 5 years.i had been prescibe a inhaler only beacuse i asked for it in case of emercengy if i a really difficult problem breathing but i dont use the inhaler AT ALL or any other medication.Would that get me DQ from joining the army or would i have to get a waiver for it DOC?
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Tyler,
Hernia, and all abdominal surgery requires a 6 months wait. Most complications and recurrences occur within the first 6 months, and that is why the military uses that period as its TDQ for abdominal operations. -
Alex,
If you were prescribed medications for asthma (everyone says they never used it, but we go by the record of prescriptions) within the past 3 years it is DQ and unlikely to be waived. -
Doc
Just so i am clear on this asthma thing if you have been perscribed medicine within the last three years this is an aoutmatic DQ from enlistment my son and I just left the Naval recrutier and we told them that he has had asthma in the past but they never said anthing to us about a DQ for this if perscribed medicine within the last three years and we where were quite clear that he has had a perscription within 2 years. -
Doc
If there’s a possible way I can obtain a waiver if I was diagnosed with ADHD zoloft for four months? Do I have bring high school transcripts to MEPS to approved them about I was doing progress during high school and a doctor’s note that I was discontinued on the Zoloft?
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I had a minor pilonidal cyst drained about three months ago. Will I be able to get a waivor for this? I am wanting to join the army.
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Robert Brand,
Correct, history of asthma medications, whether controller meds (azmacort, pulicort, singulair,etc)or acute bronchodilaters (proventil, albuterol, xoponex, etc)within the past 3 years is PDQ, waiver unlikely. -
n Arce,
Zoloft is an anti-depressant not approved for use in ADHD, so a careful review of your medical records is in order. -
Lanyard,
Pilonidal cysts needs to be completely excised, not just drained, and then there is a 6 month waiting period. -
I have a question. I was PDQ for asthma. I was discharged from the Army in 2005. CNRC requested a physical. I went last wednesday and did it. The PUHLES score was 311111. The doc wrote waiver recommended on the paper. What are my chances and about how long before I receive a response?
Thank you.
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TY,
It will take about 4 weeks to hear back from the waiver authority. You have abou a 50;50 shot with asthma. -
Thanks. Does it make a difference that I have never been prescribed medication since I was12 and they a PFT from 2 weeks ago and one from 2 years ago also show no signs of asthma?
Thanks
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Hey navydoc,
I was diagnosed with DSM-IV 301.9 POSSIBLE personality disorder NOS after a 25 minute psych eval in September last year from a MD scheduled through MEPS. I have never been treated for mental disorders or any psychological problems and my family does not have history of any disorders. I have never been in a hospital and consider myself to have a average childhood with no trauma or abuse. I basically lived a sheltered life with many friends played sports no enemies and no medical records. How is this diagnosis so and what can I do next. Please help!!! -
Navydoc,
In 2006 I was PDQ from USAF and now I’m wanting to join the Navy, the reason was because i forgot my glasses for the eye exam and they would not let me test with my contacts, I now (2012) sent in a medical records from an eye exam from Dec of 2011 and a wavier request with my recruiter for this because this was flaged before we went to MEPS, my refraction is -12.00 in both eyes and cylinder -0.75 in right and -1.25 in left. no other eye disease or disfunction just really poor vision. Normally how long is response time for this kind of wavier, and what are the chances of this being approved?thank you
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NavyDoc,
First off, thank you for answering all of these questions.
Now for the next one.
During my son’s enlistment process, he told his recruiters that he had been treated for ADHD from 3rd grade through 11th grade. He had not taken the medication for the past three years. The recruiters told him not to worry about it, and that No= Naval Opportunity. They even said if presented with the info to still deny it.
Well he goes to bootcamp, and because he was going for the nuke power program he had to do a special physical, while there they laid out his prescription history (I am a retired Navy Vet). He was immediately sent to seperations for a discharge.
When talking with Navy Legal he was told he was getting an RE4 code, but he said he wanted to fight that, after talking with RTC’s CO he was given the RE3E code.
My question for you is, what steps will he need to complete prior to reapplying. And is there any specific paperwork that will be required. -
Hello DR. I have applied to the army and my recruiter said they have disqualified me before I have even gone to meps. He said it was because of my asthma and ADD. Only thing I am confused about is whether I will get a waiver. I have extra information my recruiter made me collect from Dr.s explaining how long i have been off of ADD medication (more than a year) and how great my grades here in college have been(3.4 GPA). I Also took a pulmonary functioning test and passed. I play NCAA Lacrosse. Also I thought I had asthma because a nurse at my school gave me a pump. I have not been diagnosed by a doctor. How does my case look Dr?
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Yes thank you Dr. By the way I do not think my recruiter is looking out for me, is that possible? I am about to graduate from college and was hoping to start my Military career directly after graduation. When I was disqualified they did not call me to inform me I eventually called them and that is when I found out. I was on and off the medication for ADD many years on and off. Also my asthma pump was given to me last year around this time but I worked out over the summer without the pump and when I returned to school in the fall I no longer used it at all. Is that enough time. My athletic trainer believes that I only needed the pump because I was out of shape and had just begun an outdoor field sport.
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I apologize. Ok so one year down two more to go. I guess I can go to Graduate school. Is there anyway I can do ROTC or does this DQ not allow me to do that? Would you go to graduate school in the mean time?
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Hello! I am in process of applying for SWO or PAO. I have had history of high ocular pressures and enlarged nerve endings. I also have an astigmatism in one eye. My vision is correctable to 20/40 with contacts. My Dr. is concerned about glaucoma. He said it is not present but wants to watch for it. I have had field of vision testing and more precise tonometry testing done. My dr told me that my levels are on the high end of normal for me and there is no compromised peripheral vision. I had chronic ear infections as an infant and that is what may have caused my large endings and high pressure. Is this disqualifying?
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Does EVERY surgery require you to wait 6 months until you can join the military?
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Well I had a minor surgery on my TMJ.The doctor had to put the disk back into place because it was limiting my mouth to open. I had the surgery 3 months ago and my jaw has been doing fine, there is no pain and i can open my mouth normally like anyone, and it isnt affecting anything i do. Will i have to wait 6 months until i can enlist?
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Ok thank you. For my TMJ disorder i had to take inflammatory medication and muscle relaxers for my therapy in trying to open my jaw a little. I havent took the meds since before the surgery which was in december. Will the meds i took be a problem?
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Thanks for the help
Hey NavyDoc,
I have mild scoliosis. It does not effect me in any way possibe but will I be automatically disqualified at MEPS? Thank you.