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1,138 Responses to “Navy Recruiting Medical Waiver Process”
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Patty,
If he had no treatment with inhalers or steroids past the age of 13, he will not need a waiver. If he did have asthma symptoms past the age of 13, he must submit all records from the past 3 years showing no need for treatment, plus a current pulmonary function test (preferable a methacholine challenge test) that is normal. -
Navydoc,
So I finally went to MEPS on Tuesday, and got PDQ for three things (History of cholesteatoma, a mini procedure during my tympanoplasty that began with O and also ended in plasty, forgot what it was actually called, and History of ADHD) Neither of these problems affects me that much anymore, and I know you said ADHD is commonly waived with success off the medication, but since I need three waivers, are my chances lower? All the doctors at MEPS seem to think that I got waived to physical in the first place, I should be good, but it can still get denied. I’m trying to join the Army. I have asked you similar questions before, but didn’t know I was going to need three waivers, so I didn’t know if that would change anything. Everything is set in stone now, just waiting on those waivers. -
Brian,
It is not uncommon for the Army to grant multiple medical and moral waivers. You should have an answer within a week or so (the Army is very good about its waiver process) -
Thank you for all your help.
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Additionally, do ASVAB scores matter as far as waivers go?
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If I am denied at MEPs for medical reasons how long will I have to wait for them to tell me if I am not able to enlist.
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Brian,
ASVAB scores have no bearing on medical waivers. -
Eric,
If you are medically DQ’d at MEPS, they tell you the same day. You cannot enlist without a waiver from your service. Waivers can take anywhere from 30 minutes to months to process. -
NavyDoc,
In regards to my previous post, I just had one other question. If I am disapproved by the CNRC, is that really it? There is absolutely nothing I can do and I should give up my hopes of being in the military? Or is there some other way to prove to them that I’m capable…like requesting a military doctor to check me out or get a few recommendations?
Thanks so much!
-Tessa
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Hi Navydoc,
I am a high school junior who dreams of joining the military. However, my father just told me I will probably be DQ’d at MEPS, because 4 years ago I had a bout of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
I completely recovered from GBS and do not have any residual muscle weakness, all my reflexes are normal, I am very fit and healthy.
Is it true that I will be DQ’d? And if so, what are my chances for a waiver? Will it help me to bring to MEPS a letter from the neurologist who was treating me (he is a chief neurologist at a world-renowned hospital in Boston) that I recovered completely? What else could help me get a waiver? Any advice appreciated.
Art
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Art,
GBS is DQ. Because of your history, you cannot get many of the vaccinations required of all military personnel. -
Thank you Navydoc,
So it is indeed a DQ. But do you feel it might be waiverable because I recovered, or is it a non-waiverable DQ?
My bout of GBS might have indeed been a reaction to meningitis vaccine as it happened right after I got it, but I have had all other vaccinations including flue shots and never had any reactions.
Do you feel I might have a reasonable chance at a waiver or shall I better start thinking about plan B?
Art
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Hi Navy Doc
I just recentley had a physical at MEPs. It was discovered through an xray that I have Kyphosis (60 degree angle ). I was dq’d and the recruiter is now got me in the waiver process. I am physically fit and work out with the recruiter daily ( 5 mile runs etc. ). I have never had back pain and am wondring what my chances are for getting a waiver. I am trying to enlist in the USMC Reserve.
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Chris,
MArines are unlikely to waive kyphosis. -
Navy Doc-
I contacted you about a month ago about my husband’s quest to join the Naval Reserves and his waiver woes concerning his nystagmus… an update: The quest is still alive! The waiver authority requested more documentation on his knee from the ortho surgeon who did his minimal medial-meniscus tear fix to prove that it is stable with no lingering issues (not that there were any to begin with). Super excited that the eyes weren’t an immediate no, so we are still holding out hope! And if you wanted to cross your fingers for us, we wouldn’t object ;~)!! Thanks again for your helping me with my questions/concerns, the ‘above and beyond’ effort is not lost on me. Hope to update you about his signing soon, -
Navy Doc,
I hope you could give me some objective advice. I went through MEPS last year and passed the physical although I was temporary DQ for protein in the urine, but cleared 48 hours later after a re-test.The MEPS doc said it was probably due to working out.
I decided to see a Nephrologist just to be safe, I had blood & urine tests done with no abnormalties. No diagnosis was given to me. A year later, I recently found out from my General Doctor that the Nephrologist had put Nephritis on my insurance leaving the specific cause of it blank. I did not receive any treatment or medication for this condition and a recent blood and urine test showed again no symptoms of any kind.
Do I need to get a waiver for this? If so, how can I prove that I currently have no Nephritis (and possibly never had it) to MEPS?
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Hey Doc,
So it turns out that I never had any history or current osteochondritis dessicans but I had a little piece of bone as a result from a fracture I had when I was four and fractured my elbow. Like I said it was removed when I was 18 and I am 24 now and am asymptmatic. -
NavyDoc
I have mild psoriasis on a few of my fingers. I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist to get a letter stating I’m fit to wear uniforms and it’s not serious. I also have GERD it doesn’t give me heartburn just a cough. My ASVAB score was really high and I’ll also have a 2 college degrees. Do you think those 2 conditions with everything stated is waiveable ?
Thanks
Colten -
Colten,
Cough because of GERD is DQ with waiver unlikely. Psoriasis is also unlikely to received a waiver. ASVAB scores are irrelevant in medical waiver decisions, and degrees only matter if you are trying for a commission. -
Rey,
If your medical records from the nephrologist do not show nephritis, you should be good. -
I can’t find much information on my injury.
To start, I am a 20 year old EMT working in Los Angeles County and am trying to enlist in the Marine Corps. In November, I suffered an uncommon injury to my back while lifting a 350lbs patient. My injury was a tissue tear and was not structural. I tore the dural layer of my spinal cord and began leaking csf. I needed (2) epidural blood patches to seal the tear.
The injury started in November of 2011. Around Nov. 4th, I strained muscles in my back, preventing me from lifting properly. I wasn’t granted time off from work, resulting in me lifting improperly for about 20 days straight. On the 24th, I suffered all the signs and symptoms of a dural tear/csf leak (vertigo, migraines, nausea, etc.) I spent a week in the hospital and had the 2 blood patches to fix the tear. Immediately after the second epidural blood patch, my symptoms were resolved.
Epidural blood patches are just as they sound. Its an epidural with annestetic, and my blood, injected into my spine, clotting the tear.
I’ve started therapy to resolve my back pain.
My recruiter said that as long as I get documentation from the neurologist stating that my back will not pose any future problems, usually MEPS will agree. I do have documentation from the neurologist , and another neuro has said my back will be fine and that normally, limitations are not imposed on dural tear injuries.
My question is on whether MEPS will agree with my Dr. Or if you have any input on my case. My injury was to tissue, not skeletal. And was fixed 4 days later by an epidural blood patch procedure. (No surgery.)
Thank you for your time, service, and expertise.
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Johnny,
Disorders of the meninges are DQ and require waiver. A dural tear that is not associated with a spinal procedure is quite rare, so I do not have any experience with that particular injury as far as waivers go. Waivers for other meningeal problems (like cysts, or meningitis) do usually receive waivers, as long as at least 12 months have passed without recurrence. -
NavyDoc,
I would really appreciate your advice! Ok, I’m 6’3 215 pounds.. in great shape. I fractured my right thumb about 4 years playing basketball (i played college basketball, btw) and so i had hand surgery to repair the fracture. Ok, that happened 4 years ago.. It’s healed and i have no other issues (at all).
I score a 79 on my ASVAB…
Long story – Short is ….. I get to MEPS, I do the Duck Walk, i PASS the medical part. The lady at the desk.. says you are MEDICALLY qualified to join the military. She gives me my packet, and sends me to the AIR FORCE LIASON. BUT, (I DONT KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING) I see one of the doctors in the hallway, and disclose to her (because i was worried about the finding out that i lied) that i had minor surgery on my thumb.. Big Mistake!!
Then, she starts talking about FRAUDELENT ENLISTMENT! So i walked away and headed to my liason thinking everything was over and im good. An hour later, they call me back to the MEDICAL area and she’s talking about I lied to them and all this crap… So i needed to bring the documentation to them so they can decide to waive it or not.
Long story short….. I was Permanently disqualified at meps.. they sent the waiver to the AF Surgeon GENERAL (i’m pretty sure if they SAW me in person, they’d see NOTHING is wrong with me… ) and they prolly just deny everything withouth even looking…
AF surgeon General denied the waiver request and said Permanently DQ.
I’m so mad… I really want to join the military. Is there anything i can do?
Please… Any advice would be helpful… NavyDoc
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Ronald,
Failing to disclose the surgery could indeed have led to a formal charge of fraudulent enlistment, so you’re actually lucky it was caught before you enlisted. Failing to disclose information is the same as lying (it’s called a lie of ommission), in the eyes of both the military and the law.
Having a HISTORY of certain things, even if they now are not problematic, is still PDQ, no matter how well you think you function as a civilian. Sounds like that is what happened, but without seeing your actual surgical report and knowing the diagnosis, I am just guessing.
If the AF SG said no, that’s pretty much the end of the line for the AF, unless you have new medical information to submit for him to review. The offices of the Surgeon Generals for all services look very closely at medical disqualifications for waiver consideration. For the AF, approximately 65% of waivers are granted. They definitely DO NOT just deny waivers without looking at the packet. In my opinion, having had to deal in the fleet with some of these people, I think they grant far too many waivers for things that operational physicians know are problems in theater, but that’s another post.
You can try a different service. Currently, the Army and Guard give the most waivers.
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Hello Navydoc,
Meps DQ me on my primary application becuase I took ritalin from the age of 16-20. I am 24 now and have completed College and hold a responsible Job. I provided Meps with a letter from my Dr. that stated I was fine to serve and that the Dr. had taken me off the medication because it was not necessary. Is it possible to get this waived?
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NavyDoc,
If I reach out to an Army Recruiter, how do i go about dealing with them? In other words, do i tell the recruiter straight up, “I was Permanently DQed from MEP’s while trying to join the air force”.. or what?
I was talking to an army recruiter today over the phone and she was hesitant and acting like she didnt want to deal with it….. I just want to join the armed forces. Thats it. If you were me…. i’m 28 (in a few weeks)…. I have a bachelor’s degree and want to serve. (I really wanted to commission as an officer – army) at first. But, how do i get over this PDQ hurdle?
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NavyDoc,
You dont have to see the medical reports… man… It was a FRACTURE… I Fracture!! We’re not talkin major heart surgery here… or Asthma…
I fractured my thumb, (it was dislocated) so i had the surgery to fix it.
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NavyDoc,
I am a prior service Marine and am trying to aquire some knowledge on allergies. I found out that I am allergic to shellfish. I know that it is a DQ in the militaries eyes but do you know of anyone that has been able to receive a waiver for an allergy such as this? Thanks for the help.
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Ronald,
There is something else going on, because a fracture dislocation of the thumb is not DQ. Look at the ICD 9 code on your Form 680 (your recruiter has it) to see what the disqualifying diagnosis actually is.All of the services use the same physical you already had at MEPS, so even if you don’t disclose it to the recruiter (BAD idea, as you’ve already seen what happens when you don’t disclose things to the military) she will find it when she pulls your record.
If you have the skills to be a competitive officer candidate, officers have about an 85% positive waiver request rate (versus 65% for enlisted), so talk to an officer recruiter.
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Sev,
If you have been off medications for at least one year, require no educational or vocational accomadations to function well in school and/or work off of the medication, waiver is likely. -
Thank you Navydoc,
In That case how to a go about doing that? My recruiter is not being very helpful?
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Sev,
You will need to find a recruiter willing to do the legwork for you to get a waiver. It is not something you can do on your own. -
Can someone please answer a question for me? How long does a medical waiver take? My son is waiting on a medical waiver to be approved. He went to MEPS and took his ASVAB and scored 74% and when he went back for his physical he was denied due to he at one time in his life was seen a therapist for Mild Anxiety. He never had to take any medication for the diagnosis. Once he no longer met the criteria he was dismissed from therapy. How long does it take before we hear back regarding the medical waiver? Its been about a week and a half and we are patiently waiting :)
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NavyDoc,
I’m 32 years old and in the process of enlisting in the Army for an MOS in military intelligence. When I was 2 years old I had surgery on both eyes for cataracts. I never had any problems with my vision afterward. When I turned 18 I elected to have surgery for lens implants so I wouldn’t have to wear glasses all the time (I still use them for distance).
After reviewing the standards of medical fitness for vision I discovered that a history of lens implants does not meet standard, nor does a history of cataracts.
I have not had any problems with my sight since the corrective procedures, and the surgeon who performed them is willing to write a letter stating they will not affect my ability to serve in the military. Is it possible to get a medical waiver for the lens implants and history of cataracts?
Thank you in advance for your expertise.
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Navydoc,
The refusal has come from my local recruiting office. Since the recruiting is done locally what is the best way to find a recruiter willing to do the legal work to get the waiver for my past ADD diagnosis? Thank you!
-Sev
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Ernestina Carter,
Waivers can take a few weeks. Have your son check in with his recruiter to see where in the chain his packet is. Once it actually reaches Millington, it should take about 5 days. -
Damion,
Waivers for cataracts are possible. If you submit a current report from your ophthalmologist, including a full-dilated retinal exam, it will help the waiver authority make a determination. -
Sev,
If you have already spoken to the recruiter in charge at your recruiting station and they will not work with you, try a different station. -
Thank you so much for the information. I appreciate you very much :) I’ll tell my son to call to ask the recruiter. Thank you!!!
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Navydoc,
Just thought I’d let you know that I got a “yes” pertaining to my three ACL surgeries & am now cleared to process, so I will be going to MEPS in the next two weeks or so! I’m stoked! :)
-Tessa
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NavyDoc
I am not sure on what to do, I have a rod in my tibula with three screws from being hit by a drunk driver. I took my ASVAB for the army and I have been cleared to come and take the physical, by the current cut backs what are my chances of getting in with my medical condition. I do not have any limitations (I play college football and baseball) Will they disqualify me when I get to MEP’s or do you think I can get a wavier.
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I’ve been waiting for a decision for a mental health waiver since October from the Navy. Everytime I call my recruiter he says that my records have so many pages that only a certain amount of pages can be read per day. Is it really typical for a mental health waiver to take more than 4 months?
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Waiver Approved!
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Congrats Chris :)
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Navydoc,
I went to MEPS for the Navy about a month ago and was disqualified for eyesight. I’m sure you have gotten several questions regarding this, but my concern is that it seems that nothing is being done in terms of getting a consult. My recruiter has kept no contact with me at all from his end. I have called him twice since then and received the same explanation each time. He keeps telling me I need a consult first before it’s even sent to be considered. I believe they found that I had astigmatism and my eyesight was also over 8. My eyesight can be corrected by contact lenses and glasses to nearly perfect and I have no desire to do aviation or anything of the sort that requires perfect vision. I scored 81 on the ASVAB and I plan on taking CTN or a related job if available. My questions are how long does it normally take to get a consult? What are the chances of such a waiver being approved? I’m in a sort of “limbo” here and it’s very frustrating. I just wish I could know more than “I’m waiting for a fax.” from my recruiter. I’m sure he’s doing what he can and is very busy with people that do not actually need waivers. I’m under the impression he really can’t do anything right now even if he wanted to and it’s in MEPS hands to get things moving. Believe me, I’m not accusing my recruiter of not trying. He seems to do his job very well from what I’ve seen. I just would like a second opinion. Any input at all would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Brian,
It depends on whether or not MEPS is waiting for the waiver authority to request a consult first. In that case, it can take from a week (Army) to several weeks (all other services) to get the request for a consult, and then another week or two to get the consult date. Sometimes it means the waiver request was denied.For astigmatism, I usually will do a consult without waiver authority request for up to a +-4.00 diopters or so, and ask for waiver permission for anything over that, because it often won’t get approved, and I don’t want to waste money doing a consult when there is no hope for a waiver.
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Navydoc,
Thank you for the response. I don’t ever remember hearing about having astigmatism throughout my life. The recruiter was the one who told me at MEPS so it’s a possibility. I told him the doctor told me it was because of my really bad vision, but maybe he knew more than I did before I even knew what was going on. He told me he was able to keep track of me somehow. I’m more certain its just my vision. It’s about 9.25 in one eye and 11 in the other. I’ll just keep waiting and giving periodic phone calls for now. I would hope he’d let me know if it was denied so I can move on and get back to college. Again I really appreciated your response and help.
Thanks Again
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What is the approximate approval rate for waivers in the Army? I hope I get mine.
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Brian,
It sounds like your problem is high myopia, not just astigmatism, given your numbers. For high myopia, the cutoff is 8.00, whereas for astigmatism, it is 3.00. The Army will waive up to 12 if the eye is otherwise healthy (hence the ophthalmology consult) and the other services will generally go to 10, although I do occassionally see higher. -
Navy doc i was wondering if a right ACL reconstruction with the pattelar tendon was dq condition?pr waiverable?
its been 18 months since surgery
i am 110% i can run 9 miles in a hour and 10 minutes im am determined to become apart of the navy seals,i feel like i was stronger then ever before right now -
Hey there.
When I was 18, I was sent to the ER for a bad reaction to three yellow jacket stings on my forehead. I did an overnight stay. Since then, I’ve been stung several times with no reaction. Will I be disqualified based off of the ER trip six years ago? I don’t have to carry an epi-pen with me.
Thanks so much.
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Brandon,
History of a single ACL reconstruction more than 12 months ago and with normal exam now is not DQ and does not require waiver. -
Jessi,
You will need to submit your records for review. Insect sting allergy depend on the severity of the reaction (any systemic problems, like widespread swelling, involvement of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing) require waiver. Most hymenoptera allergy is idiosyncratic, meaning it’s difficult to test for and can lead to sudden death. -
My question is similar to Charles T’s from 2/6. I just had surgery to repair a broken ankle. Two questions. If I am able to have the implants removed (9 screws, 2 pins, 1 plate) will I need a waiver? Will I need a waiver if the implants remain? I plan to apply for an NROTC scholarship for computer science, but I will explore other college options if a scholarship will not be available to me. It would be helpful to have this information before starting the application process.
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Grace,
Hardware in the ankle is DQ and requires waiver. If hardware is removed, waiver may or may not be required (depends on whether or not any arthritis and/or degenerative changes show up on x-ray). I do not advise people to have surgery to remove hardware unless there is a medical reason to do so. -
Thanks for the reply! Is there any way to find out if my injury can be waived before I fill out the scholarship apps? Also, what is the likelihood of receiving a waiver for this? More specifically, at what rate are these waivers granted? I’m 2 weeks post surgery, and currently a sophomore, so I have plenty of time – but not so long that I want to continue working toward an NROTC scholarship if I’m not going to pass the physical. If that is the case, I will direct my attention elsewhere. There are no plans to remove any implants at this time, unless they cause issues.
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Grace,
You have to wait 6 months after the surgery before you can even be considered. You cannot receive a waiver until after you apply and complete your physical. This is a new DQ, so I have only seen one approved so far. But given the condition, in my medical opinion, waiver should be granted. Then again, I’m not the waiver authority, and they don’t always do what I recommend or expect. -
Navydoc, thank you for your reply. I’m too young right now, so should be 2 years post surgery before I must take a physical. It’s worth the effort of filling out the app if there’s a solid maybe on the waiver.
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My question is, If your allergic to pollen and have a allergic reaction like swelling of throat and face. Will that disqualify you if it only happens when cutting the grass?
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Hey Navydoc, I have strabismus and amblyopia which are both disqualifying. Is it likely that CNRC will be able to approve a waiver? Is this one of the ones that is complicated to get?
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Baylor,
Yes, any allergy that compromises the airway, like swelling of the face and throat, is PDQ. -
ask0730,
Amblyopia is only DQ if you do not correct to within acceptable vision standards (at least one of the follwing: 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other; 20/30 in one eye and 20/100 in the other; 20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other). If you do not meet the standards, waiver is not authorized.Uncorrected strabismus is a new PDQ, and is separate from the amblyopia, although the two often go together. I have seen waivers both granted and denied, depending on the degree of deviation of the affected eye. In general, if it is less than 40 prism diopters of strabismus, it seems to be approved for waiver.
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NavyDoc
I was bakeracted in 2008 with a sucidal gesture I was young and It was a terrible mistake. I have graduated high school and I am doing great with a wonderful job. MEPS has already disqualified me and my recruiter never got me in to see the Navy psychrist. I was thinking about going to the congressman to help me out because im a great canadidt that made one mistake. is there any documents I could provide that would help me out? Like referals ect.
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Melissa,
If you were not allowed to process at MEPS, that means the waiver authority will not consider you for a waiver. You need to look into a plan B. -
could you answer #43?
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I want to join the navy and i was diagnosis with a benign tumor when i was 12 in 2002 (osteoblastoma), in my lumbar, L4. Also a fracture in my leg when i was 12, I had to wear crutches for 2 weeks only. They stated in my medical report that everything else was normal. Doctors said to just keep a watch on the osteoblastoma. I havent taken any pain medications for these problems ever nor have i had to have continual medical treatment. I was in a minor wreck & was 50lbs overweight at the time also. I had it checked back in 2009 for an update & i recall the doctor staying everything was still the same as back in 2002, the tumor is still the same infinitesimal size. Now Im 22 & Im want to join the navy. I want to be upright. I only have the primary medical report stating the complaint of back pain/leg fracture. According the my doctor now, im a healthy female. I hope Im not disqualified right away… Also, I’ve read the rules on military.com just looking for a more indept explanation. Thank you!
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My doctor wrote a note that said that He took me off Ritalin 5 years ago but now my recruiter claims MEPS needs another medical document in order to have me processed. My Doctor says he doesn’t release any other documents but that he will answer any questions they have. How can I be processed by MEPS?
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Monique,
OSteoblastoma is DQ. I do not know if you would be considered for a waiver. -
Sev,
A leter from a doctor is not acceptable medical documentation. You must sumbit your entire medical record for review. -
At the time I was a minor and it is the policy of the hospital that they do not release medical records, but the Dr. is willing to answer any personal questions directly with a MEPs Doctor. Is this not enough? If not how can I get the Dr. to release the records?
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Sev,
No, that is not enough. In every state, medical records–even psychiatric ones–can be released to another medical professional when the patient signs a release form. If your treating physician refuses to do this, at my MEPS you would be dead in the water, with no possibility of processing through medical. -
Hey Navy Doc, thank you for the information! Just out of curiosity how long would a waiver like the one i need for the strabismus and amblyopia take to come back?
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hey navdoc,
i was PDQ for esotropia, and it was required a waiver. my waiver was disapproved for the army national guard. however, i went to the navy recruiter and they did a spiff for me. my question, is esotropia a waiverable condition for the navy?
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Andrew,
Esotropia (a form of strabismus) is a new DQ as of last September, so the info on how often it is waived is not yet in. I will say that I am surprised the Guard disapproved it, as they give more waivers than any other service, and strabismus is usually more of a cosmetic problem as long as vision is OK. I have seen one waiver for strabismus approved for the Army.
Hopefully you and ask0730 will post back here and let us know the outcome of your waivers for other posters to see.
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Do the waivers very from branch to branch?
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I mean to say are some branches easier to get into than others?
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My fiance received word while at boot camp that they were going to disqualify him for an eye condition not caught at MEPS. He’s thinking he wants to appeal and get a waiver, but not to wait around at Great Lakes for it and instead come home and do it here. What should we expect the process to be like?
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Can you have a PDQ if you can’t pass height and weight more than two times? I just recently tried out for the National Guard and they got me at 72.25 inches and 209lbs. I was one pound over the max. Also, are they supposed to round the height? And can they tape you if you pass the height and weight?
I passed everything else but the height and weight.
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NavyDoc
I went to MEPs yesterday and I was TDQ for too much protein in my urine. My recruiter told me to workout the night before to lose a little extra weight and I have to go back in 48hrs. I was wondering what is a quick way to bring my protein down.
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Ethan Davis,
You must be within height/weight standards to join. Your height would be rounded down to 72. Coast Guard and Marines do not do body fat; all other services do. It is a TDQ, as you are expected to lose the weight. -
Eric,
You should have been told to eat and drink normally and do no exercise until you return for a second urnialysis. -
Eric,
I had the same problem except mine was because I had spent some time with who was then my girlfriend the night before. No details but the result was too much protein.
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Navydoc,
Can you only do the height and weight a certain number of times before you get a PDQ?
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I am attempting to join the Army Band but was Dq’ed for mild Pectus Excavatum (asymptomatic and no negative impact on physical performance) and (mild to moderate) stuttering. The MEPS doctor recommended me for waivers, but I wanted to check the likelihood of them being approved, as well as the expected time for the decision to make its way back to me. Also, if it ends up being a no-go, would the results likely be any different with the Navy? Thanks so much for your help!
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Hi Doc,
I am attempting to get a waiver to enlist in the Marine Corps, it may possibly go to BUMED but as of now it is downtown. In 2010, I had a myomectomy surgery to have a benign mass removed from my uterus. There are no outstanding consequences or symptoms, I was cleared three weeks after surgery and after 6 weeks cleared to go back to MEPS but had to wait at least 6 months for Marine standards. Is this waiverable? Have you seen a myomectomy before?
Thanks.
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Jessica,
A benign myomectomy that was more than 6 months ago should not require a waiver. The only DQ is for 6 months after any abdominal surgery, and that is usually not waived for anything other than an uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy. -
Mike Calcutt,
The Army usually makes its waiver determinations within 5 working days of receiving the packet at Ft. Knox. I haven’t seen a waiver for stuttering, but the pectus excavatum should not be a problem if you have good exercise tolerance and normal pulmonary function. -
Hi Navydoc-
I am 36 yrs old, prior service Navy Dental Officer. I would like to come back on active duty. While on Navy scholarship for Dental School, I had a routine colonoscopy (family history of polyps) that found a polyp. Also, while on Active Duty, I had a routine colonoscopy that found some inflamed areas and internal hemorroid. I never was required to do any follow up, take meds, etc. And have been asymptommatic. In 2008, on my last routine follow up scope, I had a small polyp removed…but the doc said everything looks great. No follow up since, no meds, no problems. My next scope will be summer 2013. Do you think this will be any issue at MEPS?
I am in the process of collecting the procedure notes, etc for each scope. I am really excited about the prospect of returning to AD and hope this won’t be an issue.
Thank you very much for your thoughts,
Pat -
Thanks so much NavyDoc, I hope I hear back soon from MEPS. That was a great booster as my recruiters had no idea and were not looking at a positive outlook. This site is great and greatly appreciated!
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Hi Navydoc-
I have located some additional information that may help with you thoughts regarding my colonoscopy question from yesterday:
Scope #1 1998-unable to get records from local hospital, the gastroenterologist has retired, old records expunged.
Scope #2 2002-done while on active duty at Navy Hospital by ship’s general surgeon. He listed Assessments as “Non-specific colitis,” “segmental colitis” and “inflamed descending colon.” ***This sounds more severe than he presented it to me…he told me there were some patches of inflammation and I could take asacol if I wanted. I did not as I was not having any problems. No follow up was needed.
Scope #3 2008-done by gastroenterologist in private practice. His reports said 0.5mm polyp and internal hemorrhoid, otherwise unremarkable. As I recall him presenting it to me, everything looked “great.”
There has been no required follow up since, no meds/treatment/dietary changes needed–ie: no problems. I hope this additional information is helpful.
Great website…thanks for your advice!
Pat -
NavyDoc
I have to go and take X-Rays(Orthopedic Consult) of my leg because I have a rod and three pins, I passed everything at MEPs last week. I am wondering by me having to do the X-Rays (Orthopedic Consult) this week a good or bad thing. -
Hello Navy Doc.
I was going to see if you could answer my question about wearing contact lens. My contact strengths are: R eye is 8.25 and the L is 9.00, will I still be able to enlist into the Navy? -
Pat,
History of polyps requires a medical waiver. Whether or not a prior service dentist can get a non-medical waiver is really a question for your recruiter, because prior service applicants are having difficulty these days, at least for enlisted. Your age could also be an issue, as they are lowering the age for prior service applicants (I beleive to 35 for Army), but I am not privy to the current details for Navy officers. -
Ashlee,
Myopia of greater than 8 requires a waiver, so it will have to be approved in order for you to enlist. You should submit a recent dilated ophthalmology exam with your medical pre-screen for review before going to MEPS. -
Thanks for the quick reply, NavyDoc-
This is a great website. I will follow up with my recruiter in regards to your issues you brought forward.
My main worry, however, was the general surgeon’s scope while I was on Active Duty that listed “colitis” on his notes…and I saw Inflammatory Bowel Disease could be a DQ. Glad to know the polyp is waiverable.
From the brief history I have provided, do you think that will be a problem?
Thanks again. Your quick responses, knowledge, and reassurance during this process are appreciated by all of us!
Pat
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Navydoc,
What a great resource this is! Full disclosure: I have posted a similar question on another forum but it seems to be going nowhere. I think its becasue there is no black or white answer. My son, a HS freshman, is very intersted in the USNA for multiple reasons and we are very proud. I believe he has a good shot although I know he will face hurdles and competition. He has another hurdle after reviewing conditions that are disqualifying – he’s missing one of his if you know what I mean. From what I have been able to research this is not on either list – conditions usually or conditions not usually waivered. My gut says to make himself the best candidate he can be and see what happens. Based on your experience is this a good path forward? I hate to see him put max energy into this if he has little chance.Thanks for the great resource.
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William,
Absence of a testicle not related to cancer, as long as he can show a surgical report or a recent CT scan demonstrating no remaining testicular tissue in the abdomen, usually will receive a waiver. -
Thanks Navydoc,
As far as I know the situation is exactly as you described above. We will take this as encouragement to keep moving forward, understanding there are no guarantees but that it is worth the effort to give him a chance. I’m sure you have heard this many times but really appreciate the value of your experience and the willingness to share it.
William
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Hello, im 22 and i was misdiagnaosed w
ith asthma. i just found out in 2011. I was always curious to know if i had had it. My family doctor sent me to a pulmonary doctor & had me take a bronchial/methacholine challenge test & he cleared me. I have all my documents stating everything as well. I also had my gallbladder remove in 2010. I have my medical record for that surgery. And the doctor said i should be good to go! Do you think i have any chance of pasting meps with these medical conditions on My record? thank you! -
NavyDoc, I needed a waiver to process because of DQing factors on my prescreen. The Surgeon General of the Army granted it. What does that mean for me? Will I get my other waivers?
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Navydoc- I have not been in the military but my son is interested in
attending a Military academy. He has already received a “conditional
acceptance” to the class of 2016 for the USMMA(Kings Point) and West Point has notified him that they are requesting a waiver for his
medical DQ. The question is the Medical DQ- My son is on the swim team in HS and has swam competitively for 6 years. He has made it to the regional finals at the state level in 200 free style and districts in the fly. He has never had real problems with his shoulders- no rotator cuff problems- nothing. He saw our family doctor several months ago regarding “fatigue” from over training. The notes were in his file. When he applied to the Academys DODMERB asked for his files going back to his was 10. The notes were in there
and they DQed him. There really is nothing wrong with his shoulder. i have letters from his Doctor’s attesting to the fact. How long will this waiver process take and is there a alternate course than DODMERB? -
Navydoc
I am 16 and a sophomore in high school. I was born with Asthma and I believe I still have it but going to take a test next year to see if I do. I do not think I have Asthma anymore. I am sprinter in Track&Field indoor and outdoor and i use to play soccer for 10years.I also run distance on weekends and lift through the week.During Track and Field and soccer had no signs of Asthma.
Main point is I am wondering if I get a Asthma test next year and i pass with flying colors? Could MEPS still disqualified me? Also if they did disqualified me(when i join the military) and my doctors rights that im fine and in great shape. Do you think they would take that into consideration? -
NavyDoc,
Thank you in advance for your help! I went through the previous comments and searched for similar situations but was unable to find anything specific to my current situation…
I am a college grad with no prior service (I am 23 years old) and I am currently in the USMC DEP. I have no history of injury or illness and was doing great in the DEP until I had about 2 months left before my ship date for Boot. I went on a trail run with my stepdad and pushed myself to run more than I had been running on my own (I was running 2-3 miles on my own and on this occasion ran 6-7 miles). This caused some soreness in my knee which turned out to be ITBS (IT Band Syndrome, a common overuse injury associated with runners). I got an Ortho/Sports Med. Doctor to take xrays and MRI and they both came back negative for anything bone related (I was initially afraid my knee might have been fractured). He diagnosed me with ITBS due to suddenly “upping” my mileage and for not properly stretching before/after running. I was prescribed a couple weeks of physical therapy which consisted of stretching and foam rolling. This injury forced me to miss my original ship date for Boot, but luckily I had more time left before reaching the 1-year maximum of time allowed in the DEP. The SNCO at my station pushed my ship date back to the 1-year maximum to allow for me to get healthy.
Fast forward, my knee is fine now. I am waiting on a BUMED waiver for my ITBS but I only have 1 month left before my ship date. I have been waiting on the BUMED waiver for 1 week now. BUMED has all of my medical documents, xrays, MRIs, letter from my Orthopedist clearing me for the physical rigors of Boot camp.
My questions are as follow: (thank you for reading thus far)
Will my BUMED waiver be granted? If so, will I have enough time to ship out to Boot before running out of time in the DEP? I have no history of knee injury and this is the first (and hopefully last) time I have had anything like this happen to my knee.
Thank you so very much for taking your time to help so many of us… as you can probably tell, I just want to get to Boot camp so I can have a shot at becoming a Marine. I am just worried that this fluke incident, something that did not require surgery or medication to heal, is going to hold me back. I don’t know how possible it will be for me to try to rejoin the DEP if this BUMED waiver comes back as a “denied” considering my age. What are my options? Please help me in my quest to becoming a United States Marine!
Thank you again, Sir!
BW
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John Miller,
Asthma in children is often outgrown. That is why the standard requires no asthma medications within the past 3 years and a normal PFT and/or MCT within the past 90 days. If you can produce records that show all of the above, you will not require a waiver. -
Ryan,
If the Army SG approved you to process at MEPS, most likely you will receive a waiver after your physical is completed, provided nsomething else DQ is found at MEPS. -
Jonathon Stewart,
There is no other path to the service academies other than DoDMERB. The medical fitness standards are quite strict regarding history of shoulder injuries and instability (which is very common in swimmers who do fly), no matter how far in the past, or how well recovered. Letters from outside physicians may be helpful for waiver consideration, but they cannot override the medical fitness standards disqualification.
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hey navydoc,
my waiver for esotropia got approved this morning from the navy. this coming monday, im going back to MEPS so i can pick my rate and swear-in.
Hi there NavyDoc!
I’m a junior at Iowa State University studying Agricultural Education
& Life Sciences and Journalism & Mass Communications and am looking
into the Navy. If it works out, I’d like to do boot camp, go reserve,
and then come back and finish school.
I first went to the National Guard in November, but got disqualified by MEPS for “history of repeat right ACL reconstruction and history of osteochondritis of right patella.” (I tore my left ACL during football practice during kick-off from just twisting it in a weird way and had my first surgery in December of 2005. I tore my right one during softball practice going up for a pop fly and had that surgery in July 2007. Unfortunately, three months later I re-tore it trying to get on one of those Sinclair gas station dinosaurs for a picture and I didn’t jump high enough and came down and re-injured it since it wasn’t healed all the way yet. So, I really only tore it again because it wasn’t healed properly and when I talked to my surgeon he said he thought the osteochondritis might have been mis-judged. My last surgery was in February of 2008.)
In the mean time I went to talk to the Air Force & Navy recruiters.
They each didn’t really want to work with me until I said I was
completely done with the Army. So, I committed to the Navy after
determining it was the right choice for me.
While on winter break, I went to my surgeon and got a waiver from him
saying how it had been four years since my last surgery and that I was doing great and he has no restrictions on what I can do with my knees.
I then filled out the necessary paperwork with the recruiter,
including a handwritten activity statement on all the things that could have been an issue on my knees since I’ve had my surgeries (I’ve kept pretty active and it ended up being legitimately ten pages!) and got all the medical records, including ones from the childhood asthma I had and when I had to go to the hospital for some stitches.
That and the waiver got sent to MEPS and I was disqualified again due
to the knee surgeries. My recruiter asked if I could have my doctor
write a more professional type of letter so when it goes up to the
CNRC there will be something that will stand out amongst the records.
So, I just got that today and it’s getting sent up so they can start
reviewing my stuff.
If you e-mail me at the address I provided, I can get you some other
documents that might provide some more background. I read on this site that ACL reconstructions are something that are normally waiverable, but I didn’t know if my chances would be lessened since I’ve had three instead of one, even though they were four years ago.
Since you’ve had prior experience with all of this stuff, I was
wondering if you could give me your opinion on whether or not you
think they will clear me to screen for processing.
Like I said, I’m very active and run two miles every day as well as go to the gym to lift and am even taking a SCUBA class currently to go on a marine biology study abroad trip to Honduras this spring break. And when I’m home on the farm, I’m working with the animals and doing all sorts of lifting and things that require strong, healthy knees.
I’m a very determined and involved college student and I feel that I could make a positive contribution to the United States Navy. I guess
I’m just worried about the fact that I had multiple surgeries and that the military is downsizing, so they are probably not looking for
anyone less than superman/woman. And with them only being able to see
medical records, I can’t prove to them that I am capable of doing
this.
Anyway, any opinion you could give on my situation would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks so much!! :)
-Tessa