Military Medical Disqualifications

[PhoenixCadet]

If you want to go in the military, and you have a medical condition that you think will hinder that from becoming a reality - read this thread.

I've been somewhat unsure as to whether or not I'd be able to go into the military due to two medical conditions I have, and lately, I've been doing research on it. I came across a forum on which the Deputy Director of DoDMERB (Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board) - basically, the officer equivilant of MEPS (for ROTC, OCS, Service Academies, etc.) posts on, and answers questions (to the best of his ability) regarding your medical case.

I contacted him via e-mail earlier today, and recieved a response literally within the minute, informing me that he'd gather some info on it. He responded again a little while later, and we discussed it on the phone. I was also contacted shortly after by another fellow he works with (who turned out to be the Director of DoDMERB), who also confirmed the information that I was previously given. I had always been under the impression that if something is listed as a "PDQ" in a military regulation, you've got no chance at all. According to these gentlemen, I can still apply for the necessary waivers - which means that I still (possibly) have a chance.

I know many (especially here, being a military cadet forum) would appreciate this information, and obtained permission from the DoDMERB Deputy Director to post his contact information here:

Larry Mullen
Deputy Director
Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB)
8034 Edgerton Drive, Suite 132
USAFA, CO 80840-2200
**Email = 24/7/365 Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil **
"Regular office" working hours from 0500-1530 Mon-Fri Mountain Time

He has asked that if you contact him, please include your organization in the subject line (if you're already going through the process to be a part of one of the commissioning programs: i.e. ROTC, OCS, Service Academy, etc.).

ex: "ROTC: [Sample Medical Condition Here]"

-PC


(Mods: If you think it would be appropriate, could we make this a sticky?)

[C/ZOOMIE]

I know how you feel. I have asthma and I want to enlist in either the Air Force or Army but dont know if ill be DQ'ed or not 'cause of it being on my medical record even though I can surely do the PT!

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

My dad's been in the Army for over twenty years and he has Asthma... always has had it...

[PhoenixCadet]

My dad's been in the Army for over twenty years and he has Asthma... always has had it...

I know how you feel. I have asthma and I want to enlist in either the Air Force or Army but dont know if ill be DQ'ed or not 'cause of it being on my medical record even though I can surely do the PT!

Just like I was told by both the deputy director & director of DoDMERB:

Any condition, even those listed as "Permanant Disqualifiers" are open for application for a waiver. The catch is that you have to prove to them that you can actually perform your duties without it being a problem.

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

So basically, prove that you can ignore it, and do your job, and all is well, right?

[PhoenixCadet]

So basically, prove that you can ignore it, and do your job, and all is well, right?

Not ignore it - but actually prove to them that it won't cause a problem. Ignoring it is just as bad as not ignoring it, if it causes you a problem that's big enough to restrict what you need to do. Just because you ignore something (or it doesn't hurt) doesn't mean that it's not causing you damage. ex. If you have asthma, and it causes you problems, but they're small enough so that you can "ignore them" and do your job -- the asthma is still causing you problems. You're just putting those problems asise.

It's all a matter of precaution. In my condition (hydrocephalus - if you want to look it up), I have "internal hardware" (a ventriculo-periotinneal shunt). It doesn't restrict me in any way, physically or mentally, but it's still a PDQ in the military's eyes. It's all a matter of precaution.

-PC

[Drill for life]

I am Enlsited in the Marine Corps and I have erious problems. I have asthma(I have 93% of lung capacity though) I have no feeling in my Left arm and left leg(from the elbow to the wrist and from the knee to my ankle). I just had to prove to my recruiters I could do everything that will expected of me(an also at MEPS). It's going to be hard but at least I don't have anything wrong with my testicles, that is a no-go in the military. PC and C/Zoomie, you are in my prayers. Best of luck.
Sincerely:
Drill for life

[SlightlyCatholic]

I have no feeling in my Left arm and left leg(from the elbow to the wrist and from the knee to my ankle).

I'm no firearms expert, but wouldn't that prevent you from firing a rifle?

[Drill for life]

No I can fire a Rifle fine, It can move I just can feel pain in those regions of my body. I broke both of those parts of my body and have some gnarly scars there.

[PhoenixCadet]

Have you done any research on your medical conditions, via military medical regulations?

[Drill for life]

Who me? I am already enlisted. I went to MEPS and told them about it and they gave me mobility test and hit me with one of those little hammers and told me "I have nothing wrong with me except a Little nerve damage" they said I was fine and I'm now a Marine Corps DEP Poollee.

[C/ZOOMIE]

Eh, I have about 75% lung function and I'm afraid that they will judge me based on how well I can run at this altitude (7000 feet). My mile up here is 10:30 but is about 8:30 at about 3000 feet and below.....

[PaulR]

My dad's been in the Army for over twenty years and he has Asthma... always has had it...

Asthma is a disqualifier for enlistment. Your father may have been diagnosed AFTER being in.

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

Really? How do they judge if you have asthma?

Note: I've never really been proven to have it, although they give me inhalers anyway.

[flyBoy2010]

If you have been diagnosed with it after your (13th?) birthday then it's considered a disquailifier.

[devin0116]

What about colorblindness?? I am color blind (not fully but some colors appear to be others for me) I know that I can't have any pilot jobs, which i never planned on anyway, but I am pretty sure the Marines will take me.

[Drill for life]

What about colorblindness?? I am color blind (not fully but some colors appear to be others for me) I know that I can't have any pilot jobs, which i never planned on anyway, but I am pretty sure the Marines will take me.

Oh no you can't. You can't have any Combat MOS.

[army_grunt_11B]

We had a guy in my unit, who got asthma after he got back from BCT and AIT, well, lets just say, he's no longer in the military.. funny story is the code they discharged him with is the same code to females who are pregnet.

[C/ZOOMIE]

We had a guy in my unit, who got asthma after he got back from BCT and AIT, well, lets just say, he's no longer in the military.. funny story is the code they discharged him with is the same code to females who are pregnet.

That doesn't give me any more hope, lol......

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

I guess I'll never make it into the military then... there goes my dreams...

So... a guy with no feeling in his arms can join, but a guy with a breathing problem can't? That's pure BS!

[C/ZOOMIE]

I guess I'll never make it into the military then... there goes my dreams...

So... a guy with no feeling in his arms can join, but a guy with a breathing problem can't? That's pure BS!

Eh, your right, AJ. I'm not giving up......

[army_grunt_11B]

Heres the thing about asthma, even though you may have it under control or what not, it still has that chance to come back when your deployed, or working in the field, which is a bad thing.

Since im an Infantryman, Ill use that for the example. When my unit deployed to Iraq in 06 I think it was, (I wasn't there,wasn't in the Guard yet) Since we are part of a Mechanized unit (Bradleys) 24th ID for any one interested. Here is a layout of a patrol for them.

Leave the Base in Bradleys.
Go to the Edge of the AO, usually 15-20 klicks away,
Get dropped off on edge of AO,
Preform the misson given to them.
Walk back to Bradleys, who just so happen to be only about a klick or so away from base.

If you have asthma, even though you have it under control now, it still could come back during a really bad time. AKA getting ambushed by the enemy. No offence, but I wouldn't trust a guy in my unit if he had asthma, during peace time, maybe, but during wartime, Heck no I wouldn't trust him and don't want him next to me, we shouldn't have to worry about having to take care of a guy having an asthma attack, while men are being shot at and killed.

Sorry hoping off my soap box.

[PaulR]

If you have been diagnosed with it after your (13th?) birthday then it's considered a disquailifier.

Wrong... If you have had an ATTACK since your 13th birthday it is considered a disqualifier. Usually, someone is referred to a pulmonary specialist, who makes the final diagnosis.

[PaulR]

What about colorblindness?? I am color blind (not fully but some colors appear to be others for me) I know that I can't have any pilot jobs, which i never planned on anyway, but I am pretty sure the Marines will take me.


Color blindness is not a disqualifier for the service, but you will not be able to do most specialties(including combat arms). You will most likely be closed off to all MOS's except for Admin/Supply type occupations.

[PaulR]

I guess I'll never make it into the military then... there goes my dreams...

So... a guy with no feeling in his arms can join, but a guy with a breathing problem can't? That's pure BS!


Like everyone else has stated, do not give up. You never know until you try. IMPORTANT! DO NOT LIE ABOUT THIS. Because if you have it, it will appear while you are in. If you are caught in a lie, you can be charged with fraudulent enlistment and kicked out.

The only way that guy with no feeling in his arms could have joined is if he lied! Eventually he will be caught and delt with.

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

Well... here's the funny thing:

I've never been found to have asthma (although I have had asthma like symptoms -- I had a bout with wheezing while I was 8). I've never had an asthma attack in my life so... I guess I should leave it up to the guys at MEPS to decide whether or not I can enlist, eh?

[ang1sgt]

Guys, Consider this. Imagine being in a full MOPP4 level Chemical Exposure Suit with your hood and Gas mask on. If you have ANY breathing problems, they are going to worsen with this equipment on. Add activity to the mix and you have a man down, and others out of action tending to this one man. Is that a good thing to have happening in a war zone?

You may not think it is fair, but that's LIFE in the Military.

If you have these problems, there are other ways to SERVE. Consider working for a Defense Contractor, building things for the Military.

[C/ZOOMIE]

Wrong... If you have had an ATTACK since your 13th birthday it is considered a disqualifier. Usually, someone is referred to a pulmonary specialist, who makes the final diagnosis.

I've NEVER had an attack. The doctor just saw I had not as good lung function as most people and diagnosed me with asthma....In reality I just need to run alot more and I could get it to at least 95%. Thats what I've been doing and its been gradually getting better......

[SlightlyCatholic]

I guess I'll never make it into the military then... there goes my dreams...

So... a guy with no feeling in his arms can join, but a guy with a breathing problem can't? That's pure BS!

Two things:

1. LT Caffey from "A Few Good Men": "You don't need to wear a patch on your arm to have honor."

2. As hard as this may be to swallow, United States citizens are afforded the privilege of military service and not the right to it. We don't get a right to join up if the powers that be say we're not wired up the right way. It's not your fault if that ends up being the case, and it certainly doesn't mean you're a bad person. If you should be denied service into the military, all it means is that God has other plans for you. Keep your head up no matter what life throws at you.

[Drill for life]

I didn't lie and I don't want people accusing me of lying, I am enlisted and have a shipdate I can feel but not that good, I have minimal nerve damage that means I can't feel light things, if you punch my arm I can't feel that but do anything with more pressure than that I can feel it. It is not going to affect me in my MOS, maybe at Airborne but nothing else. Just keep trying and get into what Corps you can(I know you may not want to do supply, but do what you can for now) I know it feels like the miltary hates you but they just want the Teenagers with the Least Mediacal problems.
Ex: In combat your running and the guy next to you has asthma and has a Asthma attack you don't want to stop and give him an inhaler while another guy jsut got shot.
Use your brain, you may have to wait, my advice just do it and just wait.

[PaulR]

Well... here's the funny thing:

I've never been found to have asthma (although I have had asthma like symptoms -- I had a bout with wheezing while I was 8). I've never had an asthma attack in my life so... I guess I should leave it up to the guys at MEPS to decide whether or not I can enlist, eh?


Right! Asthma and "Asthma like symptoms" are two completely different animals. Anything can cause asthma like symptoms... allergies, a cold, or... well... the possibilities are endless. If you have had no reoccurrences since age 8, then I seriously doubt that you had asthma to begin with. I would not worry too much.

JUST BE HONEST while going through your MEPS exam. Better to be disqualified there then be dishonorably booted for being caught as a liar or worse, be the cause of death of your future teammates(and yourself).

[PaulR]

I've NEVER had an attack. The doctor just saw I had not as good lung function as most people and diagnosed me with asthma....In reality I just need to run alot more and I could get it to at least 95%. Thats what I've been doing and its been gradually getting better......

I wish you the best of luck.

[C/ZOOMIE]

I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you Sir. I appreciate it.....

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

Right! Asthma and "Asthma like symptoms" are two completely different animals. Anything can cause asthma like symptoms... allergies, a cold, or... well... the possibilities are endless. If you have had no reoccurrences since age 8, then I seriously doubt that you had asthma to begin with. I would not worry too much.

JUST BE HONEST while going through your MEPS exam. Better to be disqualified there then be dishonorably booted for being caught as a liar or worse, be the cause of death of your future teammates(and yourself).

Alright then. I ran the mile today, a little slower than I'd like (8 minutes, 20 seconds), but thankfully, my breathing wasn't the cause (my legs began to give out, I hadn't ran in a long time).

I guess I need to work out a bit more, and I won't lie. I say a nice little thing called the Cadet Creed... which I live by. :)

[C/ZOOMIE]

Alright then. I ran the mile today, a little slower than I'd like (8 minutes, 20 seconds), but thankfully, my breathing wasn't the cause (my legs began to give out, I hadn't ran in a long time).



Don't complain, my mile is about 10:10 and thats REALLY pushing it for me......

[fjer]

Does anyone who said color-blindness disqualifies you from combat arms have a source for that? I know you can't fly, but everyone I've talked to has been pretty sure it has no effect other than that. (I have mild red-green colorblindness, btw; the only effect its ever had on me is not being able to see those frickin' test numbers.)

[devin0116]

Does anyone who said color-blindness disqualifies you from combat arms have a source for that? I know you can't fly, but everyone I've talked to has been pretty sure it has no effect other than that. (I have mild red-green colorblindness, btw; the only effect its ever had on me is not being able to see those frickin' test numbers.)

Same as me, but I don't know what colors I can't see specifically. Are you sure it excludes me from combat arms??? I will talk to a recruiter when I turn the age.

[fjer]

Also, I looked here: http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf
but it doesn't say anything about branching, just that you need to be able to distinguish vivid red/green for various schools. (Though I would find it odd if you can qualify for Special Forces training but not infantry.)

[MP_Girl]

Alright, I'm gonna add my two cents into this, and if people wish to accuse me of being a lyer, or what ever, then go for it, but only two people know the truth, myself and the guy upstairs.

First off, if you have the motivation and determination to get into the service, than you will and I repeat will get in. Don't lie when you go through MEPS. That can get you discharged with bad conduct discharge and that does not look good in anyone's case.

The case with me:

HX of mental illness (Anxiety, depression, ptsd) from child hood trauma
Along with PC, I had hydrocephalus, but my case was minor and they were able to fix the problem with the fluid intake in my brain.
HX of Cerebral Palsey as a child, corrected by surgery
Severely overweight, due to BMI
Thyroid Disease and PCOS (Endocrine Diseases and Disorders)

Now, when MEPS asked me about these conditions, they made me prove they were not going to interfere with my Military Career. Granted I passed with flying colors, I still had a stack of paperwork and waivers to fill out, and then go back and go into MEPS. If any of you have had the chance to read my autobiography, you might ask yourself how the heck a person like me managed to get into the service, and it was simply by dedication, determination and will to succeed.

I went to Basic and Advanced Training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. Served in both the NH Army National Guard, and the Florida Army National Guard, and at one point in my career, went Active Duty and was stationed at Ft Hood, TX, with the "Soldiers of the Gauntlet" and eventually got medical honorable discharge because of an incident that my Sgt was involved in with myself, that got me medically discharged, and himself a dishonorable discharge (28 counts of rape, 1 count of attempted homicide (on me) and so the reason I am posting all this is to simply tell you that if you have the will and determination to get into the service you will, but it requires a lot of determination and persistence, along with a lot of paperwork.

That is all-

Any questions, PM Me.

[PaulR]

Does anyone who said color-blindness disqualifies you from combat arms have a source for that? I know you can't fly, but everyone I've talked to has been pretty sure it has no effect other than that. (I have mild red-green colorblindness, btw; the only effect its ever had on me is not being able to see those frickin' test numbers.)

If you cannot pass the PIP plates, the alternative test is the Falant. If you are able to correctly ID 7 of 9 , then you are not considered to be colorblind. Did you pass this test?

[PaulR]

Does anyone who said color-blindness disqualifies you from combat arms have a source for that? I know you can't fly, but everyone I've talked to has been pretty sure it has no effect other than that. (I have mild red-green colorblindness, btw; the only effect its ever had on me is not being able to see those frickin' test numbers.)

It does...

Being colorblind limits your MOS choices. Color perception is key in the combat arms area. For military purposes you are either color blind or not. If you are colorblind, your jobs are pretty much limited to Admin, logistics, and some engineering occupations.

Again, you only have to pass the PIP(those "frickin test numbers) or the Falant. If you pass one of those tests, then you are not considered to be color blind. Either you are or you are not color blind.

[fjer]

I have no idea; I think the tests given to Academy/ROTC applicants might be different than enlisted. I only remember doing the test with the numbers formed with dots, so I'll just assume I'm good (at least until I have to sign my commitment in a year and a half). What exactly is the Falant?

Nevermind, I looked it up, and I'm pretty sure I would pass that easily.

[PaulR]

Erroneous post...

[PaulR]

I have no idea; I think the tests given to Academy/ROTC applicants might be different than enlisted. I only remember doing the test with the numbers formed with dots, so I'll just assume I'm good (at least until I have to sign my commitment in a year and a half). What exactly is the Falant?

Nevermind, I looked it up, and I'm pretty sure I would pass that easily.

I dont think that you would be admitted into the Academy if you were colorblind. Colorblindness is a disqualifier for becoming a Commissioned Officer.

[fjer]

The rule for USMA is ability to distinguish vivid red and green; I was just wondering if a lesser amount of color deficiency would affect which branches I can get (which from everything I've seen, apparently doesn't).

[PaulR]

The rule for USMA is ability to distinguish vivid red and green; I was just wondering if a lesser amount of color deficiency would affect which branches I can get (which from everything I've seen, apparently doesn't).

You are right. If you are qualified to be in a USMA, then you are not considered to be color blind, as far as the military is concerned.

[DanielD]

I have a hematoma on my right ankle from and old injury. It doesn't hurt when I walk long distances, or impede movement. Will this disqualify me from the Marine Corps?


(A hematoma is basically a blood tumor)

[PhoenixCadet]

I have a hematoma on my right ankle from and old injury. It doesn't hurt when I walk long distances, or impede movement. Will this disqualify me from the Marine Corps?


(A hematoma is basically a blood tumor)

No one here can say for sure (unless they're a military doctor), but you should check here:

http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r40_501.pdf

This is the Army regulation (jointly used) which describes the standards of medical fitness for those entering and trying to stay in the military.

Good luck!

-PC

[lowjax]

is dependent on the last attack, and if it was after a certain age.

I've been out of recruiting since 2001. I retired in 2006 after 25 plus years from the Navy.

I had a similar discussion with my nephew a couple of years ago and told him to study and retake his ACT/SAT. Military service for him is simply a no go.

Do a search on the internet and talk with a recruiter as well. Take an adult/parent with you when you go.

Good luck and best regards.

Jack

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

How about someone with Ectodermal Dysplasia?

This is a series of defects to the body of a patient ranging from sweat glands, eye sight, nasal problems, hair, teeth, and/or nails.

For me the only problem is my inability to sweat, this obviously causes my body to reach excess temperatures which one should never be in the range of, and is very uncomfortable. Over the years I have learned to cope with it and now can do light PT in only lower 90 degree weather, could this be something that would hinder my planned future of joining the military? I am planning/trying to become an Army Engineer Officer (21).

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

So, as we all know, I've had some problems with some issues...

I got something back from DoDMERB today...

I'M QUALIFIED FOR MILITARY SERVICE!!!

[PhoenixCadet]

So, as we all know, I've had some problems with some issues...

I got something back from DoDMERB today...

I'M QUALIFIED FOR MILITARY SERVICE!!!

That's awesome, dude! Glad to hear you'll make it in!

[TruBlu]

So, as we all know, I've had some problems with some issues...

I got something back from DoDMERB today...

I'M QUALIFIED FOR MILITARY SERVICE!!!

NICE!!! Any waivers, or are you just good to go?

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

NICE!!! Any waivers, or are you just good to go?


I'm good to go.

[HWFG1]

Just a bit on the asthma thing:

I know at least one person who was in the Military for 20 or so years, and got diagnosed with asthma while IN the service. He was on his way to getting kicked out for it, went before a medical board, and showed the certificates he had for running two marathon's in the six months prior to being in front of the board. He stayed in. If you can prove it with something like that, I doubt you won't get in.