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]

Originally Posted by Buffa1oso1di3r

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

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by Buffa1oso1di3r

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?