Health disqualifiers?

[ion]

If one was at any point diagnosed with 'exercise induced asthma', i.e., uses an inhaler once in a while for heavy cardiovascular things (still doable without it, just makes it a bit easier), would this disqualify him or her from military service?

Second case: If one used to use such an inhaler but no longer does, what about them?

Thanks

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[backrow]

If one was at any point diagnosed with 'exercise induced asthma', i.e., uses an inhaler once in a while for heavy cardiovascular things (still doable without it, just makes it a bit easier), would this disqualify him or her from military service?

Second case: If one used to use such an inhaler but no longer does, what about them?

Thanks

possibly, and possibly. Every case is different. You won't know until your package goes for review. Some get a waiver, some don't. Roll the dice and see if you want to join the military as you won't know the answer otherwise.

 

[ion]

Thanks. I have never had an asthma attack, I just used to use an inhaler before I played bball.

As time went on, I saw that I didn't need it as much, but took it off and on. Many times I go out to play and never take it and feel that I have no problems anymore.

 

[ion]

What you probably mean to say is, "Many times I go out to play and never take it and feel that I have no problems anymore where I live right now."

But hey, whatever.


Here's MANMED Ch 15 on the subject.

"Current or history of asthma (493) (including
reactive airway disease, exercise induced bronchospasm
or asthmatic bronchitis) reliably diagnosed and
symptomatic after the 13th birthday is disqualifying.
Reliable diagnostic criteria may include any of the
following clements: substantiated history of cough,
wheeze, chest tightness andlor dyspnea which persists
or recurs over a prolonged period oftime, generally
more than 12 months."

Hmm.....persists or recurs over a prolonged period of time......not really my case I think? (Only owned 2 or 3 inhalers my entire life)

I guess I can just apply and see? How does one know if this is the disqualifying factor? Does one apply for a waiver or is it just given to them?

 

[ion]

People get confused about "disqualifying."

What that means is that, if you meet the above criteria, you are "disqualified" from service. The MEPS doc signs your physical that way. But then you are referred to a specialist for consideration of a waiver. The waiver request is forwarded up to BUMED, who then determines whether or not to grant one.

Hence someone can be "disqualified" for a medical condition, but still enter the service on a waiver.

So if I understand this correctly, when one applies for the HPSP, or FAP, or to be a military physician, he or she is given has their physical exam done; everything is checked, and based on what they find he or she is sent to another doctor who can give a waiver.

 

[backrow]

So if I understand this correctly, when one applies for the HPSP, or FAP, or to be a military physician, he or she is given has their physical exam done; everything is checked, and based on what they find he or she is sent to another doctor who can give a waiver.

A waiver would be granted by the appropriate "waiver authority" For Navy HPSP that is likely BUMED, for USUHS I believe it is actually the USUHS President (or someone like that). It's actually stated who the waiver authority is in the MANMED for Navy.

They may or may not request you to see another physician, but that physician will not be the person who grants/decides on the waiver. Usually they simply request more information, meaning your old medical records.

 

[backrow]

Usually when I see a waiver in a chart, the servicemember has been evaluated by a specialist, which usually is a contract civilian. I wonder if they don't go to such lengths for a physician, or I just have some selection bias from the Marines.

I probably missed a step or didn't write it too well above. People can definitely be referred to a specialist when they find something that is "disqualifying" at MEPS or in the DoDMERB exam (Service Academies/ROTC). I'm not sure exactly how the payment works (ie is it gov't funded or through the individuals own health insurance) although I know for my situation is was personally funded. That person; however, does not make the waiver decision. They simply make a report which is then forwarded to the waiver authority.

For service academies/ROTC the initial exams are done in conjunction with a group called Concordia and there is no cost to the applicant.

 

[DoctaJMa]

So if I understand this correctly, when one applies for the HPSP, or FAP, or to be a military physician, he or she is given has their physical exam done; everything is checked, and based on what they find he or she is sent to another doctor who can give a waiver.

Correct...when I applied to the Navy they wouldnt grant me a waiver...when I applied Army they granted me a few waivers and I got in...they were for simple things like shoulder surgery and migraines...i think it is a crap shoot between each branches needs