HPSP Disqualification

[Llamapower]

Over the past two months, I have done everything necessary to apply for the HPSP scholarship. At MEPS I met with a doctor one on one and explained a time I visited the hospital for back pain. Long story short I was playing ball and tweaked my back, so I decided to get it checked out to make sure nothing was seriously wrong. I had tests done and everything was negative, so I continued normally and never went back to a doctor. I explained this to the MEPS doctor and he passed my physical.

After leaving MEPS, I learned that the head doctor flagged my physical on the way out because of this "back injury." Although there were no other issues and no lasting problems, they take back issues seriously and decided I would need a waiver to officially submit my app. Weeks passed and my recruiter finally got everything necessary to apply for a waiver, but we heard back the next day my waiver was denied and I was disqualified from the military.

I'm frustrated because I didn't even need to go to the hospital in the first place, I just did so to be cautious and because of that one time visit I am now forever disqualified. Their reason being: "a history of back issues can lead to chronic back problems in the future." Has anyone else ever had a similar issue occur? Is it possible to appeal or do something else to have them reconsider?

Feeling pretty discouraged at this point. I've always wanted to join the military, and I never imagined I'd be disqualified, especially for something so insignificant.

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[Likkriue]

I would not have disclosed any Injuries that aren’t debilitating.

 

[Llamapower]

I would not have disclosed any Injuries that aren’t debilitating.

I agree, but I had to mention it because it involved going to the hospital

 

[Incis0r]

Over the past two months, I have done everything necessary to apply for the HPSP scholarship. At MEPS I met with a doctor one on one and explained a time I visited the hospital for back pain. Long story short I was playing ball and tweaked my back, so I decided to get it checked out to make sure nothing was seriously wrong. I had tests done and everything was negative, so I continued normally and never went back to a doctor. I explained this to the MEPS doctor and he passed my physical.

After leaving MEPS, I learned that the head doctor flagged my physical on the way out because of this "back injury." Although there were no other issues and no lasting problems, they take back issues seriously and decided I would need a waiver to officially submit my app. Weeks passed and my recruiter finally got everything necessary to apply for a waiver, but we heard back the next day my waiver was denied and I was disqualified from the military.

I'm frustrated because I didn't even need to go to the hospital in the first place, I just did so to be cautious and because of that one time visit I am now forever disqualified. Their reason being: "a history of back issues can lead to chronic back problems in the future." Has anyone else ever had a similar issue occur? Is it possible to appeal or do something else to have them reconsider?

Feeling pretty discouraged at this point. I've always wanted to join the military, and I never imagined I'd be disqualified, especially for something so insignificant.

Sorry OP, the waiver authority is the only body that can overrule the CMO at MEPS. However, I am wondering if it really went to the waiver authority since they got back to you so fast within one day.

Was this the Navy? In my HPSP application process, they were the only branch to turn things around that quickly.

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

Or tell them anything "new". My recruiter hit that over, and over, and over again. "Don't tell them anything new at MEPS" because of this very thing.

I would not have disclosed any Injuries that aren’t debilitating.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Llamapower]

Sorry OP, the waiver authority is the only body that can overrule the CMO at MEPS. However, I am wondering if it really went to the waiver authority since they got back to you so fast within one day.

Was this the Navy? In my HPSP application process, they were the only branch to turn things around that quickly.

Yes it was the Navy. Any ideas of what I could do?

 

[Llamapower]

Or tell them anything "new". My recruiter hit that over, and over, and over again. "Don't tell them anything new at MEPS" because of this very thing.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

It happened 10 months so relatively recently.

 

[Incis0r]

Yes it was the Navy. Any ideas of what I could do?

I would try another branch. Different waiver authorities = you may have better luck.

 

[Llamapower]

I would try another branch. Different waiver authorities = you may have better luck.

So the incident isn't an automatic disqualifier from every branch? Is there a way of proving I am in perfect health, that I only went to the hospital to check things, and that I don't actually have back problems?

 

[Incis0r]

So the incident isn't an automatic disqualifier from every branch? Is there a way of proving I am in perfect health, that I only went to the hospital to check things, and that I don't actually have back problems?

Correct - each branch has its own waiver authority. One thing you could do is go to a specialist, get your back evaluated, and get a written letter with a wet signature from the specialist stating that there are no signs of any problems, that you have no restrictions on your range of motion/ mobility, and that you are cleared for all sports and activities without concern.

It's important to get the language in the letter to state it as explicitly as possible that you are not in any way hindered and that your back is in perfect condition.

Then, approach another branch's recruiter, give them that letter, ask them to request your MEPS file from the Navy, and send it for a waiver to that branch's authority.

Good luck.

 

[Blueshirts]

I'm rooting for you OP. Hopefully the army works out for you.

 

[princeafrica]

imo it sounds like the doctor you talked to just didn't like you. What the heck

 

[Llamapower]

imo it sounds like the doctor you talked to just didn't like you. What the heck

The thing is it was the supervisor that flagged my packet, somebody who I've never seen or talked to. Not sure why somebody I've never seen was the one to flag it, when the doctor that did my examination approved it.

 

[dentist432]

Another option is find a different recruiter at different place a little bit in distance so they have different MEPS. And you can redo your physicals!

 

[UNCafDDS]

I would not have disclosed any Injuries that aren’t debilitating.

What about an old surgery that led to a permanent screw placement + a scar??? I am completely recovered from surgery (5 years ago), but I have a permanent screw placement that would show up on an X-ray. And I have a visible scar. If I am asked about the scar, then what?

I had also been advised by other to not disclose the surgery at all. Before I heard this advice, I DID disclose the surgery on paperwork. Even if I had heard the advice early enough, I still don't think it is a good idea to lie on the paperwork when asked about previous surgeries. Do people really do this.... and then have repercussions down the road? I am not judging those who do lie, because I understand the value of an HPSP scholarship. But lying to the military seems like it would be a HUGE deal if caught (maybe I need an x-ray down the road). I think I would be a nervous wreck trying to pull one over on the US government.... plus it does not really line up with the ethical ideals that dentists are expected to uphold. So, was I an idiot to disclose the surgery.... or would it likely have all come out anyway?

 

[Blueshirts]

What about an old surgery that led to a permanent screw placement + a scar??? I am completely recovered from surgery (5 years ago), but I have a permanent screw placement that would show up on an X-ray. And I have a visible scar. If I am asked about the scar, then what?

I had also been advised by other to not disclose the surgery at all. Before I heard this advice, I DID disclose the surgery on paperwork. Even if I had heard the advice early enough, I still don't think it is a good idea to lie on the paperwork when asked about previous surgeries. Do people really do this.... and then have repercussions down the road? I am not judging those who do lie, because I understand the value of an HPSP scholarship. But lying to the military seems like it would be a HUGE deal if caught (maybe I need an x-ray down the road). I think I would be a nervous wreck trying to pull one over on the US government.... plus it does not really line up with the ethical ideals that dentists are expected to uphold. So, was I an idiot to disclose the surgery.... or would it likely have all come out anyway?

Lying to procure a scholarship could lead to a dishonerable dishcharge and payback of all money, so telling the truth, especially about something obvious was the way to go.

 

[Incis0r]

There are medical standards because we can get sent into war zones with limited facilities and need to be sure that we can function and support our mission.

My opinion is that it’s best to not lie about stuff like this.

 

[Llamapower]

I'll share my experience since it's somewhat similar. I was going through the process of applying for the Navy HPSP before this cycle started. I had a surgery 6 years ago that doesn't affect me today, however, it was somewhat major. I went back and forth with medical documents for months, until my recruiter told me it was not worthwhile to pursue it anymore. He said that the waiver authority has been very stingy with granting waivers as of late, so it will be very difficult to get through if a waiver is needed.

As for disclosing the surgery, there were visible scars that made it somewhat obvious. I did have it re-examined by a specialist who said I was perfectly fine but that didn't seem to carry much weight anyway.

Thats a bummer! Sorry to hear. In my case all I had was a check up done and nothing further, seems like a lame reason to be disqualified

 

[MadDoc21]

I am having an issue with meps as well. I was qualified through dodmerb but Apparently you have to be off accutane 6 months before being commissioned with hpsp. QDoes anyone know a way around? Could I pay for a liver function test myself and prove no damage? Or sign some kind of agreement that if it came back negatively in the 6 months I will pay back any expenses? Or a waiver for accutane? This all seems kind of silly to me.