Medical Standards for Joining (Need Help!)

[PhoenixCadet]

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Hi all,

Let me first start by saying I realize that this is a site for those in (and going into) the military medical field, and not one for military recruiting purposes. I don't wish to pursure a career in military medicine, but simply, the military.

I'm here because I have two medical conditions that I would think would be a hinderance to my joining the military, and I can't find any information on the topic anywhere else. I've tried searching numerous military sites (including military.com forums), and I can't find anyone, anywhere who's been able to give me answers or point me to a site with a broader range of answers than the non-specific military medical regulations. I figure that this being a site for current & future military doctors, I'd at least be able to be pointed in the right direction.

The first condition (hydrocephalus) is listed as a disqualifier period, and I would assume my case is probably worse, due to the fact that I just recently had a revision to the VP-tube. The reason why I'm asking about this, however, is because I was told by a Navy E-8 I know (non-medical, however) that it is possible to waive certain conditions.

The second situation (Pectus Excavatum) is also listed as a disuqalifier, however, it does not say anything about having surgery to get it fixed. My chest wall is a bit concave, and (in exact agreement with the regulation) does interfere with vigorous physical activity (in this case, running).

As stated before, I'm not wishing to pursue a career in military medicine, but simply, the military. I've got it narrowed down to the Army National Guard and Marine Corps Reserve (officer-side), as I also hope to pursue a civilian-side career as a NY-NJ Port Authority Police Officer.

Thank you all for your help.

 

[NavyFP]

Hi all,

Let me first start by saying I realize that this is a site for those in (and going into) the military medical field, and not one for military recruiting purposes. I don't wish to pursure a career in military medicine, but simply, the military.

I'm here because I have two medical conditions that I would think would be a hinderance to my joining the military, and I can't find any information on the topic anywhere else. I've tried searching numerous military sites (including military.com forums), and I can't find anyone, anywhere who's been able to give me answers or point me to a site with a broader range of answers than the non-specific military medical regulations. I figure that this being a site for current & future military doctors, I'd at least be able to be pointed in the right direction.

The first condition (hydrocephalus) is listed as a disqualifier period, and I would assume my case is probably worse, due to the fact that I just recently had a revision to the VP-tube. The reason why I'm asking about this, however, is because I was told by a Navy E-8 I know (non-medical, however) that it is possible to waive certain conditions.

The second situation (Pectus Excavatum) is also listed as a disuqalifier, however, it does not say anything about having surgery to get it fixed. My chest wall is a bit concave, and (in exact agreement with the regulation) does interfere with vigorous physical activity (in this case, running).

As stated before, I'm not wishing to pursue a career in military medicine, but simply, the military. I've got it narrowed down to the Army National Guard and Marine Corps Reserve (officer-side), as I also hope to pursue a civilian-side career as a NY-NJ Port Authority Police Officer.

Thank you all for your help.

The hydrocephalus is an absolute show stopper. None of the services will give you a waiver for that.

 

[PhoenixCadet]

The hydrocephalus is an absolute show stopper. None of the services will give you a waiver for that.

Damnit.

Thank you for the response, but I have one "rebuttal" for this. I spoke with a friend's father (who's an A/D Navy Neurosurgeon) and he said it's it's a case-by-case basis. I'm not trying to imply that either of you are lying or being misleading, but I would assume then he's just saying that so I don't lose hope?

 

[PhoenixCadet]

Which is a shame, because I have fixed numerous pectus deformities on active duty Marines (both excavatum and carinatum).

If the hydrocephalus wasn't a factor at all - would the military let me in if I had a civilian doctor fix the Pectus before I joined? (Specifically, the Nuss Procedure.)

 

[NavyFP]

Damnit.

Thank you for the response, but I have one "rebuttal" for this. I spoke with a friend's father (who's an A/D Navy Neurosurgeon) and he said it's it's a case-by-case basis. I'm not trying to imply that either of you are lying or being misleading, but I would assume then he's just saying that so I don't lose hope?

Anyone can ask for a waiver and if not granted seek a flag review. Yes, case by case, but having seen people turned down with less significant issues, my optimism is pretty low.

 

[BigNavyPedsGuy]

Damnit.

Thank you for the response, but I have one "rebuttal" for this. I spoke with a friend's father (who's an A/D Navy Neurosurgeon) and he said it's it's a case-by-case basis. I'm not trying to imply that either of you are lying or being misleading, but I would assume then he's just saying that so I don't lose hope?

I appreciate and respoect your desire to help out and serve the country, but if your body won't let you do the job (i.e. you have pectus excavatum that keeps you from running - which you do) then it's not meant to be. Think of it this way: do you want hte guy that's dragging you out of a helo crash to run out of juice because he got a waiver and otherwise wouldn't be there?

Again, muchos respect, but it's not going to work.

Sorry

 

[PhoenixCadet]

I appreciate and respoect your desire to help out and serve the country, but if your body won't let you do the job (i.e. you have pectus excavatum that keeps you from running - which you do) then it's not meant to be. Think of it this way: do you want hte guy that's dragging you out of a helo crash to run out of juice because he got a waiver and otherwise wouldn't be there?

Again, muchos respect, but it's not going to work.

Sorry

I understand where you're coming from, sir - but with the Pectus, that's not the case. I plan on having corrective surgery within the year (and I'm only 16), so that shouldn't be an issue.

The reason why I brought that up still, is because I have a friend who is going through USMC PLC, and was almost disqualified for having a surgery done to correct a problem in his leg. I don't know the full story, but I do know the condition is much less severe in comparison to having Pectus Excavatum corrected.

YMMV.

Thanks again for the help, all.

 

[Perrotfish]

If you're planning on having the surgery in any event, you have no decision to make here. The fastest way to get a definitive answer go ahead and talk to a recruiter, go through MEPS, and apply for the waiver. You have the opinion of the people here that it's not going to happen, but if you've heard otherwise from other sources go ahead and give it a shot. You have nothing to lose but a few afternoons of your time. Just don't give into the temptation to lie about anything (it will come back to bite you in the ass)

 

[kirkman90]

Almost three months ago I went to MEPS and I got disqualified for military service but the doctor said I can send in a waiver. I also have pectus excavatum, but the thing is, is that I didn't know I had it until I went to MEPS. It is so mild that I thought I was just skinny, and me being a female, maybe it is not as noticable as males. I sent in the waiver that same day but two weeks later it was denied. I then spent a whole month, spending hundreds of dollars getting tests from four different doctors. I first had a physical, then x-rays, a treadmill test, another physical, a pulminary function test, another physical with a pulminary doctor and all my test results prove that my lungs are just as healthy as any other 17 year old female. I have 15 pages of results. I then gathered all of the paperwork, sent in another waiver because I was told I can send one in every time I get an update, and it was denied again. Right now, I am speaking with my local congressman Dan Lungren, he sent me an email saying that he will do what he can, and it may take around thirty days, it's been about 20. My report is in washington DC and this whole thing is just a huge mess. I have proof that I am 100% healthy and it is still not enough. Does anyone know how many times a waiver can be sent in or who it gets sent to? A week and a half ago I also had a FAA physical for first class student pilot license, and he examined the pectus and he said it's hardly anything and he wrote me a letter for the Marine Corps as well saying "you would be foolish to reject her for military service, her pectus is mild".

Hope everything goes well for you, if only I knew I had pectus before MEPS maybe I could have gotten paperwork ahead of time and had all this more organized, I'm doing the best I can though, but what more does the Marine Corps need then proof that I am perfectly healthy? I wish I could talk to whoever is the disqualifing person personally.

 

[IgD]

It's refreshing to see some enthusiasm and determination whether or not it pans out!

 

[edmadison]

Almost three months ago I went to MEPS and I got disqualified for military service but the doctor said I can send in a waiver. I also have pectus excavatum, but the thing is, is that I didn't know I had it until I went to MEPS. It is so mild that I thought I was just skinny, and me being a female, maybe it is not as noticable as males. I sent in the waiver that same day but two weeks later it was denied. I then spent a whole month, spending hundreds of dollars getting tests from four different doctors. I first had a physical, then x-rays, a treadmill test, another physical, a pulminary function test, another physical with a pulminary doctor and all my test results prove that my lungs are just as healthy as any other 17 year old female. I have 15 pages of results. I then gathered all of the paperwork, sent in another waiver because I was told I can send one in every time I get an update, and it was denied again. Right now, I am speaking with my local congressman Dan Lungren, he sent me an email saying that he will do what he can, and it may take around thirty days, it's been about 20. My report is in washington DC and this whole thing is just a huge mess. I have proof that I am 100% healthy and it is still not enough. Does anyone know how many times a waiver can be sent in or who it gets sent to? A week and a half ago I also had a FAA physical for first class student pilot license, and he examined the pectus and he said it's hardly anything and he wrote me a letter for the Marine Corps as well saying "you would be foolish to reject her for military service, her pectus is mild".

Hope everything goes well for you, if only I knew I had pectus before MEPS maybe I could have gotten paperwork ahead of time and had all this more organized, I'm doing the best I can though, but what more does the Marine Corps need then proof that I am perfectly healthy? I wish I could talk to whoever is the disqualifing person personally.

I don't know what the regs are for the other branches, but the ARMY only DQs for Pectus if it interferes with rigorous exercise. (AR 40-501; 2-23(i)).

Ed

 

[nickyglasses]

I got a waiver from the Army for hydrocephalus, so it is on a case by case basis. However i will warn you, now that i am in (almost 2 years now) with no problems, and i haven't had an operation in 8 years, yet they are sending me to the med board to find out if i should stay in. Even if you do get a waiver just know that something like this may happen. I wish you luck with it though.

 

[edmadison]

I got a waiver from the Army for hydrocephalus, so it is on a case by case basis. However i will warn you, now that i am in (almost 2 years now) with no problems, and i haven't had an operation in 8 years, yet they are sending me to the med board to find out if i should stay in. Even if you do get a waiver just know that something like this may happen. I wish you luck with it though.

Do you still have a shunt?

Ed

 

[nickyglasses]

Do you still have a shunt?

Ed

Yes, i do still have a shunt. Nothing has changed since i joined the army. Specifically i have a VP shunt.

 

[edmadison]

Yes, i do still have a shunt. Nothing has changed since i joined the army. Specifically i have a VP shunt.

Wow! I'm amazed that you got a waiver.

Ed

 

[nickyglasses]

Yeah, but like i said, now they just may put me out for it also, i'll post back with the med board results when i get them. my first appointment will be in early september.

 

[nickyglasses]

Unless the terminology is different depending on service, I'm a little confused. Are you getting a Physical Evaluation Board where they are trying to seperate you from the military? Or are you getting a Medical Board where they put you on LIMDU pending further therapy?

And if you are getting a PEB, how is it that this was initiated after only two years on active duty, when you claim you had no problems? Who initiated it in the first place?

The board i am getting is called a medical evaluation board, but it is what the army uses to separate you, so i guess it would be the same as your peb. In the civilian world i was supposed to get an annual check up. I decided to go ahead and get a check up and the doctor that gave me the referral to see a neurologist doesn't think i should be in the military with a shunt so he is sending me to the med board despite the fact that i have now been checked up by a neurologist and a neurosurgeon and both said i was fine. The guy that initiated it is a PA(?) i believe.

 

[PhoenixCadet]

Did you ever get a response from your medical board? I'd love to hear what the results are!

 

[nickyglasses]

So i went to the med board appointment and the Dr. said it was a tough one to decide and that she shared my doctors issue with me deploying due to possible effects ied's might have on me that a normal person wouldn't have. But she said she wasn't sure what the actual board would say, and then she moved on to say that she wanted me to try wearing all my gear for extended periods of time to see if my kevlar or vest might cause problems with my shunt resulting in head aches, hearing or vision problems etc. so now i have to go through that and then get back to her, I will try to let you know more as i find out.

 

[PhoenixCadet]

Great! Thanks!

 

[nickyglasses]

The med board went nowhere. I have spent the last several months preparing for a 12 month deployment in iraq. That deployment starts the first half of june. block leave starts tomorrow. Today i was told by an srp doctor that a neurosurgeon at Walter Reed says I am nondeployable and recommends that i be med boarded... go figure. if it's not too late my advice is don't even try it. you will never win.

 

[jabreal00]

It would be a stretch to think someone with a VP shunt could get in the military. I appreciate the willingness to serve but it is not in your cards. Deployment to war zones is no joke. I have seen many stud 18-25 year old come back broken after deployment due to traumatic brain injury (TBI) from non penetrating blast injuries (IEDs). A blast outside your armored personal carrier would do severe damage to you. If an active duty troop (who managed to get in somehow) was evaluated by me, I would refer them to an PEB without the slightest hesitation. This would be done in their best interest.

---------------- Listening to: Smashing Pumpkins - Perfect via FoxyTunes

 

[PhoenixCadet]

It would be a stretch to think someone with a VP shunt could get in the military. I appreciate the willingness to serve but it is not in your cards.

I appreciate the response. I know it would be quite dangerous, and I hate to sound stubborn and simply disregard those (like you) who are familiar with the system, but I'd just about kill myself if I didn't even try to get in. If they say "no", then I'll at least know for sure; but while the option of at least applying for a waiver exists - I've got to try it.

 

[matthewspear04]

My recruiter is trying to get me up to the Kansas City MEPS this Wednesday. I had a brain tumor when I was 12, and diagnosed with hydrocephalus with a shunt. I no longer have a tumor, but still have the shunt. It has never been replace. I am going up their with my medical file, and medical release letter from my neurologist. My recruiter talked to the doc. with MEPS and they said it will be determined when I get there. There is not black and white. I wrestled in high school, and played baseball. There isn't anything I can't do physically that would prevent me from joining the Army. If ANYONE gets hit by a bullet or bomb of any kind- they will be injured. It has nothing to do with having a shunt. A bullet is ment to kill.
I will repost when I get back from MEPS and let you know how it went for me. Good luck to you. I am really pulling for you. I aspire to serve our country along with you.

 

[IlDestriero]

My recruiter is trying to get me up to the Kansas City MEPS this Wednesday. I had a brain tumor when I was 12, and diagnosed with hydrocephalus with a shunt. I no longer have a tumor, but still have the shunt. It has never been replace. I am going up their with my medical file, and medical release letter from my neurologist. My recruiter talked to the doc. with MEPS and they said it will be determined when I get there. There is not black and white. I wrestled in high school, and played baseball. There isn't anything I can't do physically that would prevent me from joining the Army. If ANYONE gets hit by a bullet or bomb of any kind- they will be injured. It has nothing to do with having a shunt. A bullet is ment to kill.
I will repost when I get back from MEPS and let you know how it went for me. Good luck to you. I am really pulling for you. I aspire to serve our country along with you.

The problem is that they are happy to give wavers to borderline physicians and allow them in. Great for you and them (they met their quota👍).
Than, later, they decide that you are not deployable, but often keep you anway. Great for you X2. Some suddenly decide that their asthma, etc is a "serious problem" and try to become "non deployable". I have seen it myself.👎
Oh yeah, almost forgot, since you can't be deployed anymore, one of your "partners" has to go in your place, until you get out or get boarded out. Bad for all of your partners.
I don't know the details of your condition, but just because you want to serve, and can even get a waver, doesn't mean that you should be able to join. Sorry for the reality check.

 

[kago]

i too have a pectus deformity, but it was corrected when i was 4 and i am almost 22. the hospital does not have a record of the surgery, which is what they wanted at meps. i have been an athlete all my life, playing soccer, basketball, baseball, cross country, and even a little bit of wrestling. Now in college i am playing soccer again. My recruiter has no idea and says we will have to see what they say at meps. Should i have anything to worry about joining?

 

[nickyglasses]

IlDestriero is right. I had a whole year of SUCK when my unit deployed, and others did have to go in my place(and a few people who came up with bs reasons not to go...) and to top it off, when i got out a year ago because i was nondeployable and it sucked, they told me I still have to report at least once a year for IRR, which is a pool of ex soldiers they keep on the records so they can deploy them if need be... no sense at all. so in short, no matter how honorable your intentions, you might as well not. you may get through your contract without a deployment, but that doesn't exactly instill pride in you when it causes others to have their 4th, 5th, 6th etc. deployment...

 

[navybound2011]

Hey how did it go at meps?

 

[navybound2011]

My recruiter is trying to get me up to the Kansas City MEPS this Wednesday. I had a brain tumor when I was 12, and diagnosed with hydrocephalus with a shunt. I no longer have a tumor, but still have the shunt. It has never been replace. I am going up their with my medical file, and medical release letter from my neurologist. My recruiter talked to the doc. with MEPS and they said it will be determined when I get there. There is not black and white. I wrestled in high school, and played baseball. There isn't anything I can't do physically that would prevent me from joining the Army. If ANYONE gets hit by a bullet or bomb of any kind- they will be injured. It has nothing to do with having a shunt. A bullet is ment to kill.
I will repost when I get back from MEPS and let you know how it went for me. Good luck to you. I am really pulling for you. I aspire to serve our country along with you.

How did it go at Meps?

 

[curious1soldier]

Which is a shame, because I have fixed numerous pectus deformities on active duty Marines (both excavatum and carinatum).

i also have this problem but i am already in the military for 2 years in the U.S. ARMY i need information on how to approach the situation i want mine fixed. i told the doctor i had some chest pains but the captain just shrugged it off and said you've been fine for 22yrs. now so its just some of the anxiety medicine u have been taking side effects.. i don't know where to go from here i just want it fixed 🙁 how do i accomplish this task, i still have pectus excavatum 🙁(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((