Seeking A Military Waiver After A Stroke: What You Need To Know

can you get a military waiver for a stroke

The process of joining the military is a complex one, with many forms to fill out and strict health requirements to meet. A history of stroke is a red flag for recruiters and can lead to either a temporary or permanent disqualification. However, it is possible to apply for a medical waiver if one has experienced a stroke. The process involves submitting medical records and documentation from a medical professional stating that the applicant is fit for service. The recruiter will then send the information to the Surgeon General's Office for review and a decision. This process can be time-consuming and may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the branch of the military being applied to. It is important to note that not all medical conditions are eligible for a waiver, and there is no appeal process if a waiver is denied.

Characteristics Values
Can you get a waiver for a stroke? Yes, but it depends on the severity of the stroke and the level of recovery.
What is the waiver process? Applicants must fill out a 2807-2 Medical Prescreen of Medical History Report and submit supporting documentation from a medical professional stating their condition and that they are fit for service.
What happens if my waiver is rejected? There is no appeal process if your waiver is denied. The Surgeon General's office is the appeal, and if they deny you, that is the final answer.
What are some conditions that are not eligible for waivers? History of asthma, ADD (if taking certain medications), diabetes, drug dependency, severe nut allergies, problems with certain organs, and certain skin conditions.

medshun

The military waiver application process

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before initiating the waiver application process, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. The Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1, Medical Standards for Military Service, serves as the governing document for military medical waivers. This document outlines the physical and medical standards that applicants must meet or seek a waiver for.

Step 2: Complete the 2807-2 Medical Prescreen Form

The first step in the waiver process is to fill out the 2807-2 Medical Prescreen of Medical History Report. This form is comprehensive and requires detailed information about your health history. It is important to be thorough and accurate when completing this form, as any discrepancies or omissions can lead to disqualification or delays in the process.

If you disclose any medical conditions in Section 2 of the form, it is highly recommended to submit supporting documentation from a medical professional. This documentation should state your current condition and that you are fit for service. Failure to provide adequate supporting information may result in a medical disqualification.

Step 3: Submit the Form to MEPS

Once you have completed the 2807-2 form, submit it to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). MEPS is responsible for processing all military entrance physicals and will either accept or decline your prescreen request. If your request is accepted, you will proceed to the next step of the process.

Step 4: Physical Examination at MEPS

If your prescreen request is accepted, you will undergo a physical examination at MEPS. This examination will determine your physical fitness for military service. Based on the results, you will either pass or fail the physical.

Step 5: Receive Temporary or Permanent Disqualification

If you fail the MEPS physical or receive a medical disqualification on your 2807-2 form, you will be given either a Temporary Disqualification (TDQ) or a Permanent Disqualification (PDQ). A TDQ indicates a temporary medical condition, such as a broken bone, that prevents you from processing through MEPS. A PDQ, on the other hand, is given for a permanent medical condition, such as surgery.

Step 6: Determine Waiver Eligibility

If you receive a PDQ, you can start the process of applying for a medical waiver. Not all medical conditions are eligible for a waiver, so it is important to refer to the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6130.03. This document outlines the criteria for waiver eligibility. Additionally, you can use the PULHES code or factor provided with your PDQ to look up your condition and determine if it is waiverable.

Step 7: Gather Supporting Documentation

If your condition is eligible for a waiver, you will need to gather supporting documentation from medical specialists. You will need to pay for these medical examinations out of your own pocket. The specialists should provide letters on their letterhead, detailing your medical history, current condition, and their assessment of your physical capability to serve in the military.

Step 8: Resubmit the 2807-2 Form with Supporting Documentation

Once you have obtained the necessary letters from medical specialists, you will need to resubmit the 2807-2 form, along with the supporting documentation, to your recruiter. Your recruiter will then forward these documents to the Surgeon General's Office for your desired branch of service.

Step 9: Wait for a Decision

The medical waiver process can be time-consuming, and the decision ultimately rests with the Surgeon General's Office. There is no appeal process if your waiver is denied. If your waiver is approved, you will be one step closer to serving in the military.

medshun

Temporary and permanent disqualifications

A TDQ means that your physical condition is temporary, and you cannot be processed through MEPS because of the medical condition. This could be something as simple as a broken finger. A TDQ will delay your request to process for a military physical until your condition has healed, and you can prove that the condition no longer affects you.

A PDQ is for a medical condition that is permanent, such as surgery. A PDQ does not necessarily mean that you cannot serve; it simply means that MEPS cannot process your 2807-2 without additional information. Some issues are eligible for a medical waiver, while others are not.

If you receive a PDQ, it should include a PULHES code or PULHES factor—a standardized medical code used to rate your physical condition(s). You can use these codes to look up your condition(s) in the Department of Defense Instruction for Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment or Induction in the Military Services (DoDI 6130.03). This document is used by MEPS doctors to determine medical eligibility for military applicants.

It is important to note that there is no appeal process if your waiver is denied. The Surgeon General's office is the final authority on medical waivers. If they deny your request to serve, that decision is final.

medshun

Medical examinations and associated costs

Medical Examinations:

  • Before applying for a military waiver, individuals must undergo a medical prescreening and fill out Form 2807-2, which is a comprehensive medical history report. This form must be submitted to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
  • MEPS will either accept or decline the prescreen request. If accepted, individuals will undergo a physical examination at MEPS, which they may pass or fail.
  • If an individual is permanently disqualified due to a medical condition, they may be eligible for a waiver. The waiver process involves reviewing the Department of Defense Instruction for Medical Standards (DoDI 6130.03) to determine if the condition is waiverable.
  • Each branch of the military has its own waiver policy and process, and recruiters can provide guidance on the likelihood of receiving a waiver for a specific condition.
  • In some cases, additional medical examinations or consultations with specialists may be required as part of the waiver process.

Associated Costs:

  • Individuals are typically responsible for paying for any medical examinations or consultations required during the waiver process. These costs are not covered by the military.
  • The medical waiver process can be time-consuming and may take several months, depending on the complexity of the case, the individual's medical condition, and other factors.
  • There is no appeal process if a waiver is denied. The decision of the Surgeon General's Office is final, and contacting a member of Congress or a senator will not change the outcome.

medshun

The waiver appeal process

If you have a medical condition, you must apply for a waiver to join the military. The Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1, Medical Standards for Military Service, is the governing document for all things related to military medical waivers.

If your waiver application is rejected, there is no formal appeal process. The Surgeon General's office acts as the appeal, and if they deny your application, that is the final answer. However, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of a successful waiver appeal.

Firstly, ensure that your medical condition is truly history. This means having no symptoms, taking no medication, and having no risk of reinjury. If your medical condition meets these criteria, you may have a chance of a successful waiver appeal.

Secondly, consider applying to a different branch of the military. Each service makes its own waiver decisions, so you may have better luck with a different branch. You can also consider applying to the Guard or Reserves, as it may be easier to join them if you need medical waivers.

Thirdly, think about what you are bringing to the military. If you have medical, legal, or ecclesiastical degrees or certifications, you may be eligible for a specialty career, which can increase your chances of receiving a medical waiver.

Lastly, leverage your network. While getting members of Congress or general officers involved may not always be successful, it can be helpful to have someone in your corner who can help navigate the process and make connections.

It is important to note that the waiver appeal process can be time-consuming and may take months, depending on the complexity of your case and other factors. Additionally, you will need to pay for any required medical examinations out of your pocket.

medshun

Conditions that are not waiverable

While many medical conditions can be waived for those who wish to join the military, there are some conditions that are not waiverable. The Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Volume 1, Medical Standards for Military Service, is the governing document for all things related to military medical waivers. It is important to note that having a medical condition listed in this instruction does not automatically disqualify someone from joining the military. However, it does mean that a waiver must be applied for.

Vision

Vision issues that do not correct with spectacle lenses to at least one of the following standards may be disqualifying:

  • Distant visual acuity of 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye.
  • Distant visual acuity of 20/30 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye.
  • Distant visual acuity of 20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other eye.

Dental

Applicants with orthodontic care, such as braces, must complete the active phase of their treatment plan before entry. Braces must be removed, but retainers are permissible as long as they do not require active orthodontic follow-up.

Ears and Hearing

Current tympanic membrane perforations must be fully healed or surgically repaired before entry. Hearing must meet acceptable levels for commissioning.

Allergic Conditions

Food allergies resulting in systemic symptoms are disqualifying. Immunotherapy for seasonal allergies is not disqualifying, but continuation during the initial years of service may be problematic.

Skin

Chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis are disqualifying and are not waiverable. Mild cases of eczema and atopic dermatitis may be considered for a waiver, but psoriasis is a systemic disease and, therefore, not waiverable.

Psychiatric Disorders

Those with unresolved mental health issues or more severe diagnoses are unlikely to be considered for a waiver. A history of depressive or anxiety symptoms may be considered if treatment has been completed and a period of stability is demonstrated without the need for ongoing medication or psychotherapy.

Respiratory System

A history of recurrent bronchospasm, including asthma, reactive airway disease, and exercise-induced bronchospasm, is disqualifying. Waivers may be possible, but only if convincing evidence suggests that the diagnosis was erroneous or the condition has credibly resolved. Ongoing use of medication to treat or prevent bronchospasm will result in a waiver denial.

Heart and Vascular System

Any abnormalities of the heart valves, major vessels, heart rate, or rhythm may require additional examination procedures and are not typically waiverable.

Genitourinary System

A history of bedwetting that is not convincingly resolved, or any unresolved physiological or anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, is likely to result in medical disqualification.

Gastrointestinal System

Chronic diseases of the abdominal organs, chronic or recent hepatitis (including hepatitis B carriers), and inflammatory bowel disorders are likely to result in medical disqualification and are not typically waiverable.

Musculoskeletal System

The following conditions are disqualifying and not usually waiverable:

  • Un-united fractures.
  • History of instability of a major joint.
  • Certain retained orthopedic fixation devices.
  • Severe scoliosis.
  • Any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance.

Neurological and Learning Disorders

Seizure disorders (except febrile convulsions in childhood) and recurrent or severe headaches may be disqualifying and are not often waiverable. A history of learning disorders such as ADHD may only be considered for a waiver if the applicant has demonstrated successful academic performance off stimulant medication for at least 15 months and if no educational accommodations have been required.

It is important to note that this list may not be exhaustive, and there may be other conditions that are not waiverable for military service. Each case is unique, and individuals should consult with their recruiter and medical professionals to determine their eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment