Can Asthma lead to medical discharge?

[kaeryn]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? NJ, legal residence in NY

My husband has been in the Air Force for 7 years and is a SSGT. Today he found out that he has asthma. This is a new diagnosis. Never even had any symptoms until a few months ago. He has been on profile for the past 1 1/2 months while under going the testing. A medical review board is going to determine what restrictions my husband will have for the remainder of his career if they allow him to stay in.
I'm wondering what are the possible outcomes. Could they deem him undeployable? Force him to cross train? Kick him out? Medical discharge? Medical retirement? We have three children and a fourth due in a couple months. We really don't want a discharge from this, as his is our only source of income.
Any info. would help.
Thanks

[rmet4nzkx]

If he made it this far in life before getting Asthma hopefuly it can be controlled although adult onset Asthma may forshadow other more severe illness. Is there a history of lung or liver disease in his family? Does he smoke? In his MOS is he exposed to environmental hazzards? Almost anything could result from this, there are not enough facts to tell, it may even be related to military service and a discharge might result in a disability rating.

[kaeryn]

Thank you for you quick reply.
My husband does not have any family history of lung or liver disease or any other type of disease. He does not smoke, never has and is not exposed to any enviromental hazzards for his job.
By disablity rating does that mean that he could collect disablity if the military does discharge him?

[fozzy2]

Just about anything is possible. It will all hinge on what the board determines. Asthma certainly can lead to a medical discharge, indeed I would expect that is the most common outcome, but until the medical people have spoken the bureaucratic ramifications are just guesswork.
He could get disability, but probably not much unless the asthma is very bad. Treatable asthma should allow for a normal civilian career. The good thing is that if he is determined 'service-connected' disabled (which he probably should with no problem, being in 7 years) then he can get free VA care for his disability/asthma. Even if you are getting "zero percent" compensation (i.e. no check), that free healthcare can be a lifesaver.
At any rate, your concern is understandable but until the board results are back there is little concrete to go on.

[dallas702]

Yes, asthma can affect deployability and can result in a discharge, but the chances of getting medical retirement or compensation through the VA is extremely slim. One reason the military has always considered asthma such a detriment to duty is not just the obvious respiratory condition, but also the psychological component of the condition. Asthmatic reactions are compounded by panic and stress. That creates high risk for the soldier and his team members.

Exercise induced asthma is easily treated, but spontaneous asthmatic reaction is a different matter.