Medical Waiver

[Nativity]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA - All branches of the Military.

2 Questions:

1. If someone has cancer that is current but has a high probability of going into remission and is currently being treated by a simple medication regimen; is that a 100%, no chance in hell, DQ?

2. If I were to wait and it goes into remission and allow 2-5 years to pass while in remission is there any chance that I could get a medical waiver?

The answer to #1, I am pretty sure will be a "no", but I had to try anyway. I have spoken to 2 recruiters on the subject. The first one said no and wouldn't even hear me out after that, the second one actually gave me the time of day. He stated he didn't know if it would be an automatic DQ or something that could get waived. He did state that the main issue would be if I could be deployed. And I'm not all that sure what that means, because if I can do the basic and all else why can't I be deployed?

At first I believed I had a fighting chance once the cancer is in remission for a bit of time but after discovering the changes made in the DOD Directive & Instruction for Medical Standards 6130.4/E1.26.2 , I am not so sure.

This is what it stated originally:

"Malignant tumors (V10), exception for basal cell carcinoma, removed with no residual. In addition, the following cases should be qualified if on careful review they meet the following criteria: individuals who have a history of childhood cancer who have not received any surgical or medical cancer therapy for 5 years and are free of cancer; individuals with a history of Wilm's tumor and germ cell tumors of the testis treated surgically and/or with chemotherapy after a 2-year disease-free interval off all treatment; individuals with a history of Hodgkin's disease treated with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy and disease free off treatment for 5 years; individuals with a history of large cell lymphoma after a 2-year disease-free interval off all therapy."

But in 2005 it got revised and now states:

"Current or history of malignant tumors (V10) is disqualifying. Skin cancer (other than malignant melanoma) removed with no residual, is not disqualifying."

So I am assuming that it is stating that even if I hit remission and remain in it for years to come that because it would be in my history I stand no chance?

Not to sound like a whiner, though I am sure I will, but I don't think that's fair. If I am able to get it into remission and remains in that status and I believe, even currently, that I can complete basic and all else beyond 100% then why can't I join?

If I don't give up on this and be persistent about it even if that means I get a hundred DQ's will they ever give up and allow me to join?

[jjmomma]

the reason why you wouldnt be able to join is that you are not "deployable". If you were deployed to Iraq and were in the desert for say 18 months, you can not get the proper care and attention that you MAY require. This also can create a costly pre-existing condition for the military as your medical is "free".

My advice, from a military member, would be to wait the time and contact someone about it. Heal YOU, get YOU better and then proceed. You never know what may happen in the next couple of years with acceptance into the military.

Always remember that there are exceptions to EVERY rule, especially the military and you MAY here a NO from someone but it all comes down to what they say to you at "MEPS" (military entrance processing center). It is a JOINT service panel that evaluates every member for every branch. DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT. Prove that you are well and not a "medical problem" to them. Best of luck!

[Nativity]

I feel I should have a say if I feel I am deployable. If I am aware of what could happen, where I could go and how long I'll be away then I should be able to say that I am fine with it and can do it. I don't need free medical from the military 95% of my bills are taken care of elsewhere.

From what the revised DOD is stating is that it doesn't matter if I gain remission and wait 10 years the fact that it was there in my "history" it's disqualifying.

With all respect but how is saying if you've had cancer in the past so now you can't join not discriminating?

What can I do to get them to give me a shot? I can do all 8 1/2 weeks of Air Force Basic without missing a day, it will be tough but it's supposed to be but I can muster through it.

[Peligroso27]

Having cancer does not put you into a protected class. Just because you feel like you are capable of doing something doesn't mean you actually are. You need to research the meaning of BFOQ. I appreciate your desire to serve this wonderful country but with your history of poor health you will not be able to.

[rob2060]

...Nativity, as a military member, you would have very little say in whether or not you were deployable. And once you join, your medical bills would be the military's problem. Further, should you require hospitalization, recovery time, etc., others in your unit would be required to pick up your slack.

I echo Peligroso27's admiration of you for wanting to serve but maybe active duty military is not the best way you can do that. Have you looked into other ways you can serve the country?

[Nativity]

I appreciate the responses, and I apologize if I sounded like I was putting the military down for their restrictions, they are in place for reason.

And I know there are other areas I can be employed with that do serve the country in the same needs as the military. When one door shuts, others will open. I just wanted to make sure this one was completely shut before I walked away from trying.

Thanks again.