Expert: Howard Lorenz - 1/11/2008

Question
Hello,  I am trying to enlist in the Army National Gaurd.  All is going well, and I am heading to MEPS soon.  When I was 10 I had a few mild epileptic seizures, was treated with medication, and have been seizure free for 18 years.  The problem is that the treating physicians office destroyed the records 5 yrs after my 18th b-day (I am 31 now).  There is some mention of this condition in my adult records but I have no medical documents (EEG, Dr. Notes) to verify that I am fine.  I am willing to anything to prove this condition is ancient history, as I am positive childohood seizure disorders are waiverable if there have been no relapses, and no medication use within 5 years, AND I have a normal EEG.  I must submit recent medical records for a recent fracture, so it is likely the MEPS physcian will notice the 1 sentence that says "Childhood Seizures".  I was told by many, that if I didnt have the proof that I am seizure-free w/ normal EEG, I will be pdq'd by MEPS, no waiver recommended.  What do you recommend I do?  I asked my current Dr. and he said he cannot order me an EEG.  MEPS can do a med consult, correct?  I dont want to lie at MEPS!!

Answer
You doc cant order you an EEG? What kind of crap is that? I would find a doc that will. You may have to come up with the proof. I dont think that the CMO at the MEPS will PDQ you but he may TDQ you until you provide the necessary info on the old condition...