Expert: James Bell - 11/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: i was prescribed a medication to control high blood pressure, i am scheduled to ship to basic training for the army here in about two weeks, what is going to happen if i tell meps whats going on?

ANSWER: Rick -

Rule number one about the military ... if you have a medical condition, the military WILL find out about it.  You will not be able to keep the medication or the condition a secret.

You need to tell them about it as soon as possible.  Will they cancel your contract?  Most likely.  But, this situation is something outside your control and there will be no consequences for doing so.  But, if you try and hide it, when they find out (again, I stress they WILL find out), they WILL kick you out for lying to them, and will most likely get a General Discharge at best, an Other Than Honorable at worst.  Either of those types of discharges will stay with you for the rest of your life when you apply for jobs.

As of right now you have committed no crime by simply being placed on medication by a doctor.  But if this is not disclosed to the military, and you try to go forward with enlistment, the results will be very bad for you.  I can't tell you how many times I get questions from people in your same situation, only they are a few months into training and now being medically discharged in a BAD way and are trying to salvage not only their military career, but the blot that is going to put on the rest of their life.

Time is growing short ... contact either your recruiter or MEPS and get things straightened out.  They MAY have a job or position available to you, or they may be able to get a medical waiver for your condition.  The important thing is to let them know and work the system in your favor.  Hiding it will only work against you.

Sincerely,
James Bell


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i let the recruiter no whats going on, hes acting like its not a big deal, he wants me to in process to my reserve unit, i told him ive been ill thats why i havent in processed yet. he just saying its stress and ill be better when i get to training, then he contacts me saying i need med documents, to prove what the diagnoses is, but im still under going tests and everything else, so what do i provide the recruiter in the mean time, and do i let the company commander know whats going on, i mean i havent even been to a drill weekend yet. what do i do?

ANSWER: Rick -

I commend your prompt actions.  Although this may seem trivial, what you did is HUGE ... as a retired senior NCO, you did the right thing, even if it may change how your military career moves forward.

Provide your recruiter the documents he needs.  Realize that his role in your enlistment is merely to process the paperwork for you to go into the military, and it is to his benefit to get you in, so he will do whatever it takes to make sure you are accepted.

Ultimately, it is the doctors at MEPS who will decide what will happen to you.  Make sure your recruiter is in contact with MEPS and, if your recruiter doesn't think you should personally make contact with your company commander, he should at least bring this to your commander's attention.

I still can't tell you enough how much you did the right thing.  The next few weeks may seem confusing as the military medical community decides what they are going to do, but you can sleep well knowing you did the right thing.

Sincerely,
James Bell


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the enlistment is for the army reserve, i told the recruiter today that i am not going to ship because of my current condition, he met with the first sergent and want a diagnosis, there isnt one yet. my doctor wants me to go on a restricted diet, and meet with a cardiac specialist because some of the lab test are not normal, and a couple of other specialist on top of it.  im just looking out for my health now. and dont want to get stuck out of state if something happens what do i provide the recruiter since there is no diagnosis and they are still testing me, and what do i do about getting out of the contract? ive already told that i want to but they are saying this is stuff they would have caught at meps and im just making up reasons now not to go. i also told them numerous times abuot the medications, and they just doubled the dose on monday because i need to get a control of the blood pressure asap.

Answer
Rick -

Thanks for keeping me in the loop about your situation.  First of all, we aren't in World War II, and we don't need to rush troops out as fast as possible.  Don't be intimidated and pressured into joining the military if you have questions about your health.  Yes, they all want you to join because having another warm body in the service benefits them, but not you.  

If they are having issues with how your doctor is handling things, then have THEM contact your doctor and have HIM provide the answers they are looking for.  Until you take the oath of enlistment on the day you go on Active Duty, you do NOT belong to them.  They are NOT paying you and they do NOT OWN YOU.

Until your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you belong to him.  Let the doctor provide the paperwork to the military that you are still under his care and your medical situation is still being determined.  You don't need to do everything yourself.

Sincerely,
James