Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/3/2008

Question
I recently lost my long time (well 2 years) standing job, and was out and about looking for a new job when a recruiter saw me asking for applications one day while I was getting lunch. We returned to his office (Army) and went over a bunch of stuff, I eventually agreed and signed alot of paperwork. This was on this past Wednesday, I took my ASVAB on Thursday (Scored an 82 AFQT: GT=123 CL:118 CO:115 EL:116 FA:116 GM:115 MM:112 OF:116 SC:116 ST:118) today is Sunday and I'm scheduled to take my physical and oath signing on Tuesday. He told me that any medical condition (ANY) accept HIV I was to say no. Yet I have HPV and currently have a breakout. I have not yet told my recruiter this, because I am really scared because I've wasted a week of time I could be out looking for a job. I need to get to BCT as soon as possible and the longer I wait the worse. I have to pay rent on the 17 of every month and I've talked to my landlord and worked a deal that when I get my first pay, rent will be payed. But I also understand that genital warts are disqualifying (the only apparent one is anal) and that MEPS tells you to bend over and spread em so to say. I do not want to be Permanently Disqualified when they see it, and the wart causes me no issues at all(No pain, no itching,discomfort etc..) What should I do? Tell my recruiter and try and get a medical waiver (I understand exceptional ASVAB scores have an impact), or hope that MEPS let me through?
Thanks,
Matthew

Answer
Dear Matthew --

Your recruiter is correct, you have exceptional ASVAB scores.

Your recruiter is wrong -- never lie to the MEPS doctors about existing medical conditions.  If you do, and that condition gets worse through Army training, you can be charged with fraudulent enlistment and thrown out with no compensation.  Even worse, you could be charged with the cost of the training you did receive because it was provided under false application.  If you get a waiver for a pre-existing condition, and Army service makes it worse, you will get treatment and some compensation, if you can no longer serve.

I recommend being honest with your examining doctor, and applying for a waiver, if your condition is waiverable.  Most diseases that are controlled with medication, and cannot be spread by routine contact are waiverable.

Good luck to you.