Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/medical board and seperation

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Expert: - 2/1/2008


Question
I have been diagnosed with Coccidiomycosis more commonly know as Valley Fever. After a year and a half of treatment it has shown signs of decimination and increased liver affects.  Can they discharge me for this disease if i contracted it in the marines at boot camp.  I have currently served for 2 years.

Answer
Aaron:

  This is a medical question that goes far beyond my ability to give a 'yes/no' answer to.  I'm guessing that, yes, they can discharge you for it no matter where you got it from.  If it's getting worse despite treatment and best efforts of the doctors, then it's certainly a possibility you could be medically retired.  Honestly, though, I'm not sure.   I would suggest talking to your command, the medical professionals treating you, and your VA representative.  

 If they decide to medically retire you for this, you'll go before a medical board who will determine this.  I believe you can have a VA rep with you (I'm not sure..but the VA will know) and if you can, by all means, bring one along.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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