Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. Two questions- 1)I am about to be a junior in high school and had planned upon graduation joining NROTC to be a Navy Nurse- until I heard that it is a disqualification if you have a history of asthma past 13, which I do (worked very hard to put it at bay). Are there any 'loopholes' to this? I no longer need an inhaler or medication, and am in physically great condition (I can run and do cardio and weights with no lung issues). 2) On the military site it says at MEPS they ask if you have ever dislocated anything, which I once dislocated my knee. No problems since- is that a dq?

I just can't believe that I can't do this, my family line is full of Naval pilots, marines, and a few non-military nurses. I wanted to be apart of both, but better I know now than to be turned down and have to go to plan B or C I suppose.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Dear Victoria --

Your asthma condition is disqualifying, but since you are symptom free for an extended period, it is waiverable.  Continue to do well in school, and continue to keep your health and fitness excellent, and you still have a good chance of your ROTC scholarship, and a career in the Navy.  

On your knee, was it diagnosed as "dislocated?"  Did you need massive knee surgery to put your knee tendons, muscles and bones back into place?  Or did you actually just sprain it by twisting it?  The first is a disqualifying dislocation, the second is a minor injury from which you clearly recovered.  The classifications you use on your health reporting form make a large difference in how doctors classify you at MEPS.  Don't call an injury something worse than it was, or the doctors will disqualify you.  However, don't lie either, because you can be charged with fraudulent enlistment if you fail to report or under report something on your health form.

Good luck to you,



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

QUESTION: Cynthia,
Thank you so much for letting me know! 1) I was very discouraged, but hopefully even though my asthmatic history continued after thirteen, they will see I've been sympton free and am in great health. But I was wondering for how long the sympton free period needs to be, in your estimation? 2) Doctors called my knee dislocated because it popped out all the way to the side. However I didn't rip anything and didn't need any surgery, so I'm very lucky. Thanks Again, I really apreciate that you take the time to so thouroughly answer all questions!

Answer
Dear Victoria --

The longer you go without an asthma attack, the better your likelihood for a successful waiver.  There is not really set time, as each waiver case is considered individually.  Your quality as a candidate will weigh as heavily as the likelihood of a new onset of asthma symptoms.

Again good luck to you, it sounds like you have a good chance at getting the waivers you need.