Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/1/2008

Question
Dear Cynthia,

I was in the Coast Guard for four years and was honorably discharged as an E5 with a reenlistment code of 1 in 2005. I am thinking about reenlisting, however in 2006, I suffered a knee injury that required surgery for a torn ligaments. I have recovered fully and can pass any of the physical tests required for entry. Could my injury disqualify me from reenlisting?

Answer
Dear Adam --

Yes, your injury could disqualify you, but you could also get a medical waiver for it.  You would need to go through the enlistment process and go through the MEPS physical again.  Then, if they disqualify you for your knee injury, you would submit a waiver request outlining your rehabilitation and a doctor's prognosis for successful completion of military training given your injury and rehabilitation.

If you are serious about returning to service, you should do it before you have been out of service for three years.  If you return before three years passes, you can re-enter without going through basic training again.

Understand that you may not get all your rank back either.  But you should get some of your rank back.  Discuss this with your recruiter, and ensure everything you agreed to is in writing in your new contract.

Thank you for your service and good luck to you.