Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/12/2008

Question
During the time I was being recruited into the Army, I provided information required, concerning 2 medical conditions I have.  I have an "AC" shoulder separation, type 2, and I have exercised induced bronchospasm (asthma).

When I told the recruiter about these, he told me not to worry about it.

I am now in basic training at Ft. Benning and my shoulder is so painful, I cannot adequately do pushups, pullups,etc and other physically demanding activities.

Additionally, since I am running everywhere, my bronchospasm has flared up and I have difficulty breathing, and am very exhausted after the strenuous activities.

 It is abundantly clear that I cannot meet the demands for which I was told not to worry about.

What should I do?  I am ashamed and embarassed by this situation, but I have no control over it.

Answer
Dear Tom --

If you did not report these conditions on your medical history at the military entrance processing station (MEPS), you are guilty of fraudulent enlistment.  If you did report these conditions on your medical history, and they enlisted you anyway, then you can get them treated.

If you lied by omission on your medical history form, you should confess your transgression to your chain of command, and get an entry level discharge.  Understand, that if you do this, you will never be able to enlist in any service in the future.

If you had a medical waiver for pre-existing conditions, and those conditions are now flaring up, you can get treated for them, or you can get an entry level discharge.  If you believe with rest, medication and rehabilitation, your shoulder can eventually sustain training, you should get treated and put on a physical therapy.  If you do not think your shoulder will ever be strong enough, accept the discharge.  

As for the exercise induced asthma, if a bronchial dilator works for you, you should get the troop medical clinic doctor to prescribe on for you, so you can train to your best level possible.

In either case, both conditions should be reviewed by a military medical doctor at Fort Benning.  You should not be doing training activities which will further damage your shoulder.  You should either be treated, or put on a reduced activity profile until you heal, or are discharged.

If your recruiter told you to lie on your medical history form, you should report him or her to the recruiting command.  Encouraging you to do that is a serious transgression.

Please write back, if you wish to discuss any of your options further.  Good luck to you.