Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/5/2008

Question
Ma'am,

I am a senior in nursing school and have done 3 years of ROTC.  I have recently found out that I have ulcerative colitis.  Because of this I am being medically discharged.  My doctor has given me a good prognosis.  What I know about ulcerative colitis from my doctor and from being in nursing school, I do not understand why I am being discharged when I only have 1 1/2 years left of school and a medical condition that can be easily kept under control.  I do know people who are commissioned or enlisted already with GI conditions similar to my own.  Can you give me any suggestions or perhaps point me in the right direction to try and find out why I'm being discharged?

Thank You

Answer
Dear Sarah --

Entry level health requirements are higher than the requirements to remain on duty.  The military tries to balance the required investment of completing your training with the likelihood that you may never be well enough to serve and pay back that investment.

You are allowed to appeal this decision and request to remain on duty.  However, they may decline to continue your scholarship based on your health.  You would not want to remain on duty as an enlisted Soldier.

The decision authority probably believes the discharge is in your best interest.  Have you discussed this decision with your ROTC chain of command?  Do they know you do not desire a discharge?

I would talk to your professor of military science,and see if they will tell you why a medical discharge has been recommended, and if there is an appeal process for the decision (there should be).

However, consider carefully if you really want to serve, given the stressful disease you have.  There may be less stressful ways to continue your nursing degree.

Good luck to you with both your health and your degree.