Expert: Rod Powers - 10/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello I'm a sophomore in high school, I plan to attend an ROTC college and serve at least a 4 year active duty with the Army. I would like to become Airborne and attempt ranger school. There is only one thing in my way. I have bicuspid aortic valve with MILD regurgitation, I go to a heart doctor every 2 years just for a check up. Every time I go to him he tells me I have NO restrictions and that I can do anything. I am on the cross country team,track team, swim team, and I also play baseball. I can run many miles without any problem and I an ranked 7 on my Cross Country team. Please tell me whether or not I have a chance to pass the medical exam for enlistment. Also my heart doctor has told me that if I still wish to join the military when the time comes he will be more then happy to clear me medically.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Andrew,

I'm afraid your medical condition is probably disqualifying. See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/intmedstandards.htm. That means it would require a medical waiver to join. Whether or not a waiver would be approved is anyone's guess. For details, see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com

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

QUESTION: So based on what you told me it is unlikely that I will be accepted by them. However what are my chances on receiving a medical waiver for this. My cardiologist will write a letter saying that I'm in fine physical shape and have no problem doing an physical activity. I also would think that possibly I could receive a wavier for this because the regurgitation that I have is so very mild it is almost not even there and only shows up on s eco exam. Is this at all possible?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Andrew,

You may wish to re-read my article about medical waivers at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm.

As I say in the first two paragraphs of the article, NOBODY can tell you what your chances of a medical waiver are.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com