Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/15/2009

Question
Hello, Can surgery effect the chances of you getting into the Navy Reserves? I am prior service Navy, (2002-2006) and want to enlist now with the reserves. I had minor out patient back surgery for a inflamed disc last year, however my recruiter wanted all my medical records and a doctor's note to clear me 100% to send to MEPS. MEPS denied me stating I was a risk. My doctor stated in his letter that I am fully recovered with no signs of future trauma or recurring pain.  I work civilian on a Navy base doing exactly what I did when I was enlisted, and will be doing if I enlist in the reserves.  I tried to ask the recruiter what this means, and if there was a wavier I could get, but he stated that basically I couldn't get in. Is this true? Do I just give up now and not try anymore resources?  Thanks for your help.


Answer
Curtis,
I'm really surprised they denied you.  The only mention of the back in the military medical regulations is this paragraph, "Weak or painful back requiring external support such as a corset or brace; recurrent sprains or strains requiring limitation of physical activity or frequent treatment," which doesn't seem to apply in your case.  However, there is a section called "Miscellaneous" which says, "Any condition that in the opinion of the examining medical officer will significantly interfere with the successful performance of military duty or training may be a cause for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction."

It sounds like your recruiter gave up on you because you may cause him too much work.  He's looking for the trouble-free folks who can bring him easy money without having to do any extra work.  Unfortunately there's recruiters out there like that.

If I were you I'd simply go to another recruiter in another town.  It's perfectly legal to go "recruiter shopping."  The one in your town is merely there for your convenience.  When you find a good recruiter who's willing to work with you, give him all the details and tell him you'd like to apply to the Surgeon General for a waiver.  It'll help if you can get a letter from the doctor who performed your surgery, saying you're OK now.  If the letter comes from a VA doctor, that's even better.

To find another Navy Reserve Recruiter try the website:  http://www.navyreserve.com/

or this website:  https://www.navyreserve.com/request-info/

Don't take NO for an answer unless you hear it from at least 3 recruiters.

Thanks for wanting to continue serving.
Colonel H