Expert: John L - 11/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am on temporary disability for rhuematoid arthritis but my levels are low and am not on everyday medicine for it. I am a former Marine Reservist and have talked to a recruiter about joing the commisioned officer program. Will the arthritis keep me from joining even if i have a specialist write a letter explaining that i am fit to serve?

ANSWER: Your civilian doctor does not have the authority to say you are fit to serve, only a military doctor familiar with regulation can determine that.

If you need medication even sometimes, other than OTC stuff, you will not be allowed to join as arthritis can be an issue in combat situations if it affects you that much.

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

QUESTION: two quick follow up questions Mr.Lewis.
1. can i join and go through OCS in a non-combat MOS?
2. I am not on any regular meds for arthritis so wouldnt i be able to join? who and when makes the determination whether my arthritis is dibilating? if i feel i dont need any medicine shouldnt that be the determining factor?

Thank you for your attention to my questions  

Answer
Your OCS question is simple,  all men must pick a combat arms MOS as a choice to serve, the army picks from there.

The military determines based on past medical history if you are eligible to join.  If you are considered disabled still, you don't have a prayer.  You still have to be able to do all the stuff you did as a Marine when you were in before.

Go through the motions, you never know what they will determine unless you try.

So call a recruiter now and start the process, but be ready for a recruiter not to make you his main project as he will have others who have no issues who want to join.