Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Discharge due to medical issues

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/3/2009


Question
I have been in the Air Force Reserve/National Guard for 17 years and since returning from my deployment to Iraq, I have been diagnosed with TB, COPD, Asthma and depression.  I currently take 8 medications for these symptoms daily. Since I am in a guard unit, most of the diagnoses are with a private doctor or the va. Are these disqualifying issues? I am suppose to meet with the base doctor during November UTA.  Thank You

Answer
Holly,
Not necessarily.  Do you WANT to be discharged?  If so you can push for it.
If not, chances are they'll just treat you for it and forget it.  Going to a VA doctor is a wise move just in case they ever do discharge you.  That way you'll already have a record established to prove it's Service-connected.
Good luck,
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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