Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/16/2009

Question
I am currently in the Navy NC, been active duty for 2 years 10 months. I was IRR for 36 months while I was finishing up nursing school, and I was an E4 for 2 years as a reservist. I have education. I have a BFA, a BSN, and I am working on my PhD in nursing research. I joined the Navy very gung-ho, envisioning myself as a rear admiral some day. I have had two children since I joined, and in addition to my first born, my total is three biological children, 1 step son. I have had 3 c-sections, and I have never recovered. I was border-line when I entered active duty, failed my first prt with a 2% body fat failure and the second with a 1% body failure. I have been on every diet available, and have tried all the crazy means of loosing weight including hydroxy cut, alli, and even liposuction. My height is not going to change. My breast / chest size has been the same overwhemling amount since I was 12, and my neck is about as big as my pinky. I am coming up on another prt, and truthfully I am sweating it. I am no longer willing to poison myself to pass the weigh in. I am afraid that this is it for me, time to deal with the reality that even though I pass the physical portion of my prt with flying colors, I will never be in standards.  It is not for lach of trying either, I walked into my command on the FEP prgram, and I am sure I will be on it until I am separated  (I feel like a pioneer). I am a bit terrified about the future, since I have four small children I would like to have an idea of what I am looking at tin the future. With a third PRT failure I understand that ADSEP happens automatically. I want to know what kind of time frame it takes to have the disposition of the ADSEP, in otherwords, do I start to look for another job now? I have been in under 6 years (3 years active and 2 reserve, 3 IRR so I don't think I qualify for any separation pay. Do you have any guesses or information for me. In advance I thank you for your time.

Answer
Steph,

This is my advise, Since you have the foresight to know that you cant meet the standard to serve. With that knowledge, I would be hitting up the docs on base to find the reason you are unable to loose weight. Belive it or not there are conditions that cause this to happen. By getting this documented, you may qualify for a VA comensation classification or rating. I would attend the TAPS classes that all bases offer to get started on preparing for the the jobs search. With the degrees you have in the medical field, you shouldnt have that much trouble securing a position.

Now Im not telling you to give up, if the docs find something, then you have some fuel to see if you can be "Cured" if that is the issue. But bottom line, if you know in your heart of hearts that its your time... Then start documenting..... Get copies of your FULL medical record and get to the VA to start the rating process. There are tons of benefits for veterans that will help you find work.... Who knows you might be able to work for the VA with your credentials.

H