Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/18/2009

Question
This past summer of 2008, I had left for Air Force BMT. while in BMT I went to get my hip checked out because I was having a really sharp pain the doctor did a regular check up and discovered i had scoliosis and tenderness in my muscles on the right side of my spine.
I was discharged on the count for scoliosis.
I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at the age of ten at a 3 degree curve to the left with the slightest rib hump on the right, I do not have level differential in my shoulders and you can't even notice I have scoliosis unless bend forward touch my toes; the degree of the curve will no longer increase due to the fact the I am now skeletally matured. Now from what I understand all of the disqualifying degrees for scoliosis in the air force are 30 degrees and above or if the condition interferes with with equipment and/or uniform, or if the condition disables you to carry a vocation life as a civilian. And well none of those apply to me, so I feel it was an error, I got a reentry code of 2C and JFC as my separation code. Now I'm trying to appeal it because i would like get back into the Air Force I had three orthopedics preform examinations take xrays and write out dictations. I filled out a DD form 149 and sent it in along it a personal statement and the doctors dictations with the X-rays.
Now my question is, am I on the right track? how long does this to receive an answer back from the board? and if i do successfully get it changed am I eligible to go active duty air force again?
thank you in advance.

Answer
Sorry Its taken so long to reply, as some of you know Im preparing for a extended deployment.

THe RE Code 2C indicates that it was a involuntary discharge under honorable conditions. the code JSC is basically the medical side of the discharge.

I cant speculate one way or the other if they will let you back in or not. Unless you got something in writing that states that they will take you back in, then my expectations is that they will not. Not based on the fact that you are better and probably can do the training. Its more the fact that the Air Force doesnt have a prior service program, which means that they are not enlisting people that have been in the military before.

Now does this exclude you from military service... No, you may have to look at the Navy now who does have a prior service program.

If you still desire to get in to the Air Force, you may have to get your congressman or senator behind who can have the Air Force surgeon general review your current medical condition to evaluate your records.

The fastest way.... Check with the other services..

HW