Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 9/28/2009

Question
I have osteodegenerative arthritis in my knee.  I have completed the MEPS processing and was waiting for my waiver for my knee to come back.  The doctor at MEPS said that it shouldnt be a problem because I am physically fit.  Well 2 weeks passed and my recuiter told me that he heard that i was approved but we were still waiting for the oficial email comfirming it.  The third week came around and my recuiter called me and told me that I have been denied my waiver because I cost to much to insure in the long run.  The recuiter said that i would have to wait 6 months to put in another waiver but he said that there would be no point since its an automatic denial.  Is there anything I can do to join the army? And is this a condition that I can get checked out by another doctor to see if i can get a second opinion. And is this true about an automatic denial? Thanks for your thoughts and your answers.

Answer
Unfortunately, it seems you have a dead end at the present time. If MEPS has said you're permanently disqualified due to a permanent medical condition, they aren't likely to change their mind. I'm sorry about this but the only thing you can do is try again in 6 months like the recruiter said; just dont expect different results.