Expert: John L - 10/22/2010

Question
Good morning Mr. Lewis,

I'm in the National Guard's RSP program, but have not been to BCT yet.  I got a pretty nasty back injury - it's pain in my lower left back that goes down my left leg.  The pain started after a run when I was home.  It hasn't really responded to anti-inflammatories or physical therapy / traction.

In addition, in 2006 I had a surgery to remove my gallbladder.  After the surgery for about two months I had a sharp, Charlie-horse like pain in my chest/diaphragm area, but it seemed to stop on its own.  Well, about two months ago I had that same pain again after eating.  My doctor prescribed me medicine, but I've had one attack since going on the medicine.  Still haven't figured out the cause or trigger, but I do know it feels like the same pain as the pain I felt after my gallbladder was removed.

I was told to go back to MEPS - what are they going to do?  Another enlistment type physical or something else?  Am I looking at separation or will they try to retain me?  What chapter (2 or 3) of the physical standards manual will they look to - 2 since I haven't been to BCT yet or 3 since I'm in RSP?

Thank you for your insight & time.

Answer
If you are starting to have issues, they will not allow you to ship, especially if you are still in treatment.  they will probably discharge you after a certain time if your issues haven't been resolved.  It is not a bad discharge or anything, you can't help it if you became medically unable to fulfill your obligation.