Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/prescreening denied hypothyroidism

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/18/2010


Question
Hello! I am attempting to enlist in the air force. My prescreening form was sent to MEPS, and they rejected it because i am currently on medicine for hypothyroidism. I have had this condition for about ten years, and have been on the same medication dosage for about 7 years. I have no symptoms at all (no tired, not overweight, excercise regularly). I know that the medical standards say it is disqualifying only if uncontrolled by medication. So what options do i have? Is there someone i can appeal too? Should i wait and try to enlist when waivers are more readily being granted? I got a 95 on the ASVAB, have a bachelors degree, and im in good physical condition. Thanks

Answer
Whitney,
I'm sorry to hear about your hypothyroidism.
With that score and a Bachelor's Degree I'd have thought you'd be a shoe-in.  You're correct, hypothyroidism that is controlled by medication is not disqualifying.  I don't know why the MEPS doctor would say otherwise.

Your recruiter can help you file an appeal to the Surgeon General's office.  They'll get it right.

I hope you make it.  Let me know.
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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