Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/27/2010

Question
I have researched this quite a bit. Finding out that Keratoconus is a automatic DQ for military. But how would it effect and active duty person, who is diagnosed after joining the military? Will this person be separated? Or will they continue treatment for the person?

Answer
Eric,
I'm glad to see you've done some homework.  Since your question was not marked "Private" I'll briefly explain for others that may read this.

Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the eye.  Keratoconus affects around one person in a thousand.  The exact cause of keratoconus is uncertain, but it seems to be hereditary.  It is typically diagnosed in the patient's adolescent years and attains its most severe state in the twenties and thirties.

You are correct in that Keratoconus of any degree is an automatic DQ for joining the military.  Keratoconus is often treated with surgery, and any surgery which reconfigures the cornea is also disqualifying.  So there's no real way around it.  Keratoconus is easily spotted by a competent doctor, or optometrist, not just by an ophthalmologist, so the MEPS physicians will notice it.

The reason it is a DQ is because the disease runs an unpredictable course and many cases of keratoconus will progress to a point where vision correction is no longer possible, thinning of the cornea becomes excessive, and a corneal transplant is required.  Since its impossible to predict who will worsen, the military just DQs everybody.  It's cheaper for them than treating you many years down the road.  And its all about money nowadays.

For the second part of your question, very few adults develop Keratoconus after childhood.  If an active-duty person were to develop Keratoconus, the military's action would depend upon how many years the person had already served.  If it was less than 10 years, they would likely medically discharge the person.  If it was more than 10 years, they probably would begin treatment by way of special contact lenses, feeling confident the disease wouldn't be severe enough for surgery before the person was retirement eligible and could be retired.  After retirement, the VA (Dept. of Veterans Affairs) takes care of medical treatment and the military (Dept. of Defense) doesn't have to pay.  As I said, its all about money.

I hope this answers your question.
Colonel H