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

Question
I have pins in both of my hips due to an elective bilateral hip rotation. I am aware that most of the time this is an automatic disqualification. I am wondering if I only get one shot to submit a MEPS request for examination? If so, I would consider getting them removed as I believe that is the only part of my packet that would make me disqualified.

If I can submit multiple MEPS requests for examination then I would let them review my history and go from there.

Also, if I do get denied, will they tell me why or just deny me?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and most of all thank you for your service to our country.

Jason

Answer
Jason,
A dire
Before you think about removing the pins, you may not have to.  A direct quote from the military medical regulation is as follows:  "The causes for rejection for enlistment is an authenticated history of Orthopedic hardware, including plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws used for fixation and left in place; except that a pin, wire, or screw not subject to easy trauma is not disqualifying."

So I guess it's up to the MEPS physician if he thinks its subject to easy trauma.  If its not, and you know it, have your doctor prepare a letter saying so and take it with you to MEPS.  Sometimes the letter works, but not always.  It's worth a try.

Bilateral Hip Rotation usually causes knee and ankle pain which can prevent you from successfully completing Basic Training.  If you don't have a problem with that, tell the MEPS physician.  Don't be afraid to speak up or ask questions to him.  It's your future at stake.

To answer the rest of your question, yes, you can try for re-examination at MEPS multiple time, with a few months wait in between tries, but only if the condition that disqualified you has been corrected and no longer exists.  Your recruiter can tell you the waiting period.

If you are denied by the MEPS they will tell you why.  If you have to apply for a waiver to the Surgeon General's office and are denied, they don't usually explain.

Thanks for wanting to join,
I hope you make it.
Let me know how it goes for you.
Colonel H