Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/20/2011

Question
Hi there - my brother has always wanted to be a Marine since he was little. Prior to him turning 18 he signed up through his recruiter, waited until he turned 18 then went to be sworn in. He got turned down because of an eyesight issue. He had multiple eye exams, all reputable doctors, two said he was fine, the military doctor said there "could be" some kind of degneration (not macular), but apparently his recruiter did some work and finally he returned and sworn in. He was scheduled to go to boot camp in August and has been going to the required meetings etc, working out hard, studying etc and will graduate high school in May. Last week, he was sent a letter that kicked him out, yes, for the eye issue. This was devastating news! People have said write the Congressman, etc, and that the recruiter can help with an appeal. I've heard others say that there is some kind of medical appeals board or something. Looking to you for your assistance in at least pointing us in the right direction. This kid's lifelong dream just got blown to pieces..we're trying to put those pieces back together and at this point, it feels like we're just running standing in place because we don't know the proper steps to take. It doesn't seem like his recruiter is doing much for him at this point.

Thank you in advance!

Answer
Dee:

  Alas, it sounds like he's taken all the steps he can.   Since I'm not 100 percent sure about the exact reason for the disqualification, I can only speak in 'generalities'.  It sounds like he was submitted for a waiver, which was denied by BUMED.   Once they do that (It's doctors not military people for the most part doing it, and it's based on medical criteria) it's well nigh impossible to have it over ruled.   There is no medical appeals board at this, the entry level.  You can certainly contact the congressman, but I imagine what is going to happen is, after a long wait, you'll essentially get back the same answer.  

 Someone at some higher level must have taken a second look at this since he was waivered and sworn in, OR, he didn't get a waiver and was just enlisted, then it came back as 'denied'.   

 I'm afraid I can't be of much assistance, as it sounds to me like they've made the decision against him.   What has the recruiter done/said?  Can he try again or start the process over, or has he basically said that's the end?  Can he try another service?  

Wish I could be of more help.

Jason