Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 1/12/2012

Question
First of all I want to thank you for your service.
I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with chondria malacia patella or runners knee following an accident I was in january of 2010. I went to physical theraphy for 6 months to build up my case not for pain. I went to meps and was disqualified but was given a ortho consult for my knee. The contract doctor said my knee was in perfect condition!! No surgury and no screws. He checked my whole whole leg to see if there was pain. None. My recruiter said airforce needed computer systems and that would give them more reason to approve my waiver that I need. I know my recruiter probulary knows best but what do you think of my chances for a waiver from the worlds greatest air force??

Answer
Kamron,
Since you've already been to MEPS what you need to do now is get it in writing from a doctor that you're OK.  Ideally you need a doctor who also works for the VA, because you have the best chances with him.  MEPS doesn't have to accept anything from a private doctor, no matter how much you plead for them to listen to reason.  However, they have to abide by what a VA doctor says.  The catch is, how do you get an appointment when you're not yet a veteran?  You have to find a VA doctor who also does private practice.

It's not easy, but it's easier than trying to get a waiver.  Your choice.
Colonel H