Expert: Rod Powers - 8/15/2006

Question
Back in December 2003 I was seperated from the Navy in basic training because of Moderate Persistent Asthma. However, I had a severe case of pneumonia when they tested me for it. I ended up getting seperated with an RE-4 discharge. When I got back home I saw a civilian doctor and he ran a test of his own and he said the asthma was not there. He believed the Navy doctor mistaked pneumonia for asthma. Can I get my RE-4 changed so I can join another branch? Is there a chance the discharge review board will change my code to an RE-3 or should I just try to join another branch with my RE-4. I can show proof the asthma is not a problem. I am not seeking benifits I just want to have a chance to get back in the military. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Brandon,

Your chances of processing a waiver with *any* branch with an RE Code of "4" is slim -- very slim. Most recruiters won't even try to process it. I've seen the Army National Guard (on a very few occasions) waiver a "4" RE Code that appeared to have been issued in error, but that's because they're under control of the individual *state,* and not the federal government, so they have more leeway (depending on the individual state regulations).

Your best bet is to try and convince the Naval Records Review Board to change your RE Code, especially if you want to join active duty. Details about doing this can be found in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforcebase/a/chgrecords.htm

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com