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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/orthotics

Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/28/2007

Question
I recently had orthotics made for my shoes to better cushion my feet. I told my USCG recruiter and asked if there was any way I could wear these in Boot Camp. She said all she could do was apply for medical waiver. I've never had a problem but wanted more cushion and support and Dr. Scholl's didn't last long. I have had 4 years of JROTC and was XO of 168 cadets, I played football, wrestled and baseball all without orthotics. I've recently made application to USCG Reserves and was medically disqualified based upon my custom orthotics and the initial podiatrists statement on my chart indicating I had "severe" pronation of the ankles. But every entry after that reveals I had huge success and progress was excellent after the orthotics. It could not have been severe if 1mm orthotics fixed the problem. I've led my teams in competitions for 4 years and have never had a problem, I've never been limited by anything. I'm devastated and don't know where to turn next. My recruiter told me that she was told by her superior to "drop it". I have outstanding evaluations from my Colonel and Sergeant (JROTC) and my military physical was perfect. What can I do?

Answer
Dear Kevin --

You will not be able to enlist in any service until you get a waiver for your "severe pronation" of the ankles. Of course, if your first doctor was wrong, and over-emphasized your pronation to ensure your got treatment and orthotics, you could see another doctor. You will have to pass the physical at the Armed Forces Entry Station, and if a simple visual of you standing shows severe bending at the ankles, that doctor will also disqualify you.

I recommend you see a new podiatrist and get a new evaluation of your stance. Then, go to another recruiting station and start over again with a new recruiter. Point out your medical issue and explain you want a waiver. It will take a while to get through the waiver process, so be patient.

Good luck to you.

PS -- You can wear your orthotics in your combat boots, if they fit.

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Thank you so much for your prompt response. I did immediately go to another podiatrist and he indicated mild pronation after taking new x-rays. The first podiatrist stated in a written letter that his use of "severe" was subjective and mainly for insurance purposes. The recruiter submitted the doctors letter of explanation as well as the second opinion...I then received an immediate response from Ft. Dix indicating that I was medically disqualified due to ankle problems (I never knew I had ankle problems!) I then contacted my Congressman, Jim Saxton and met with his staff. I inidicated that I would take another physical, run miles for them etc. He has forwarded my request for a medical waiver to the USCG laison in Washington. Thank you so much for verifying the process I'm pursuing. I'm sorry I didn't open the email sooner...I thought it was junk mail.