Expert: Rod Powers - 4/30/2007

Question
I have had a severe diagnosis of eczema and a few other skin problems since I have joined the army.I have psoriasis and if I use a certain type of detergent I'll get rashes on my body.I was wondering if there is any way I could get a medical chapter since they wont let anybody join the Army if they have any of these problems.

Answer
Hi Alex,

In order to qualify for a medical discharge, first, a military doctor must make a decision that your particular medical condition interferes with the proper performance of your military duties. If so, the doctor will recommend an MEB (Medical Evaluation Board). You can read about the process at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/a/medseparation.htm The MEB is the one which makes the decision as to whether or not one's particular medical condition is incompatatble with Military service, or not.

Now, just because a particular medical conditon renders one ineligible for enlistment, does *not* mean that same medical condition will result in a medical discharge.

I like to explain it this way:

If you're going to buy a car, and somone wants to sell you a car that needs a new engine, and lots of maintenance, you may decide not to buy that car.

On the other hand, if you buy a car, then put in several thousands of dollars to supe that car up, drive it for a couple of years, then it needs a new engine and some maintenance, you may decide to invest that time and money in the car, instead of throwing it away and getting a new one.

The same is true of the Military. Before the Military has time and money invested in your training, if you have certain medical problems, they may not accept you. But, after they have invested several thousands of dollars and several hundred hours in your training, the same medical problems may not warrant "throwing you away."

This is especially true (right now) for the Army. The Army (and Marine Corps) are currently undergoing an increase in size, and it's very doubtful that a skin problem is going to result in a medical discharge, unless there is some kind of direct evidence that the conditon prevents you from performing your military duties.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information website at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com