What do you think?

[NBC]

When I first enrolled in the Corps I had a question for the doctor who administered my physical. I will explain it the best I can with as much tact as possible so here it goes. I had a small problem with my right testicle it was noticably larger than my left one, I asked the doc if it would affect my ability to train and his reply was that it was a hydrocele and it wouldnt stop me from training and it wouldnt be a problem. As training progressed it started swelling and causing me pain. After graduation i was on to MCT close to the end of MCT I informed one of the Instructors about my problem, the pain had increased greatly and the swelling continued. My instructor had me go see the doc and the doc refered me to the clinic where they thought about putting me on grad hold but then decided to send me on to my MOS school to have surgery. As soon as i checked in at school I informed my platoon sargent of my problem even though it was a very embarrasing subject. I had surgery and the pain was dulled a great deal but it still causes me pain, I told this to my surgeon on my follow up visit and he told me that I will have to live with it and the best he could do would be to prescribe me medication to dull it down. I EAS in 6 months it still hurts and i dont know if i even rate VA benefits for it since it was there when i enlisted.

[OLE SARG]

The key is they were aware of it since you were OKed by the doctor. I would pursue this and I would think you would be eligible for benefits!!!!! Be sure and get copies of all your medical records and once out make sure your claim get filed thru a service officer with the VFW, Marine Corps League, or some military veteran organization.

SEMPER FI,

[oldtop]

Pre-existing disabilities are elligable for VA compensation to the extent that active service aggravates the pre-existing disability. The fact that your problem required surgery is in itself proof that your military service aggravated your existing condition. Get a copy of your enlistment physical and see if the problem is even documented on it as pre-existing. If not, the fact that you were allowed to enlist and serve indicates a "presumption of soundness" by the military, therefore your disability was either not disqualifying or non existant in the eyes of the enlisting service. BEFORE you EAS, BE SURE TO GET A COMPLETE COPY OF YOUR SERVICE MEDICAL RECORDS, inclusing enlistment and discharge physicals. Be sure the problem is listed on your discharge physical.
FYI..while some services will allow you to remain in service (active or reserve) with a VA disability rating (ANG will allow a member to continue to serve with up to 30% VA disability rating), unless there has been a change in policy of which I am not aware, a 10% rating from VA will get you DISCHARGED from the Corps.

Semper Fi

[hrscowboy]

Sounds like the mumps worked you over at one time. Had a friend that had the same thing he ended up losing both of them and from that day on we called him Captain No Nuts...

[David Jameson]

Get your records when you get home.Make sure anything pertainng to your problem is documented while your in AND MOST IMPORTANT,GO to the D.A.V or VFW and have the handle your case for you.Don"t go it alone.