Another Med Waiver Question, please humor me.

[BleedAmerican]

I am 28 years old, and was trying to apply to OCS for the Army. My father was a ranger for 22 years, I sincerely want to make him proud. However I have reached a roadblock in my application process. I was denied a waiver for "Medical Standards for Elistment code 696.1 current or history of psoriasis is a pdq". That being said, I am sure you have all heard the usual spiel ie Im strong, capable, I smoked the ASVAB, its not a big deal yada yada.. Ill try not to waste your time with that, I certainly dont need to convince you that I'm physically qualified when the DoD obviously sets these standards for a reason. That being said, I would like any OPINION or FACTUAL information any marine could give me in regards to what options I have. The station commander at USAREC told me that "...while the Army denied your application for a waiver, the other branches process their waivers throught their own respective chains of command and may give favorable consideration to your request..."

I know the Marine Corps must be more strict or at least more demanding of its applicants than the Army. I do however have 3 creditable civilian doctor's referrals saying my condition is, and has been in remission for 3 years and is HIGHLY unlikely to affect me in anyway considering my over all health and medical history. Even at the absolute worst time, my condtion was still described as below mild and has consistently only been present on less that 1% of my body. I was even told by one Dermatologist that there was insufficient evidence of symptoms to say I do have this condition.

Is it possible, with enough effort and patience, given the refferals from my doctors, that I can at least be seen by a CMO at my local MEPS facility to be considered for a waiver? I dont even need to be an officer. I just want to serve. Period.

I absolutely refuse to believe that this is the end of the road for me. After years of planning and waiting, I can't possibly be PDQ'd for a small spot of psoriasis that is literally smaller than a penny. I have no joint pain, no nail pitting, and have had no associated hospitalizations related to my "illness". What can I do to circumvent this roadblock? Shouldn't it be possible to at least see a military medical examiner and let them determine whether my case can be waived, rather than just PDQ me instantly? Since the Army will not waive this, is it possible the Marine Corps will? Though I would rather serve in the Army or the Marine Corps, it is certainly not below me to join the Navy, Airforce or CoastGuard. Please, any information or insight on this matter would be greatly appreciated and go a long way towards helping me realize a lifetime goal. Knowledge is my best weapon here. I am not going to stop trying until everyone looks me in the eye and says "game over".

Thank you sincerely for your time and your service,
Richard H Grady

[BleedAmerican]

I do of course understand that all branches are going through drawdowns at the moment, but I am aware that this does not mean recruiting has ceased. Only slowed.

[Lisa 23]

Fill out more of your profile besides a first and last name, site rules....which can be found in the poolee and Ask A Marine forums.

[BleedAmerican]

I thought I had filled it out. I posted my phone number and the whole nine yards. I will retry.

[BleedAmerican]

Fill out more of your profile besides a first and last name, site rules....which can be found in the poolee and Ask A Marine forums.

problem solved

[DanM]

It appears that it is listed as a DOD requirement," Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, "Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, "Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces."

Therefore you would need to apply for a waiver and the starting point would be your local recruiter.Since it is a DOD requirement ,no one here can answer what might happen.

[Lisa 23]

Thanks....

You have 2 strikes against you.....your age and psoriasis.

US Military Enlistment Standards

Age Limits


Marines - 28

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlage.htm (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlage.htm)




Military Medical Standards for Enlistment & Appointment

Skin and cellular tissues


Jun 10 2009
The disqualifying medical conditions are listed below. The International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are listed in parentheses following each standard.
The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm)) are an authenticated history of:

Current or history of psoriasis (696.1) is disqualifying.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/skin.htm




Ask a Marine forum rules..NO PROFILE NO ANSWERS!!! READ BEFORE POSTING..MARINES TOO!

There are no doctors frequenting this website. If you have a medical question that hasn’t already been answered by searching the forums, you’ll have to contact a recruiting office. If they cannot answer your question, you may be directed to a medical representative from MEPS.

Again, read that one carefully. We are Marines (and a few Corpsman). We are not doctors. Medical questions will usually be answered by someone cutting and pasting a section from the about.com website. We cannot explain why your waiver was denied and someone elses was granted. Sorry but that's the way THAT is, too.

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103170

[BleedAmerican]

Thank you for your reply softballcatch.

I am aware of the Medical Standards for Enlistment. I was inquiring if it were possible to receive a waiver for this. I have all the legal documentation and have already been over this with an Army recruiter. I understand you are not doctors and cannot tell me anything definitive. Which is why I would be more than satisfied with opinion or even speculation. I know several people who serve with my condtion, obviously they have waivers. Could you perhaps point me in the right direction or tell me what steps need to be taken to obtain one?
Jun 10 2009
The disqualifying medical conditions are listed below. The International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are listed in parentheses following each standard.
The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm)) are an authenticated history of:


I was, however, under the impression that the cut-off age for the Marine Corps was 28. Meaning I could join at 28. I will not be 29 until December.

Thank you again for your time and service.

[BleedAmerican]

It appears that it is listed as a DOD requirement," Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, "Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, "Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces."

Therefore you would need to apply for a waiver and the starting point would be your local recruiter.Since it is a DOD requirement ,no one here can answer what might happen.

Thank you sir, much appreciated. So I shoud just grab my paperwork from my Army recruiter, walk down the hall and talk to a Marine recruiter? That's the only way I'm going to know for sure I suppose. Do you personally know how the process works, or could you elaborate on what BUMED is? I'm assuming that is the Corps individual medical command?

[BleedAmerican]

I should probably be more direct.

Can anyone tell me how I go about getting a waiver?
How the waiver process works?
What do I need to do to begin the process?
Aside from speaking with a recruiter, can anyone offer any information that may be useful to me in respect to what I should approach my recruiter with?

[Lisa 23]

There is a recruiter, afraziaaaa, who frequents Leatherneck from time to time. He'll be able to help you out more than most of us Marines will.

Until then, the only advice any of us can really offer is to talk with a recruiter face-to-face, not over the phone. You'll get the most up to-date and accurate info on what to do. Be sure to bring all your documentation with you and explain to him/her what you just explained to all of us Marines here.

Be sure to keep us updated on your situation....and good luck to you!

[Zulu 36]

Thank you sir, much appreciated. So I shoud just grab my paperwork from my Army recruiter, walk down the hall and talk to a Marine recruiter? That's the only way I'm going to know for sure I suppose. Do you personally know how the process works, or could you elaborate on what BUMED is? I'm assuming that is the Corps individual medical command?

BUMED is Bureau of Medicine, which is actually part of the Navy, but the Marine Corps gets all medical/dental through BUMED. They are the final arbiter of waivers for the Corps.

It is very unlikely that BUMED will grant a waiver where the Army declined to approve one. The Army tends to be more liberal with waivers.

You can go ask the Marine recruiter, but don't be surprised if he won't take your case just on age alone. The waiver process starts with a recruiter and it essentially works the same way the Army process does.

[BleedAmerican]

There is a recruiter, afraziaaaa, who frequents Leatherneck from time to time. He'll be able to help you out more than most of us Marines will.

Until then, the only advice any of us can really offer is to talk with a recruiter face-to-face, not over the phone. You'll get the most up to-date and accurate info on what to do. Be sure to bring all your documentation with you and explain to him/her what you just explained to all of us Marines here.

Be sure to keep us updated on your situation....and good luck to you!




Thank you Softball, You've been very helpful! I'll certainly take your advice.

[BleedAmerican]

BUMED is Bureau of Medicine, which is actually part of the Navy, but the Marine Corps gets all medical/dental through BUMED. They are the final arbiter of waivers for the Corps.

It is very unlikely that BUMED will grant a waiver where the Army declined to approve one. The Army tends to be more liberal with waivers.

You can go ask the Marine recruiter, but don't be surprised if he won't take your case just on age alone. The waiver process starts with a recruiter and it essentially works the same way the Army process does.

So at 28 I am in fact too old?
Forgive me if I am a bit tenacious, but unlikely doesn't mean impossible right? :) I'll do whatever I have to do to serve. I should have skipped college and went straight in, but my mother insisted. Funny thought now.

[Zulu 36]

So at 28 I am in fact too old?
Forgive me if I am a bit tenacious, but unlikely doesn't mean impossible right? :) I'll do whatever I have to do to serve. I should have skipped college and went straight in, but my mother insisted. Funny thought now.


Who knows with BUMED? But unlikely means just that. Let's see what afraziaaa has to say when he gets a chance to pop in.

[BleedAmerican]

Well I have waited this long Zulu, I can stand another few days, weeks, months. Thank you very much for your interest in my situation. I have certainly been better received here than the Army forums. No disrespect to them intended.

[Zulu 36]

Your other post on this topic has been deleted as a double post. Afranziaaa scans this forum almost daily and he will get back to you here.

[BleedAmerican]

Not a problem, thanks for the heads up. I was actually looking for it a moment ago. Thought I was losing my mind haha

[SGT7477]

Well I have waited this long Zulu, I can stand another few days, weeks, months. Thank you very much for your interest in my situation. I have certainly been better received here than the Army forums. No disrespect to them intended.
:flag::flag::flag:,Semper Fidelis.

[Lisa 23]

BleedAmerican, need to be patient. I understand you want answers to your questions, but with afraziaaaa being a recruiter, and with any other recuiter on this site, they do have long hours.
In time, he will see your topic and try and give you the best answers he can.

[BleedAmerican]

BleedAmerican, need to be patient. I understand you want answers to your questions, but with afraziaaaa being a recruiter, and with any other recuiter on this site, they do have long hours.
In time, he will see your topic and try and give you the best answers he can.



You're absolutely right. I can be over zealous. I am acquainted with a few recruiters and they are definitely some of the hardest working people I know. My army recruiter busted his hump for me, no doubt. So, I'll chill out :)

[Sgt Leprechaun]

While not a recruiter, I am involved with the recruiting process, and have been a mentor/Mod here for many years.

Based on MY past experiences here, I will say your chances are, well, not good. As someone else mentioned, if the ARMY wouldn't waiver you, it is highly unlikely that the Marine Corps will. Quite simply, they are far more liberal than are we.

Age + the condition you mentioned are likely going to be 'no go' for the USMC. SSgt A may have something different to say...but I'm going to bet it will be very similiar.

I know of exactly ONE person, that was on here, who got an age waiver. And the only reason he got one was because it took him that long to get his citizenship, and had every single document and paper ready to roll when he walked into the RS.

Age waivers are just about impossible to obtain unless there are VERY special circumstances...AND the Marine Corps believes you have something to offer over and above everyone else.

Finally, check out the sticky on this issue:

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102237

[BleedAmerican]

Age + the condition you mentioned are likely going to be 'no go' for the USMC. SSgt A may have something different to say...but I'm going to bet it will be very similiar.

I know of exactly ONE person, that was on here, who got an age waiver. And the only reason he got one was because it took him that long to get his citizenship, and had every single document and paper ready to roll when he walked into the RS.

Age waivers are just about impossible to obtain unless there are VERY special circumstances...AND the Marine Corps believes you have something to offer over and above everyone else.

Finally, check out the sticky on this issue:

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102237

I thought the cut-off age was 28, meaning I could enlist up to and including 28? If not the cut-off age for officer is 29 at time of graduation IF I'm not mistaken? Although I'm sure the restrictions for an officer are even more stringent.

Thank you Sgt. For your time and service.
Everyone here has been very helpful. Like I said, I'm going to serve one way or another... Maybe the USO needs volunteers, or Civil service is an option. But I still have 3 branches to get yes/no's from.

[afraziaaaa]

I thought the cut-off age was 28, meaning I could enlist up to and including 28? If not the cut-off age for officer is 29 at time of graduation IF I'm not mistaken? Although I'm sure the restrictions for an officer are even more stringent.

Thank you Sgt. For your time and service.
Everyone here has been very helpful. Like I said, I'm going to serve one way or another... Maybe the USO needs volunteers, or Civil service is an option. But I still have 3 branches to get yes/no's from.

We all share the same DoD standards of enlistment, meaning if you are permanently disqualified from one, you are permanently disqualified from all. The Army is more lenient with medical waivers than the Navy is (I am talking Department of the Navy). With psoriasis, your chances are slim.

Go talk to a Marine recruiter and plead your case. Go face to face. If he has the time, he may be willing to have your paperwork transferred from the Army and submit your paperwork to BUMED. Then you wait months. If it gets approved then you wait some more months to go to boot camp. Like I said your chances are slim to none, especially because of your age.

Just in case it doesn't work out, have you thought about service in the national guard?

[BleedAmerican]

Afraziaaaa,

Thank you for your advice. I will do what you have suggested, and hope for the best. It would appear that I waited a bit longer than I should have to enlist. Sadly, it takes more than 6 years to get a 6 year degree haha. I found that out the hard way. I can wait months, I have waited this long. I am disappointed my plans havent panned out the way I had hoped. I suppose a medical condition is just "out of my hands". I have however, been looking into other federal service. ie FBI or DEA. As far as I am concerned, that's still serving my country.... right?



Just in case it doesn't work out, have you thought about service in the national guard?

Am I eligible for the National Guard? I would be more than willing to give it a shot sir. My close friend Matt is in the Guard, he works in civil service here on the base doing the samething he does for the Guard. He seems to love it.

Thanks again for your time and service.
To all the Marines on this site as well. Everyone has been more than gracious and helpful.