View Full Version : Do I Have a Chance To Serve In The Marines?
Hello everyone,
I have wanted to follow my fathers footsteps in joining the marine corps since I was a child. I recently met with a marine recruiter who has been awesome and provided me with even more info about joining.
I know i'll pass the Physical portion of my meps experience, something I have been working on for years with consistent training in the gym and living a healthy lifestyle.
However, the medical portion of my application does have me worried. I filled out my papers last week and answered no to almost everything (questions on if I have had health problems in the past) other than the fact that I have had a surgery and spent a couple days in the hospital.
When I was in middle school, I took an MRI which showed I had a small benign tumor at the back part of my brain. Luckily for me it was non cancerous, and was at the very back so it was easy for my surgeon to remove it. In just a couple weeks after my surgery I was back playing with friends and doing my normal activities. I do have a scar on te back on my head to this day, which I'm sure ill always have. Since then, I have had absolutely no problems regarding the surgery, and have had 3 MRI's (every 2 years) to confirm there has been no new growth of anything.
I have all of the medical documents to prove this, but am still very worried I may not get the chance to serve my country. I know this is out of my hands at this point, but would appreciate if anyone had any thoughts regarding my chance of passing.
Thanks,
Connor
Zulu 36
07-11-16, 01:56 AM
We're not doctors, and certainly not MEPS doctors, but I've seen people with worse injuries get waivers. Your tumor was benign and surveillance MRIs all negative, so that is all positive for your side.
Tell the truth about the tumor and see if they even want a waiver (I'm guessing, probably). You have all the medical records, so that is another plus for you (speeds things up a little if a waiver is required).
I can't give you the firm answer you'd like, but I would say you have a better than average chance of coming out OK on this.
Good luck and keep us informed of your progress on this thread.
Zulu 36
07-11-16, 01:59 AM
I forgot to add a couple of admonishments. Please complete more of your profile so we know who we're talking with.
Also, Marine and Marine Corps are ALWAYS capitalized.
Thank you for the response. I realize its hard to give a definitive answer regarding my situation, because that is up to the doctors. Just figured someone may have some experience and knowledge in the subject. I submitted my papers on Friday, had all of the medical reports of my surgery and my MRI follow up reports. Definitely didn't try to lie to my recruiter, as I know it would probably pop up at some point down the road. I will keep everyone updated when I hear back for sure, in the meantime I will continue to pray I get the chance to be a Marine.
We've had simular questions in the past-
and the same answer was given -
We can help with Attitude
we can help with Disposition
But the NAVY takes care of the Medical
your recruiter aside from the Navy
is THE BEST person to ask
Tennessee Top
07-11-16, 02:18 PM
Good luck. Let us know what they say.
Good luck. Let us know what they say.
Thank you sir. Will make sure to let you guys know the verdict. Considering I have had no side effects or repercussions due to my surgery I am staying positive that they will get me through.
Hey guys, thought I would follow up on this post for anyone wondering my current situation...
After what seemed to be forever (over a week) I finally got my medical papers back. The doctor at Meps declined me, his reasoning being that the part of my brain my tumor was in, is likely to grow back.
When I heard the news, I was devastated. All of my hope of serving as a United States Marine was taken away from me in a matter of seconds. One of the lowest parts of my life so far.
However, after a couple days of reflection, I have decided that I am not going to back down and give up. I went back and talked to my recruiter (who said this was bull****) and talked to him about what I can do. When we sent in my medical papers, we didn't include my MRI's. I have had several follow up MRI's to prove there is no new growth. I told him I'm willing to pay for another damn MRI today if that would help my case.
I also contacted my neurosurgeon (who knows a **** load more than the meps doctor about this subject) who has helped me a lot. He explained to me that after the 6 years of testing, there is an extremely low chance of any new growth. Hearing this gave me some positivity, and will have him write this down for my appeal.
If this doctor does not consider my appeal, we are going to have this taken to the board of doctors who have the final say. I'm hoping with everything I'm able to come up with in the net few days something can be changed.
Ill post back here when I get more info, and will continue to hope to become one of the Few, The Proud, The Marines.
Tennessee Top
07-22-16, 08:50 AM
It's been my experience, overturning a MEPS doc's ruling is rare (if it ever happens at all). But, nothing wrong with firing all the bullets in your magazine. As long as you have a recruiter willing to work your case, you have a shot.
Update...
Have had several meetings with my neurosurgeon. He thinks I had an unfair assessment, and told me hes willing to do whatever it takes to overturn my DQ.
He was kind enough to write me an extremely helpful, formal letter stating that my tumor was a benign entity an statistically will not recur. I also got a hold of the 4 MRI's ive had since the surgery (over 6 years ago!) that show there is absolutely not growth, and that I am healed from the lesion.
Went to my recruiter today and filled out some statements about my physical activity, and how I have never been affected by the tumor.
He sent in my papers today, now its time to wait and see what happens. Definitely an extremely stressful time, but I have been staying positive knowing I have done everything I can to have the honor of serving my country.
USMC 2571
08-16-16, 08:44 PM
Good luck. It's amazing that it has come to this, compared to years ago. The slightest thing will DQ someone? Welcome to the 21st Century. LOL---keep us posted here on this same thread, please.
Zulu 36
08-17-16, 01:12 AM
Back in January 1971, my friend and I tried to enlist in the Corps on the buddy plan. I made it in, but he was PDQ because of childhood asthma. His attitude all these years since has been, "At least I had the nerve to try and would have served if allowed."
He didn't let a military medical DQ slow him down. He owned a successful medium-sized machine shop, was a volunteer firefighter, a paramedic, and a high-angle rescue instructor. He never had any trouble with asthma. The Marine Corps missed a good man, but that happens sometime.
If BUMED goes your way, excellent. If not, don't let it stop you from still serving your community.
Back in January 1971, my friend and I tried to enlist in the Corps on the buddy plan. I made it in, but he was PDQ because of childhood asthma. His attitude all these years since has been, "At least I had the nerve to try and would have served if allowed." He didn't let a military medical DQ slow him down. He owned a successful medium-sized machine shop, was a volunteer firefighter, a paramedic, and a high-angle rescue instructor. He never had any trouble with asthma. The Marine Corps missed a good man, but that happens sometime.If BUMED goes your way, excellent. If not, don't let it stop you from still serving your community.Really appreciate your response. I have the same mentality your friend did when he was PDQ. I know that even if they don't decide to allow me to enlist, atleast I have done every single thing in my power to try to change their mind in hopes of serving as a Marine. It may sting just a little bit more for me knowing that I have been told that I am completely cured by my brain specialist, who served in the naval reserve and knows what a soldier can and cannot handle. Sometimes you just have to play the cards you are dealt in life, and I fully plan on doing that. Thank you again, I will post back here whenever I here more news, good or bad.
Hello everyone, hope you guys had a great weekend. This morning I was called by my recruiter, who has been extremely helpful to me throughout this journey of mine. After a month of waiting to here any information from BUMED, we finally got some news back today. He told me there were only a few possible outcomes. They were either going to see my papers I submitted and give me the permanent disqualification, or ask for more information. Well, they ended up asking for more information which means I'm headed to MEPS to see the doctor that gave me a PDQ months ago. I'm going down there in a few weeks, and plan on blowing my physical requirements out of the water. I have been working hard for months just to get this opportunity, and I'm hoping my physical test scores will be a benefit to me when it comes to making the final decision. I know this does not mean I am going to get a chance to serve for sure, but I am continuing to enjoy the thought of still having a chance.
I hope you all have a great day. - Connor
irpat54
09-12-16, 09:48 AM
best of luck to you, I will keep you in my prayers that you make it, IMO their is no greater honor then to earn the title of US Marine,, it sound good that you are getting another look..
best of luck to you..
well said IRPAT54 *
you don't progress
if when you fall you just lay there
most of us learned in boot camp to
fall once - and get up twice - everytime you fell
irpat54
09-12-16, 01:06 PM
well said IRPAT54 *
you don't progress
if when you fall you just lay there
most of us learned in boot camp to
fall once - and get up twice - everytime you fell
spot on..
Hello everyone, hope you all are having a fantastic day. So I'm finally headed down to MEPS tomorrow, taking the asvab, and then my physical on Tuesday. It's my last step before I can receive my final decision from BuMED. Appreciate the responses I have got, a lot of great people on here. I will update this one more time when I get that decision in the following weeks.
Update ... ITS BEEN A MONTH AND A HALF AND NO REPLY FROM BUMED!! :devious:
The suspense is slowly starting to eat away at me. My recruiter told me it should be no longer than a month. (Yet I read online it could take up to 6) :O
If I do end up getting in, I guess this will be my first lesson of being patient and the waiting involved in the military haha. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Tennessee Top
11-06-16, 07:00 PM
Your recruiter is just trying to keep you motivated (it's their job). My guess is the 6 months wait (or longer) is closer to reality. BUMED does not have a "fast" gear.
madinfidel
11-08-16, 05:57 AM
As aggravating as it is a slow response may be more of a positive than a quick denial. Sometimes no news is good news. Hang in there.
Well almost 4 months have passed since I first created this thread asking if I would have a chance of earning the title of a United States Marine. Today I got my answer. My recruiter called me earlier and informed me that BUMED approved my medical waiver, and I am all set to swear in next week.
Waiting for an answer felt like an eternity, and was extremely stressful. Through out this time I did a lot of praying and continued to stay motivated knowing I had done everything I could to pursue my goal of joining the greatest fighting force in the world.
I want to thank everyone who replied to me over these months and offered me bits of wisdom. I appreciate it more than you know. I look forward to being more active on here in the future, and interacting with some of the great people this forum has to offer.
I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving, I know I will considering how much I have to be thankful for.
-Connor
Tennessee Top
11-24-16, 09:55 AM
Congratulations on the waiver and thanks for keeping us updated.
silveradomick
11-24-16, 11:00 AM
You've learned a valuable lesson in patience. You'll need loads more of that if you make it in and find yourself in the FMF. LOTS of waiting around in your future. Cangrats on the waiver though. Good luck.