Question on BuMED waivers

[TXSRT]

Good afternoon Marines. I have been reading around and researching both here and on the web trying to find answers to some question I have regarding my BuMED waiver. I hope I’m not beating a dead horse with this one. Granted, I may be jumping in a little early on this, as I am still waiting to hear back on my BuMED waiver. This is something I really want and don’t plan on not fighting it I have to. But most of what I have found is not very positive regarding hearing loss waivers in the Marine Corps. However, I want to be prepared for the worst and have a backup plan I can implement right away.

With regards to my situation, to keep it short, I have slight hearing loss in my right ear. When I returned to MEPS, I was told by the doctor there that he was recommending me for a waiver as I had just missed passing the tests. One of the sergeants started my packet and was having it sent out on Monday. If I am denied, can I appeal even though I have already had a consult? If so, how will this affect my chances to get approved? I know that I have to present a case with more info to show cause for review, which would mean another opinion. Will an opinion from another doctor even hold any kind of weight with the BuMED doctors? Or am I wasting my time and theirs by trying to appeal with yet another doctor? I can’t see where they would be too inclined to get yet another opinion from another doctor when I already had a consult.

The gunny's at MEPS and the gunny from my RSS all say I will be fine and will be approved. I have my reservations. I really want the EGA! Thank you in advance Marines!

[TXSRT]

Alright, just got the phone call I wasn't wanting. Permanently DQ'd. My recruiter says I am barred from enlistment in any branch. Which I find hard to believe. I know I would need another opinion from a doctor with his recommendation. Should I just try and find another recruiter that may be willing to spend the time on it? Or are my chances shot?

[rvillac2]

He has no reason to lie to you.
If didn't want to spend time with it, he could have just told you to join the Air Force.
It doesn't sound like you have a 'slight' loss.
Sorry.

[TXSRT]

Thank you Sergeant. I am starting think that my hearing loss was worse than they told me. The doctor told me absolutely nothing about having any hissues other than a little bit of loss in the right ear. While he recommended surgery for the two other guys that had ENT consults that day. I assumed I was ok. Obviously not the case.

From the research I had done here, I had been under the assumption that I could get another consult done on my own dime to see where I stood with things and that I would be able to re-submit this info to try for another waiver. Both of which I was told by my recruiter that I could not appeal it, that this was their decision. I have never noticed any issue with my hearing, nor had any problems and do not think it would be an issue. However, I surely would not have wanted to put any other Marine in any kind of danger. I don't like the decision, but I respect it. At this point, I really just would like an opportunity to serve my country.

I am going to go look at the Navy and that other group, dare I say the name here:sick: I'm assuming my chances with the Navy will be the same though considering they go through the same medical review process.


I've enjoyed the short bit of time I spent lurking around and reading all the different posts. This is a great group of people here and I have the utmost respect for each and every one of you and what you do. I am upset at the fact that I will not be able to continue on my journey and have the opportunity to be a part of your family.

[rvillac2]

It would be wise if you saw a civilian specialist and determine what exactly your deficiency is. You may have a deficit or injury that needs attention.

If you've gone through life without noticing the loss, you may have simply developed a compensation for it.
Good luck.

[TXSRT]

It would be wise if you saw a civilian specialist and determine what exactly your deficiency is. You may have a deficit or injury that needs attention.

If you've gone through life without noticing the loss, you may have simply developed a compensation for it.
Good luck.

That is what I am going to do Sergeant. I would like to know for myself how bad the damage is and what can be done to fix it. Do you know if it would be possible to try and get back in the Corps if surgery was performed? I would ask my recruiter, but he refuses to speak with me and I am currently waiting for another recuiter to return my call with an answer. I'll be researching on my own as well.

While I may be DQ'd with the Corps, I'm keeping my hopes up for the other two I'm talking with. Unfortunately the Army is looking to be my best shot at the moment. Its the last branch I wanted to join, but at least I may have the chance to serve.