Are cat scratches that look like self-harm disqualifying?

Andy Ganderfin — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 22:44:23 -0400

This might be a first one for rallypoint. I couldn't find any answers anywhere, perhaps someone on this forum has had a similar experience, any feedback is very much appreciated. The scratches are quite deep, there are visible scars, is this disqualifying?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 2 at 2020 10:58 PM

SFC Marc W. — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 22:58:10 -0400

I'm more worried about the abusive relationship you choose to stay in with this cat.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2020 11:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 23:09:07 -0400

If they are legit scratches from a cat- no. If you have a fresh one that hasn’t healed you might be temporarily DQ’d until it heals. If they are really cut marks and not cat scratches then yes. The Docs are pretty smart folk and I’m sure can tell the difference between the two.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2020 11:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 23:58:15 -0400

Prior to going to MEPS: get an appointment with a dermatologist. They can teat for keloids and validate the “cat scratch” theory. A psych visit and clearance won’t hurt as well...and quit pissing off that cat. If you’re dq’d at MEPS, Joe Exotic may have a place for you...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 9:42 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:42:57 -0400

As a civilian provider, if I see something like that, here are questions I'm going to be asking myself to determine if the cat scratch story is plausible (or if you're trying to hide a behavioral health issue). Are you right- or left-handed, and where are the scars? Are the scars bilateral? Are they only on the hands and forearms, or do you have a bunch of scars elsewhere on your body (like your thighs)? Do you have any new cuts, and if so, what are their characteristics? Do you have ANY history of behavioral health issues or treatment? If any of those answers set off the provider's BS detector, you'll likely get turfed to mental health for further assessment.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 3 at 2020 12:35 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:35:38 -0400

What in the world? I will assume this is a serious question but it looks questionable. No cat scratches aren't a factor for DQ but expect a lot of questions along the way.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 3 at 2020 4:18 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:18:48 -0400

Jesus, you need to find a garbage bag and a nearby river!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 3 at 2020 4:38 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:38:56 -0400

How would you prove your cat did that and that it wasn't you playing with your pocket knife or a single edge razor blade while you watched tv? If I saw marks like that on your hands and your arms you would be in trouble!

Response by CPL Joshua Campbell made Jun 3 at 2020 5:56 PM

CPL Joshua Campbell — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:56:38 -0400

No one is dumb enough to believe those are cat scratches.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 4 at 2020 9:17 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:17:38 -0400

While you can get a dermatologist to verify cat scratch, MEPS may still come to the conclusion that they would for self mutilation, as you allowed your cat to cause such damage. I am not the psychologist, just stating a possible reality. Be prepared to discuss.