Army SCP Question: Soldier failed APFT and HT/WT, but failed due to an autoimmune disorder. How do I get him off of the SCP?

2018-05-24T14:02:41-04:00

So the guy has been stuck on special pops PT even though he has RA for the past year. He's unable to exercise normally, and will routinely have limbs swell up 25-30% larger than their normal size. I've put in the request to get him off of the program, since he's obviously going through a medboard, but am told that he's supposed to remain on the program by reg.
I don't really understand why though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 2:07 PM

2018-05-24T14:07:10-04:00

The reg is there to cover the broad population. Utilize your chain of command as the commander will have some discretion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 2:12 PM

2018-05-24T14:12:40-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member i think AR 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness, might have some relevant information. Also, if the soldier is in the MEB process, talk to the PEBLO. That person can usually talk to the commander and help in situations like this.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-05-24T14:44:46-04:00

I’m just curious, to have RA at what I’m assuming is a young age is clearly atypical to me, obv genetic, seemingly, clearly not his fault... how frequent are the episodes? Also, did you have him referred to rheumatology, as well as any clinic or hospital command physician for case review, with a CO endorsement to justify such a special review? I’m total perm disabled, I was doctoral level allied health we shut my license off yrs ago, so there’s obv a limit to what I can suggest of course, however that is an interesting problem...make sure to suggest rheumatology, maybe at a VA if there isn’t it at whatever clinic or Hosp is by you, I’d be most eager to here more, hope that is of use...and I’m assuming he’s been imaged however it’d be picked as well, maybe meds if warranted...odd as I’d said having RA that young, certainly...,

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 24 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-05-24T14:48:31-04:00

Also, another thought...could it possibly be psoriatic arthritis as opposed to rheumatoid? It’d depend on any dermatological flare ups, obv he should have a full set of rheumatology panels drawn as well, just thought to mention that....

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 24 at 2018 3:04 PM

2018-05-24T15:04:11-04:00

Special population PT isn't just for those who fail. The program should take into account Soldiers profiles and limitations.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 24 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-05-24T16:42:59-04:00

If your units special population PT is properly developed it includes a medical evaluation by the PA or Doc. In that regard your Sokdier should be performing events beneficial to his or her health. If that is not what happened, then as a supervisor take them in sick call, and get an assessment. Ensure not to step on the units toes. You should a supportive approach I meeting the needs of the Soldier under the policy of the unit. I am sure you would agree that is far better to do what you can within your power ensuring the Sokdiers health is maintained while on duty. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 24 at 2018 6:05 PM

2018-05-24T18:05:32-04:00

Do you have access to his profile?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 4:08 AM

2018-05-25T04:08:42-04:00

I would ask by what regulation, chapter and paragraph. There is no Army program for special populations PT. There is no requirement for a commander to conduct special population PT IAW AR 600-9. It's not even a real thing.
Additional PT is a commander policy and should be addressed by the commander

Response by LTC John Wilson made May 25 at 2018 7:35 AM

2018-05-25T07:35:18-04:00

Medical Board...

Response by CPL Michael Slack made May 25 at 2018 11:39 PM

2018-05-25T23:39:54-04:00

Talk to ombudsman. Every post has at least one and they are normally at the post hospital. I was med boarded and I had to go to them for help when my CoC tried to flag me when I already had my initial ratings. They while find more info on the subject and print it out for you so you have something to take back to the command. A lot more NCOs need to know about this resource.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made May 26 at 2018 12:09 AM

2018-05-26T00:09:57-04:00

There is no 'right thing' to do in this situation. Either stay in regs and make his life miserable or be a good friend and through the rule book out the window. If it were solely up to me I'd just find a job or MOS in which he can stay in the service but his condition won't be a problem, but that sort of policy change won't happen any time soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2018 1:54 AM

2018-05-26T01:54:31-04:00

Only his healthcare provider can provide that guidance, and it will come in the form of a MFR if applicable for that Soldier. See AR 600-9 for more info.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Nov 3 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-11-03T22:40:08-04:00

It is usually policy (Div/Bde/Bn/Co). If he had an auto-immune disorder, then that cover Ht/Wt, but he can still work on physical fitness; hence the remedial training (spec pops).