How accurate is my recruiter about my 1-year post-surgery medical wait?

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 18:25:15 -0400

I had surgery to correct my pectus excavatum 3 years ago, and had the corrective bar removed 2 weeks ago. During my post op a week and a half after surgery, I was told by the surgeon that I was 100% medically cleared, but to take it easy if I felt sore. I went in to talk to the recruiting office today, and was told that the earliest I would be able to sign would be a year after the surgery date. Under AR 40-501, if the pectus condition doesn't interfere with physical activity, it should not constitute grounds for disqualification (Which it should not, as I got it fixed). How accurate is the information given to me by the recruiter, and is that 1 year wait legitimate?

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jun 25 at 2018 6:37 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 18:37:55 -0400

I have to be honest, i had to look it up. No idea what it was... Congrats on having a successful surgery. As to the info, I don't know what current regs are, but one thing you can do is talk to other recruiters. Talk to whatever branch you want to go to, and if they tell you no, go to another. If you don't get the answer you want, try another recruiting office. Keep at it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 8:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 20:19:42 -0400

The recruiter wouldn't be the one requiring the wait. How far along in the process are you? Did you already complete an application packet and submit to the recruiter? There's really a variety of answers ranging anywhere from 1) the recruiter didn't really give you the time of day, so yeah, go find another to 2) there's a local policy in place for USAREC Recruiters saying that they are not approving any waivers for "XYZ conditions" or 3) your recruiter sent your information up to MEPS in what is called a "Med Read" which is basically a pre-screen of the information in your packet and the doctor there said no.

Need a little more info on this one if you don't mind sharing the details with the community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 9:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 21:29:52 -0400

What state are currently in

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 25 at 2018 10:07 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 22:07:29 -0400

As a former recruiting squadron commander, LT Brad McInnis advice is spot on. If one service isn't cooperating, try another

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 26 at 2018 6:17 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 06:17:34 -0400

Take a written statement with you when you go to the recruiters, if they have a question, they can call and take to the doctor, and put that info on your paper work for when you go to MEPS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 8:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:29:36 -0400

There is normally a 6month to a year wait following any surgery. As Recruiters we use more than one regulation, on top of 40-501 we also us what is called the DoDI, now if they did send it as a medical read and MEPS said it is a wait, all of the branches in your area most likely use the same MEPS. I will do some research for you and let you know what I can find

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 26 at 2018 9:51 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:51:14 -0400

There are waiting periods, length of which depends on the type of procedure or condition. It is possible that the recruiter researched the regs or contacted MEPS medical for advice to come with the 1 year waiting period. You can go around to other recruiters if you don't feel satisfied with the answer, but at the end of the day you are likely to get the same answer. Best thing to do is provide the recruiter all your medical records and clearance from your doctor so a "medical read" can be conducted by the MEPS doctor. That will be your official answer on the medical issue.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jun 27 at 2018 1:24 PM

SFC Wayne Theilen — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:24:30 -0400

Maybe a 6 month wait. As long as you have all med docs. You should be good to go

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 8:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 20:59:50 -0400

Look in 40-501 and 601-210. I'm currently a Station Commander. Those two regs will give you your answer. Not sure where the 1 year wait came from...but any type of surgery usually only incurs a 6 month wait (minus wisdom teeth and a few others)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 7:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:46:12 -0400

SSG Laura Mboup is spot on with what we use to determine the waiting period for any surgery.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 7:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 07:45:45 -0400

Average available application date after cleared by your medical provider after any surgery is 6 months. Be aware pectus excavatum is a disqualifier and you will need a waiver from service after prescreen.