How hard is it to join Indiana National Guard with Med Waivers?

Sgt Dave Knight — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:44:50 -0400

I spent 10 years on Active duty in the Marines and really miss serving. I used to hear recruiters say, "Everything is waivable." I am starting to wonder if that is true. Here's the deal, I have an 80% VA rating for a combo of GERD, PTSD, and Anxiety. I am currently being treated for insomnia, ADD, and sleep apnea also by the VA. What is the realistic likelihood that I can receive waivers for these conditions and continue serving in the National Guard? Some of these issues I can fix on my own (losing weight vs. sleep apnea for example). Some of them may need a waiver. I am already getting back down to my "fighting weight" and working on the PT requirements, just in case. However, I fear that my medical history might be a huge barrier to serving again. My RE code is 1B, I have a BA & MBA, and I am looking to enlist as 09S for OCS. I have read the entire DoDI and see a few issues, but there is a ton of grey area in there (that would best be answered by a medical professional). So, is everything waivable or would I just be wasting everyone's time (including my own)?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 1:11 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:11:47 -0400

Sgt Dave Knight 80% might be hard. I had a hell of a time w/ just 10%. Have to get a waiver to go to MEPS. MEPS then has to clear you for service. Then you have to get a waiver from the Surgeon General from discharging branch.
I got out in 2000. Was finally successful in my fight 24 Sept 2018. Though, a lot of that has to do w/ recruiters who disappeared at the first sight of difficulty.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 9 at 2019 2:22 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 14:22:25 -0400

Sgt Dave Knight I think it is going to be difficult for you to get back in, even into the Guard. I would definitely talk with a recruiter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 10:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 22:00:42 -0400

You have to understand that a waiver would likely be considered if continuing military service has a low or no chance of making the condition worse. Now I am NOT a waiver approval authority so I have to tred carefully in giving advice. You have to think of it from a Doctors perspective. Would you say that military service would have no chance of making your PTSD and Anxiety worse?

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 9:25 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 21:25:52 -0400

I was Air Guard in IN (both units) and your best bet is to get yourself in as good a shape and as healthy as you can and then go talk to a recruiter. You have nothing to lose and you are healthier even if they don’t take you