I’m getting a pacemaker tomorrow. What happens next as far as my Army career?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 18:40:43 -0400

Basically I’m asking can you stay in the military with a pacemaker. What options I’m I looking at? Thanks in advanced!

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Jun 27 at 2021 7:40 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 19:40:22 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member do not forget to have a discussion with your personnel officer who will certainly have regulations to refer and explain the options to you. In the Navy they have something called "at the convenience of the government", when I had a medical change my duty station was extended one year. Then when reenlistment came up, there were duty station options and work assignments comparable to my skills. I would see if the Army had those options

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 27 at 2021 7:47 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 19:47:43 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Tough break. You need to talk to someone in your chain of command that can answer the questions as per regulation. If I had to guess (and I hope I am wrong) they may very well give you a medical discharge. Sorry is that upsets you but it is a possiblility.
The V. A. has talked about a pacemaker for me because of my low heart rate. They had me on a 24/7 heart monitor for three weeks. At night my rate dropped as low as 27 beats per minutes. Normal is about 46 - 48 for me. But I am old as the hills so heart issues are not all that uncommon.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 27 at 2021 7:50 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 19:50:01 -0400

I would never try to predict what they would do HOWEVER, what they do best is nothing. I was awaiting a MEDBOARD for over ten years. You may be retired before they get to you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2021 2:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:34:17 -0400

If it's a temporary pacemaker then it's a matter of whatever the underlying condition is and if the temporary pacemaker resolves it. Cardiac issues are a serious no go for continued service though. If it's a permanent pacemaker, at your age and time in service, you will be medically separated. Probably even medically retired

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jun 28 at 2021 6:18 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:18:35 -0400

I wish you luck brother and may god bless you.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 28 at 2021 6:45 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:45:07 -0400

Here's some observations.
1. It ain't the end. There are a lot of stuff you can do for yourself and your family.
2. If you want to continue to serve (our country) - try going into politics. I don't know you but I would like to see see more military folks doing that than someone who didn't sign that blank check.
3. Don't let your pride lock you into bad or poorly thought out decisions.
4. Don't become a victim, that's just another road to depression. Depression builds on blocks of self-pity. Don't start stacking them up.
5. Take naps if you start getting too hyped up. Sleep restores (not completely) you and lends balance to your perspective. They also allow you to take a step back.
Good luck.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 28 at 2021 10:21 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:21:47 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member It's in the hands of Army medicine now. DO NOT stress over things you have zero control over. Do whatever paperwork you are required to do and wait for them to make their decision and don't make yourself stress during the process.

Response by SGT Sharon Olden made Jun 28 at 2021 5:29 PM

SGT Sharon Olden — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:29:14 -0400

I am not sure. I was put out of the Army National Guard some years ago with a Mitral Valve Prolaspe. I was a 42A. Check the Regulation.

Response by SGT Sharon Olden made Jun 28 at 2021 5:38 PM

SGT Sharon Olden — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:38:37 -0400

AS stated in my earlier text, I was put out for a Mitral Valve Prolaspe. That is in the heart. I feel so so bad. Make sure you check the regulations. Best wishes.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Jun 30 at 2021 11:31 PM

SGT Chris Padgett — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:31:25 -0400

Long story real short.
My pacemaker went into my chest due to bradycardia and I went out the door of the Army.
The upside, I get mailbox money every month, the down side, concurrent receipt.