Posted on Jun 27, 2021
I’m getting a pacemaker tomorrow. What happens next as far as my Army career?
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Basically I’m asking can you stay in the military with a pacemaker. What options I’m I looking at? Thanks in advanced!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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
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SPC (Join to see) 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
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
PO3 Phyllis Maynard I had a 21 day extension of my first enlistment fir that ‘Connivence of the Government.’
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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.
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.
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SPC (Join to see) 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.
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.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
Cpl Vic Burk My Apple Watch alerted me for a low heart rate this morning. The Cardio MD advised me to set the watch at 50 and to use the Watch’s EKG function to make a record.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see) 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.
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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
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