If someone has been fully cleared after surgery to correct a pectus excavatum, would they have to apply for a wavier?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 12:03:00 -0400

I know someone who was diagnosed with a pectus excavatum about 3 years ago and is currently seeking enlistment. The issue was corrected with a pectus bar and the doctors removed the bar in February of this year. Since being fully cleared for all athletic and military activities, would the person have to apply for a wavier or could they avoid it in hopes of securing an airborne or option 40 contract?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 12:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 12:31:05 -0400

They may very well need a waiver. MEPS is certainly going to want to see that medical documentation.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 27 at 2019 1:12 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 13:12:51 -0400

This is clearly something that the individual should articulate. Nonetheless, full disclosure is the key, the recruiter will advise as to what is required.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 1:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 13:13:37 -0400

See a recruiter, and begin the enlistment process.
You may be referred for an orthopedic evaluation for a determination.
Reference is DoDI 6130.03.
(13) Item 36: Spine, other musculoskeletal.
(b) Any history of an orthopedic problem requires an examination of the involved area. Annotate positive findings and pertinent negative findings (e.g., “non tender” or “normal range of
motion”).
(c) If a joint is unstable or symptomatic after surgery, the applicant must be medically disqualified. If the applicant is asymptomatic but has a history of orthopedic surgery of a major joint, or surgical scars are discovered, an orthopedic consultation may be warranted.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 27 at 2019 2:44 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 14:44:25 -0400

Before MEPS will authorize a physical exam, the applicant must complete with the recruiter a DD Form 2807-2 Medical Prescreen, and provide all medical records for any illnesses, surgeries, medical care noted on the prescreen with a 'YES" response. The recruiter will submit the prescreen and records for a "MED READ", which is simply a review by the MEPS doctor to authorize the physical exam. If a disqualification exists that the service can waive, the MEPS doctor will authorize the physical exam for the purpose of a medical waiver. Once the applicant completes the physical exam, the medical waiver (if required) is submitted to the waiver authority (USAREC Command Surgeon for the Army) for approval or disapproval. Because of varying degrees of any medical condition or history, there is no way to say for sure a waiver will be required. That is not for a recruiter to determine, that is the call of the MEPS Chief Medical Officer. However, unless it has recently changed, an applicant that requires a medical waiver to enlist is not qualified for Airborne or Option 40 Ranger.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 27 at 2019 2:52 PM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 14:52:55 -0400

Talk to a recruiter. The recruiter will know what must be done and what can be done and will help you or your friend in the steps necessary. From there, once the necessary information has been acquired, filled out, submitted etc., then the applicant will still have to go before MEPS who are the arbiters of what does and does not fly past them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 5:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 17:01:16 -0400

It is waiverable. I’ve had several applicants have this happen. The individual will need to submit the pre operative, operative and post operative notes along with a clearance letter from a doctor. It has to specifically state that there are no issues after being evaluated. No issues meaning no lingering pains or limitations in any way. That is given to the recruiter along with 2 other forms and submitted for a pre-screen at MEPS. Once looked over, it’ll be determined if the person can be seen for a physical or not.

This still doesn’t qualify the person though. This is only to get the physical. There is still a chance that the surgeon general may want more on it or for there to be a wait time before they can come back to take another physical. Now, I haven’t had that issue with my applicants but just saying that it’s a possibility.