Is having a splenectomy due to hereditary spherocytosis disqualifying in the military?

Jessica Williams — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:59:15 -0400

Hi, I’ve recently decided to join the navy. My health is fine besides having hereditary spherocytosis and had a splenectomy for that. I took the asvab and everything and meet all of the qualifications but my navy recruiter called me back a few days ago and told me MEPS disqualified me but he’s trying to send over my medical records to the navy headquarters to see if I can get a waiver. Hereditary spherocytosis is an autoimmune disorder and no site lists whether that’s a disqualification or not. I’ve read somewhere where it’s fine to have a splenectomy due to that reason but I’m just not sure. How long does it take to get a medical waiver and can anyone give me any information showing me if it’s disqualifying or not? MEPS told my recruiter they wanted to play it safe and not qualify me but I’m confused.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 5:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 17:09:22 -0400

Since MEPS said you were disqualified then yes. But, if you want to see it in paper/regulation format:

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-05-04-113917-883

CNTRL F for Splenectomy and you will find that the DoD states this is a DISQUALIFYING situation. It won't matter what Navy Command nor your Recruiter says. You are disqualified from Service.

613003p.pdf

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Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 29 at 2019 10:12 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 22:12:39 -0400

As noted by SSG Thomas Livingston, DOD 6130.03 under 5.22 BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING SYSTEM
You suffer from spherocytosis which is a form of anemia specifically splenomegaly. That in and of itself is disqualifying but you further compound this by the fact you have had a splenectomy which is also disqualifying. Your condition is both current and hereditary which means that it cannot be treated to the point it disappears and is not going away.

Nothing that you can do, nothing that any recruiter can do can or will change this. This is a DoD directive policy, which means all five branches follow and adhere to this policy without exception. There will be no waiver. Your one and I do mean one and only hope is that at some point DoD revises their medical standard and absent a full scale war that is not likely to happen in your lifetime.

While I empathize with your want to join the military, accept what is said here and seek a career elsewhere. There are other ways and places to serve your country that are equally as meaningful and rewarding, and at the same time less restrictive on entry and acceptance guidelines.

I wish you luck.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 30 at 2019 10:35 AM

TSgt David Holman — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 10:35:12 -0400

Unfortunately you will probably not get a waiver.

Response by Megan Wallace made Mar 31 at 2020 2:59 AM

Megan Wallace — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 02:59:30 -0400

Hey Jessica I was reading around online as I would like military to be one of my future careers. I was looking into the medical part of it so see if I qualify. I too have spherocytosis in which I had my gallbladder removed. I’ve looked online and you were the only person I could find in a similar situation. I hope you can find time to answer questions of mine :)

Response by Will Ormiston made Mar 12 at 2022 1:55 PM

Will Ormiston — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 13:55:49 -0500

Hey! I’m in a similar situation right now and am curious if you ended up getting the waiver?