Is it possible to receive an enlistment entry waiver from USAREC for history of childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Andrew Carey — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:50:38 -0500

I am inquiring for any personal/professional experiences related to my current situation. My dream has always been to serve my country.

In 2013 I was diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma at the age of 17. I am now 24. Six months of chemo and radiation, I was declared cancer-free and in remission. At the time of diagnosis, I was in DEP and drilling with the Reserves. My unit retained me throughout my treatment, during which I still attended drill, and maintained a pft >285.

Unfortunately, I was released after remission due to needs for oncologist supervision for an estimated 5 years. Within 3 years, my Oncologist declared that I no longer needed PET scans, or to continue under his care. I have had a clean bill of health since remission. Currently I am 6.5 years remission. My Oncologist claims that my cancer will not return, and has written me a memo of clean bill of health. The memo, a current blood test, and current physical have been attached to my med read.

Since then, I attended university and graduated with a BS. I took a year traveling North America living in a van down by the river, and the remaining year and a half working in sales/logistics. In the back of my mind all that time I always wanted to re-enlist or contract OCS.

Here is where I am now: my recruiter recently processed my med-read and hand delivered my documents to MEPS (>150pages, mostly redundant paperwork). I know that a history of cancer is disqualifying, but waivers can be obtained for DQ factors on a case-by-case basis. Back when I was first released, I was told to come back at 5 years remission. Since then the regs have changed away from the 5 year remission wording.

Has anyone here received an enlistment entry waiver from USAREC for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or any other cancer?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 8:00 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:00:34 -0500

Andrew Carey Good luck on receiving waiver approval, and following your dream. Please keep us posted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2019 9:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 21:03:45 -0500

Realistically, all they can really do is say no. You'll never know unless you try. Good luck.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 29 at 2019 5:04 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 17:04:01 -0500

Try State Military Reserve... Next time don't tell em.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2019 8:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:53:29 -0500

There was a case of precedence a while ago. Some guy got a waiver after being clean for a certain amount of time. Best you can do is submit the paperwork, and check back with your recruiter every other week or so (it will take months to get up to the level of approval and back down). Just check in to ensure it’s sitting where it needs to be, or if something additional is needed.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Dec 6 at 2019 3:18 AM

SFC A.M. Drake — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 03:18:11 -0500

I had a physician that received a waiver for cancer, but then again he was a physician. So if you have a skill set the Army needs...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2019 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:20:01 -0500

Theoretically, just about everything is waiverable. The requirement is 5 years of being cancer free after completion of treatment. It will be a medread from hell, but can be approved. It will be a long and frustrating fight, but perseverance can lay off