Trying to reenlist, got a waiver for MEPS, got denied for the same reason I received the waiver, what are my options?

SPC Lisa Rudikoff — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:46:47 -0400

I'm a prior service HM2 from the navy who got a DD368 into the VTARNG. I was discharged after completing the BCT requirements @ Ft. Jackson but just prior to graduating via PTRP.
Long story short, I'm a civilian paramedic and have been for many, many years. I hold degrees up to and including a BS with a masters in progress. I meet the age and physical requirements. I got a waiver for my legs (ACL repairs over 15 years ago) and went to MEPS. I passed everything. My ortho consult (civilian contracted out from MEPS) read, "No restrictions, fit for full combat oriented duty" and all I was doing was waiting for paperwork and to swear back in. I was denied medically for the SAME reason I got the waiver in the first place. Needless to say I was a bit crushed...
I've tried to contact my congressman, and appeal the decision. Because I was declared "cleared" my status won't change, but they won't allow my appeal through because there is no better designation than "cleared."
Does anyone have any advice? I'm tempted to finish my masters and try for the navy again, but my home is in the army...I'm willing to switch MOS' and repeat training if necessary.
Any help or direction would be appreciated...

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Oct 4 at 2015 6:55 PM

SPC Nick Lai — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:55:48 -0400

SPC Lisa Rudikoff hope there's an anawer to your question.
http://www.nationalguard.com/forums/forum/joining-the-guard/national-guard-specialty-officers-and-special-forces/basic-branch-officer/242214-dd368-from-active-duty-to-ng-aocs-timeline

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 8:00 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 20:00:28 -0400

I'm kind of befuddled about how you got a MEPS-ordered ortho consult, which OK'ed you for service, and then got declined after that, for the same reason.

When I came in in 2007, I had to get an ortho consult also. I went to the MEPS contracted Sports Medicine place, got X-Rays, and talked to a doctor there. After reviewing the X-Rays and speaking to me regarding my activities, he signed off on it and back to MEPS I went. At MEPS, I handed the Chief Medical Officer my OK'ed consult paperwork. The CMO looked at it, said, "OK" and stamped my paperwork "Approved" right in front of me. Less than 24 hours later, my recruiter called me to tell me that my waiver was approved.

So when you returned to MEPS from your consult, what happened? If you got the OK from your consult, then your waiver should have been approved. HOWEVER, the service is still the final decision-maker on whether or not you get the waiver. If I were in your position, I would chase down EXACTLY what happened after you handed-in your ortho consult paperwork. If there was some mishandling of your documents/process, then a Congressional is in order. But if the service just told you "No" then there's not much you or anyone else can do. Congressional Inquiries only investigate whether or not the *process* was proper or not. They cannot override an enlistment decision.

Good Luck!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 4 at 2015 11:34 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 23:34:08 -0400

SPC Lisa Rudikoff I'm baffled why an HM2 (which means at least 5 or so years in the Nav) would consider the Army 'home'? No judgement is implicit in that, I'm genuinely curious. In any case, maybe you'd have an easier time going back to the Navy and transferring again?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 9 at 2015 10:45 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:45:05 -0400

Not sure what the problem is if you have the waiver? You are always going to a 3 in L but you have a waiver? MEPCOM is not going to change your PUHLES, but this should not matter?

Is your waiver for the same service you are enlisting in to? There are too many pieces to really discuss on an open forum...message me if you more advice because it reads like you should be able to walk in to the Guidance Shop and enlist?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 12:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:17:28 -0400

Just because the ortho doctor said that you were ok doesn't truly mean that you're ok to enlist. If a waiver was required it still has to go up to USAREC for approval. If it doesn't meet the Army standards the USAREC doctors will still disapprove the waiver.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Oct 9 at 2015 12:26 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:26:47 -0400

My suspicion is that unit you were going into wants to put someone else in the position you were scheduled into by the NGB. Have you tried calling the unit and asking them what's going on?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 9 at 2015 6:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 18:08:50 -0400

Do you have a regulation for the waiver? What is their policy on the waiver.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Oct 9 at 2015 10:21 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:21:22 -0400

My only question would be:

Why did you not apply for a direct commission, assuming your GT is 110 or better? What does your recruiter or the Center Leader say?

Response by SGT Charles R Cashmere Jr. made Oct 13 at 2015 3:49 PM

SGT Charles R Cashmere Jr. — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 15:49:33 -0400

Contact the Inspector General Office in charge of the MEP. File an Inspector General Complaint. They may not be able to resolve the problem but will look into it and provide explanation. You might need to go through the Chain of Command at MEP to do that but it is worth the effort.

Response by SGT Sharon Olden made Oct 14 at 2015 9:30 PM

SGT Sharon Olden — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 21:30:17 -0400

I feel your heart. I was in the same boat. I am in love with the army and requested to return. I have an appeal going on for my knee. I would prefer anytime to return to services but I am too old. I wish you the best in getting to fulfill your dream and heart.

Response by PO1 Eric Loughridge made Oct 16 at 2015 3:41 PM

PO1 Eric Loughridge — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:41:32 -0400

sounds like you have the recruiter/detailer saying one thing, and the actual medical doctor saying another? maybe finish your masters and reapply. the more money you can make in a civilian job, the more desperate they will be to fill that position in the military. and also keep in mind, people with medical problems cost money, so it is also somewhat common for the military to let you make do with 800mg motrins or not treat you at all until they. absolutely have to. if you happen to re-injure your ACL or something you could end up with a bona fide disability that they won't pay you for.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 24 at 2016 1:22 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:22:45 -0400

It has been six months, what is the latest? Due to force reduction the service can afford to decline volunteers, however you do have degrees and can seek out a commission in a branch that needs your knowledge..

Response by Nicole Lee made Apr 20 at 2016 6:25 PM

Nicole Lee — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:25:21 -0400

My daughter wasn't preenlisted but she was denied for the same reason after being cleared by the doctors- so frustrating!