Posted on Feb 22, 2020
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I served six years and separated honorably at EAOS in 2014. RE-R1 code on DD-214. About halfway through my six years, I got a rash on my hands and the doctor diagnosed it as eczema. It’s in my official Navy medical record. Never thought anything of it. Got some cream, it went away, never saw him again for it.

I’d like to get back in, but I see it’s a PDQ condition and I’m stunned. If I hadn’t gotten out I’d still be in, but now I probably can’t ever join again?

I currently live overseas and only have access to a couple recruiters in my country (Japan). I’ve tried on/off to get back in for a year or so now, but in the past the recruiters out here ghosted me when I told them about the eczema. I let the matter go.

There’s a new recruiter out here talking to me, and he seems to think I should be okay, but it’s still a ways out before I can submit my medical paperwork for review (he wants me to see a dermatologist to get a letter saying I don’t have eczema). I’m really worried about my prospects.

What are the odds of me getting a waiver for eczema? Will it matter to anybody that I served for six years, three on a ship, three overseas, deployed for 7 months, all with no issue from eczema? Does the waiver process allow for holistic consideration of an applicant or do doctors tend to just approve/deny on a whim and according to the text in whatever instruction governs the medical qualifications for enlistment? If I get denied a waiver for Navy active duty, does that apply to Navy reserves as well or can I try applying again?
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Responses: 5
PO1 M. Chandler
I think it's some kind of archaic idea about it being a genetic defect that goes along with another defect somewhere...like flat feet - they don't care about that anymore. It's a rule still because it hasn't been challenged. It might take a National Center for the disease to have some PhD guys recommend after fifteen years of research that they can probably change the regulation. do you have 15-20 years and a trust fund of say 15 million USD? Don't bother then. They ghosted you because recruiters have finite time, they're taught to do that with waivers, work the case files you can get in not the maybe if and 'charity cases'.
CPT Advisor
I would get a second opinion from a dermatologist. Explain your case to him/her and provide your medical records. Given that your symptoms only occured once and went away with steroid cream, they may give you a different diagnosis that explains your symptoms and is not disqualifying.
Cadet PFC (Pre-Commission)
Cadet PFC (Join to see)
>1 y
Since you are currently in Japan and have a recruiter who is willing to work with you, it's a positive sign. Seeing a dermatologist to provide a detailed assessment of your current condition, along with any supporting documentation stating that you don't have active eczema, could potentially strengthen your case. The recruiter's guidance on how to proceed with the medical paperwork and waiver application is crucial, as they should have a good understanding of the current policies and procedures.

https://www.tellpopeyes.biz/
CPT Icu Nurse
It’s possible, I got a waiver for psioriasis for less than 5% BSA (body surface area). It took a few months of waiting, but make sure the MEPS derm consult will document that the condition won’t affect ability to perform active duty. Goodluck !

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