What are the odds of my medical waiver being approved for having spinal surgery as a child?

Shayla Floyd — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 09:22:22 -0500

Hey everyone. I recently decided that I wanted to join the Navy. After doing extensive research I’ve noticed I will need a waiver for a spinal surgery that I had as a child due to a car accident at the age of 7. I am now 21 with no issues, pain or limitations. I can do literally anything. Will this permanently disqualify me? Are my odds for getting a waiver approved relatively high or Atleast possible?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 9:49 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 09:49:13 -0500

Hi Shayla Floyd! A waiver is definitely possible for a surgery as a minor. As long as there were no other accompanying diagnoses, the doctors at MEPS will pre-read your medical files and request a waiver as necessary just by you putting in your medical records. Each branch has different timelines on hearing back on waivers. Best of luck!

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Dec 29 at 2019 11:57 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 11:57:42 -0500

Past child conditions or an injuries? , I would not worry about it. When you inprocess you will be given a full physical. Be honest in giving your medical history . However it is up to the Navy/MEPS(in-processing station) doctors to decide if you are fit to serve . A civilian's doctor's diagnosis of a childhood injury ? You could wait and see if they ask for one, or they probably will make an appointment for you and they would handle the cost . I'd go that route as MRI's get expensive, if you have to pay for for yourself.
Once past (inprocessing)" you go to basic and advanced training and if your past injuries arise and prevent you from completing training, you would be medically discharged. Other than that, Good luck, I think you are OK on that issue.

I am ex-Army from many years back so I could be off some as to current Navy enlistment process, but inprocessing at a DoD MEPS-in-processing station , is or/was fairly generic, and you may see other people joining different services while there. Think my inprocessing took 2 days IIRC.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 29 at 2019 1:07 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 13:07:35 -0500

You mean the childhood injury you completely forgot about? Got scars?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 3:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 15:13:43 -0500

For years people told me I was disqualified for ruptured spleen and I believed them. When I finally did try and join I received a waiver for it, but dont be in a hurry the waiver took me 8 months to get and I came out of pocket paying doctors to sign release papers, ect. Good luck with everything

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 4:45 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 16:45:42 -0500

From the looks of it you’re a complex process.

Doesn’t mean much, however, make sure you have all med docs from the orthopedist and surgeon and follow up notes. You’ll take a full physical after a couple weeks of meps looking at your paperwork.

Scenario 1: you won’t need a waiver if you pass your physical

Scenario 2: waiver and or meps might send you to another specialist for a second opinion.

Most physical or illness issues that are found or brought up are a problems if there are physical limitations present or you have undergone treatment and or currently being treated for during the last five years.

For example someone who had a seizure can still enlist if they have not taken any medication and are no longer under treatment for at least five consecutive years up to enlistment.

Doctors at meps do not use discretion they refer issues like this to a guideline called 40-1 it outlines otherwise discretionary decisions to actual data found to be inclusive toward military service requirements of the physical body and risk management.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Dec 29 at 2019 7:09 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 19:09:37 -0500

Only *your* recruiter can you tell you that. From what I have seen working in a recruiting office, no pain or limitations as a result of a surgery is a good sign. I had an appendectomy when I was 4 and I cannot recall if I even needed a medical waiver for that. However, play it safe and disclose anything that might be a problem for your recruiter to deal with.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2019 7:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 19:59:02 -0500

Only a MEPS physician would be able to answer this. Your recruiter will ask questions about your medical history by having you complete a medical history form. Once you complete unless there are PDQ conditions then they can get you set up with an appointment at MEPS. If the doctors determine there you need a waiver then they will send you back to your liaison officer for your branch and they will schedule an evaluation with a specialist and you will go back to MEPS to be sent to see that specialist and if they say yes you are able to or need a waiver then they send you back to MEPS and then the waiver goes to medical to await review and approval or denial.