Would I be able to enlist without having surgery for a torn meniscus?

Andy Ganderfin — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:35:03 -0400

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been bothering me for some time, and I couldn't seem to find any answers online, or in person. Unfortunately, I have torn my meniscus on both knees in an incident a while back, one of the knees recovered well, the other one not so much, regardless of that, it is stable, and I am completely able to continue most of my activities. I've read the documents regarding disqualification due to knee injuries, and it seems like meniscus tears left untreated disqualify you from the military until it is taken care of, and your knees recover 100%, stable, and working well. I am not sure if this is accurate, would I really not be able to join the military unless I get the surgeries done? To be honest, I don't see myself getting two, very damaging (arthritis inducing) surgeries for my knees, that work fine, just to join the military and further destroy my knees. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, Thank you!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 4:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:45:53 -0400

Read section 5.18, subsection d in DoDI 6130.03

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

613003p.pdf

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Response by CDR Terry Boles made May 12 at 2020 4:55 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:55:30 -0400

As a prior Navy Recruiter I cannot remember enlisting anyone with a torn meniscus. As a retired physical therapist I do know that a torn meniscus not surgically repaired, can upon occasion, cause a multitude of problems which I would "think" be an enlistment disqualification. There are several types of meniscus tears and a consulting surgeon could certainly discuss outcomes. I have treated many active duty service members with surgically repaired meniscus and they did continue their service.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 12 at 2020 5:22 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:22:00 -0400

If you attempt basic you will not be able to handle the physical demands. You should not risk it.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 12 at 2020 5:34 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:34:38 -0400

I would not consider joining any branch of the military until your knees are 100%. If you do, you wont come out with knees even 75%.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 7:11 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:11:49 -0400

I just had a meniscus repaired after at least 12 years of service with the tear (dunno when it happened just know it was at least 12 years ago). Lemme tell you, it is not fun at all. Ruck marches, running, climbing, airborne landings, kneeling, Selection, basically anything physical...you feel it. It hurts a lot, it drops you out of runs unless you learn to change your gait..which just hurts other parts of you.
Get it fixed, wait the necessary time and then enlist. You have until you're 35 to enlist..

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2020 10:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2020 22:41:56 -0400

You state that you are able to continue most of your activities so do you think that you would be excused from runs and other activities that would stress your knees? You are also aware that the current conditions of your knees is a disqualification but you are not sure this is accurate. MSG Private RallyPoint Member has posted the procedure which confirms what you already know. If you want to join the military you will do what needs to be done and wait until your knees recover 100%, are stable, and working well. Have you talked to a recruiter?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 13 at 2020 12:11 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 13 May 2020 00:11:04 -0400

So the long answer is that it depends.

It depends if MEPS identifies the issue
It depends if you can run for extended periods and long distances
It depends if you can stand on it for extended periods of time.

Nobody here can tell you whether you should go under the knife or not. Nor can they say your knee is better off with or without the surgery. Because it depends on you and depends on how your knee holds up regardless.

The one thing everyone here does know that going into boot camp with compromised knees can end up poorly in a lot of different ways.

As someone who had several knee surgeries while in and a torn meniscus I will warn you that you shouldn’t enter the service unless you know you are as healthy as you can be. You will be putting your body through a lot of strain and you don’t do anyone any favors by kidding yourself into believing your body is ready when it isn’t.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made May 13 at 2020 12:48 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 13 May 2020 00:48:19 -0400

Just curious, how is the tear affecting you? Does it make sleeping difficult or is it sore/uncomfortable while running? I suggest you get it taken care of before you enlist. Knee injuries are bad enough without throwing in the rigors of basic training.

Response by SFC William Linnell made May 13 at 2020 8:24 AM

SFC William Linnell — Wed, 13 May 2020 08:24:20 -0400

Honestly, I wouldn't. Unless your knees are 100% fully mission capable, you' just tear them up in basic. Those long formation runs on pavement with the steady pounding will do NO justice to your knees along with some of the "fun" exercises they do. Mountain climbers, Side Straddle Hop (Jumping jacks) Knee Benders, to name a few. Just not a good idea.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 9:04 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:04:04 -0400

Maybe. Get a recruiter to work up a package and go for it. Worst case is you are permanently disqualified (P4). Best case you make it. In between is likely an ortho consult scheduled by MEPS. The orthopod will make a go/no go decision. It may entail a temporary disqual until you have the surgery and are revaluated. Be honest and patient.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 9:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:39:43 -0400

I had a meniscus tear at 19. Prior to surgery, some days it didn't bother me at all, others I could barely walk. Basic training would be the wrong time to recognize it was going to be a ongoing problem. My knee healed very well after surgery, and I never had another issue.