As a prior service member going through MEPS again, can I get a medical waiver when switching branches?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:05:18 -0400

I an currently in the Army. ETSing Aug 2024 due to a declination statement because I had declined orders for very personal reasons. With that being said, I do plan on switching the Marine Corps under an infantry contract. The recruiter and I have had discussions in regards to me switching over and everything is good. I just have ONE obstacle….I had a 240B malfunction while helping a KATUSA load rounds. Needless to say I now have an H3 hearing profile and have had it for a few years now. I am wondering from those who have switched branches and gone through MEPS as any prior service member, would I be able to go through MEPS just fine considering it happened on active duty? Is there waivers for the Marine Corps I could get? If I could get a waiver do I need letters of people I work with and have trained with to speak on my behalf? I was issued hearing aids that i rarely use. Day to day operations are perfectly fine, I perform very well in the field, I can hear and operate radio traffic just fine. Every once in a while you may have to repeat a word but thats about as far as that goes. Any advise or insight would be hugely appreciated. Thank you all!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2023 9:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:18:04 -0400

Is the H3 permanent or temp? If it is permanent, why were you not recommended for a MEB as a Perm 3 or 4 profile auto triggers one?

But, to your question. If you were given a 3 in Hearing...and permanent....yea, you're more than likely going to need a waiver. However, that will be completely up to MEPS and the Recruiter to determine. As for needed letters, the MEPS process would inform your Recruiter what additional paperwork will be needed (if any).

I am also surprised that the Marines are moving forward with recruiting you as a Prior Service. They are not known for taking Prior Service from other Branches...let alone Marines that got out and tried to get back in.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 25 at 2023 8:51 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:51:24 -0400

None of this aligns with current practice. Re entering service with the marines does not happen save sone very special skills.

You have a permanent profile and are leaving service through declination, again there had to be a serious reason for approval that usually will set off a red flag to reenter service shortly there after. Not sure who is guiding you but it appears as if they themselves are off base.