If I'm being separated for unsatisfactory performance (failing two PT tests), does being diagnosed with asthma cancel the separation process?

PFC Aarion Ojeda — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:27:33 -0400

So I failed two PT tests and in between the first and second I started going to an allergist who might be diagnosing me with asthma. My chapter packet is complete and ready to be turned in to the separation authority on Monday. If I get a letter about my asthma or other legitimate breathing problems will this cancel the chapter, and start a medical discharge? Because I read my chapter packet, and it says "without medical limitation failed two record APFT's" so if I have asthma, that means it was with medical limitations. I'm trying not to get the boot with a general discharge if at all possible if it turns out I really do have asthma.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Nov 4 at 2016 11:30 AM

SSG Jessica Bautista — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:30:25 -0400

Have you ever been treated for asthma? Did you have something in your records that says you had it? Did you have a profile? Because if the answer is no, then you can't prove you failed because of it, especially if you passed an APFT before.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 4 at 2016 11:53 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:53:52 -0400

It starts and ends with your unit leadership...So go see your 1SG (after requesting an audience though your platoon sergeant)
Start with, 1SG I WANT TO STAY IN....Im not looking to get out...(if that's true). I failed the APFT and I dont like that.(if thats true) ..Doc says I have treatable asthma (if you do), let me prove I can do this.... Hold the separation for 6 months, let the treatments kick in so i can do the work to make this right.

Unless you have already burned that bridge of good will, I'd bet the 1SG will take it to the commander and tell him to shelve the packet for a bit, lets see what the kid can do..or words to that effect.
The reg says the commander must "initiate " seperation,, that has been done.. the reg does not say you MUST be separated for APFT failure...that is something you will EARN..as will not being seperated be earned.

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Nov 4 at 2016 12:53 PM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 12:53:40 -0400

Be prepared to accept the discharge, from my understanding you can fight for the classification if necessary.

An APFT failure does not guarantee a general discharge, I know if 3 cases personally that were all honorable because of the nature of service outside of the APFT failure (even though the CO did push for general, legal sent the packet back to be refiled as honorable).

The SGM gave you some good advice, and I would try it if you are interested in staying in. However, don't get your hopes up because I have seen commanders that just don't give a crap.

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Nov 4 at 2016 12:56 PM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 12:56:12 -0400

This is from the Army Trial Defense Service:

"5. TYPE OF DISCHARGE : Soldiers separated under this program will generally be given either an honorable discharge or a general under honorable conditions discharge (Para. 13-10, AR 635-200). a. HONORABLE: This is a separation with honor. An honorable discharge will be given for proper military behavior and proficient performance of duty. If the soldier has served faithfully and performed to the best of his ability, and there is no derogatory information in his military record, he should receive an honorable discharge. If there arc infractions of discipline, the seriousness and frequency will be evaluated. When there is a doubt, it should be resolved in favor of an honorable discharge. An honorable discharge is required if the government introduces limited use evidence (see Para. 3-8 (a) and (g), AR 635-200). b. GENERAL: This is a discharge under honorable conditions, soldier whose record and performance is satisfactory. This is usually given to someone who had non-judicial punishments (Article 15s), but not for serious infractions. When this type of discharge is given, the commander must state the specific basis for it. c. UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE CONDITIONS: This is a discharge issue ordinarily for misconduct, fraudulent entry, security reasons, or for the good of the service. This discharge carries considerable stigma and deprives the soldier of substantially all veteran’s benefits accrued during the enlistment period. This type of discharge is usually not given under Chapter 13. "

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 1:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 13:12:08 -0400

You should quit trying to milk the system and go away. It's way too early in your career for stupid shit like this.

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Nov 4 at 2016 2:11 PM

MGySgt James Forward — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:11:29 -0400

Shaking my head here...Asthma creeps up on you, not boom! next day you have it. How were your previous scores? If you were near the fail line on the runs then Yes, you might have a breathing problem. IS there any thing else that might be a contributor? Different area with allergen in the air? How often do you PT (BETTER BE 3 TIMES A WEEK) any less than that and you might just need remedial PT. Good luck with delaying your discharge, if you do in fact have Asthma then you will most likely be at end of service life. Semper Fi.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 3:37 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 15:37:00 -0400

My nephew was diagnosed with asthma and was discharged with a medical and he was Army. If you were seeing a professional about the issues with your breathing (if this is the case), you should have gotten a waiver due to tests pertaining to your breathing; that should have given you the OK to pass on the PT test, until a said diagnosis was established.
Medical waivers do wonders.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 4 at 2016 3:54 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 15:54:50 -0400

I'm surprised you didn't notice you had trouble breathing during normal PT or when you were preparing for your PT test. Especially your second failure. Might have asthma? Sounds to me that more than likely you are just out of shape.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 4 at 2016 5:51 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 17:51:27 -0400

I would Had done something Before once I had failed. IF you would Have looked into before the Next PT test You might had no Chapter paper work to worry about it Could have been resolved right there Good Hopefully it will Work out . Keep Me Posted I would to hear from you. SSG MARK FRANZEN

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 1:22 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 01:22:42 -0400

Was your asthma documented in your military records any time PRIOR to these APFT failures? Is this exercise induced asthma or a constant issue where you're hitting a puffer at random moments? Did you get treated at your OSUT TMC for your breathing problems?

Honestly, at this stage of the game, you might want to start packing things.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 12 at 2016 6:50 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 18:50:40 -0500

Depends on the paperwork. Without a waiver your on tough ground. My son coming out of Afghanistan faced problems. Breathing problems, diagnosed as Asthma, breathing shit for 7 months. He worked thru the system at Drum . I don't think he has asthma , but did have problems post deployment. Mitigating circumstances? He's fine now on the promotion select list to E6. Gotta work thru the system.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 4:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 May 2018 16:30:21 -0400

Talk to legal. Chapters for APFT failure is Honorable.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 7:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 May 2018 19:05:59 -0400

No it will not stop your separation due to the fact even with asthma you either get a no run profile or no profile at all and without a profile you are still expected to pass your 2 mile run. And if you do receive a no run profile you will be separated for the asthma.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 8:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 May 2018 20:11:45 -0400

What it sounds like, is that you don't care that you're getting discharged but you care about the type of discharge and you'd like to reap the benefits of a medical discharge. Unless you are on a p3 p4 profile the chances of a MEB are slim to none. There are plenty of people in the Army with Asthma who pass the APFT.

I'm not sure if your Reserve, NG or Active but on the reserve side, it is rare for a Reserve unit to separate a soldier for APFT our body composition failure, specially if they are under strength. The leads me to believe there is much more to this story.

If you truly want to stay in and willing to put in the hard work, then speak with your leadership about recovery.

Remember, if you are or can no longer be an asset to the Army, then the Army doesn't need you.

Response by SGT Bill Everidge made May 22 at 2018 10:19 AM

SGT Bill Everidge — Tue, 22 May 2018 10:19:47 -0400

Plea your case with your unit leadership, make it completely understood that you don't want to be separated. I'll go out on a limb here, but I'd say more than 90% of the time, they'll put that chapter on the shelf and give you a shot to prove yourself, especially if you've never had any other issues such as non judicial or negative counseling. At any rate, get your asthma squared away and get soldiering, best of luck brother.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 23 at 2018 9:28 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:28:54 -0400

Maybe- get the documentation to your military physicians ASAP.