Undiagnosed Medical Issue & Enlisting

[bubbagump]

I'll try to keep this short. I want to enlist. I am in the process of losing weight/getting in shape. As far as I know, I don't have any disqualifying issues...except for possibly this one...

I have an undiagnosed medical issue with my left eye. Basically, I have short episodes of "blindness" or extreme darkness in that eye. They are random, come without warning, last about 1-2 minutes, are painless, and the doctors don't know what to make of it. I visited a regular doctor, neurologist, and Opthamologist. I had three MRI's done & an ultrasound (of my neck). The Opthamologist recommended a spinal tap due to "high optic nerve pressure", but that I probably didn't NEED it unless the condition got worse. This is when I had insurance, so even if I wanted some answers, getting them would be really expensive and I don't have the money. The condition did not get worse, but it still happens.

I've heard of people with color blindness enlisting. I even knew a guy who was deaf in one ear who served in the Army during 9/11. So I've had some hope, but after doing some reading online I'm not so sure now.

I have also heard of people being 100% DQ from military service for asthma, heart issues, etc...so is this one of those situations?

[tacksman]

? Unless there is a doctor in the house that can diagnose of the net... pretty tough question.

[bubbagump]

? Unless there is a doctor in the house that can diagnose of the net... pretty tough question.

I figure the only person who could give me a good answer is a MEPS doctor.

My main concern is whether I even have a chance, or if this is one of those things like asthma that is an automatic DQ?

[guitar-nut]

I'm pretty sure that one of the questions they asked me was if I ever experienced episodes of blindness in either eye. And I'm also pretty sure that would be a disqualifier. What would you do if you suddenly lost your sight during combat?

[rplusplus]

Not a MD not a MEPS qualifier... sounds like a DQ from here. BUT even Douglas McArthur had a DQ condition... and worked with doctors and was able to get into the Academy so don't give up. Who knows maybe there is a Dr. House MD out there who can determine all you need is eggplant enema's and you'll be fine.

[bubbagump]

I'm pretty sure that one of the questions they asked me was if I ever experienced episodes of blindness in either eye. And I'm also pretty sure that would be a disqualifier. What would you do if you suddenly lost your sight during combat?

Very good point. I've had it happen at night while driving and I had to pull over. If it happened in pitch darkness or while using night vision I'd be screwed.

Not a MD not a MEPS qualifier... sounds like a DQ from here. BUT even Douglas McArthur had a DQ condition... and worked with doctors and was able to get into the Academy so don't give up. Who knows maybe there is a Dr. House MD out there who can determine all you need is eggplant enema's and you'll be fine.

I love eggplant. Only in my food though

[Mr.Caketown]

I would definitely look at trying to get in regardless of what this might look like. Signing up is a great thing and you wont really understand how awesome it can be until you are on the inside. The other thing Ive noticed too is this , there is a baseline vision test and if you can past that youve jumped a major hurdle , then dependant on your MOS comes add ons to that vision test. If you do manage to get in dont expect combat arms or anything aviation

[bubbagump]

I would definitely look at trying to get in regardless of what this might look like. Signing up is a great thing and you wont really understand how awesome it can be until you are on the inside. The other thing Ive noticed too is this , there is a baseline vision test and if you can past that youve jumped a major hurdle , then dependant on your MOS comes add ons to that vision test. If you do manage to get in dont expect combat arms or anything aviation

I think they told me I had a mild case of astigmatism. Otherwise, I can see fine, until my left eye decides to momentarily take a break.

You said no aviation. I assume you mean being a pilot, but what about being a loadmaster on a plane or something of that sort...would I probably be disqualified from that as well?

[Mr.Caketown]

I think they told me I had a mild case of astigmatism. Otherwise, I can see fine, until my left eye decides to momentarily take a break.

You said no aviation. I assume you mean being a pilot, but what about being a loadmaster on a plane or something of that sort...would I probably be disqualified from that as well?

Knowing of your condition I think the only branch that will waiver you in right now is the Army. Astigmatisms are normal , I have one in my left eye and all I got was a permanent profile from it because it was misdiagnosed at BCT reception. When i mean aviation I mean the whole field , anyone who works on/in or with aviation has to go through certain tests just incase for whatever reason they are required to fly. Maybe im just biased but I think you should look at a 68W slot in the army lol . Really though , try to get accepted first and then focus on finding a job.

[Cpl. Haas]

You said no aviation. I assume you mean being a pilot, but what about being a loadmaster on a plane or something of that sort...would I probably be disqualified from that as well?

Dunno about Air Force, but in the Navy, loadmasters are aircrew and have to pass a flight physical.

[bubbagump]

Knowing of your condition I think the only branch that will waiver you in right now is the Army. Astigmatisms are normal , I have one in my left eye and all I got was a permanent profile from it because it was misdiagnosed at BCT reception. When i mean aviation I mean the whole field , anyone who works on/in or with aviation has to go through certain tests just incase for whatever reason they are required to fly. Maybe im just biased but I think you should look at a 68W slot in the army lol . Really though , try to get accepted first and then focus on finding a job.

At this point I wouldn't be picky, just surprised if they even let me enlist

[bubbagump]

Dunno about Air Force, but in the Navy, loadmasters are aircrew and have to pass a flight physical.

Makes sense. Semi-blind people and flying objects probably don't mix too well.

[bubbagump]

I have another question.

I'm currently overweight and not within the height/weight standards. I gotta lose about 100 pounds. I figure it will take me a year or less to lose the weight and get myself in shape.

Should I still visit a recruiter to get the process started or wait until I'm closer to my weight range? I notice it takes some people a really long time to ship out, and my process may take a little bit longer due to a possible waiver/paperwork.

[Scuba Steve33]

If it happened in pitch darkness or while using night vision I'd be screwed.

Nah, you'd be good. You can't see **** with NODs anyway.

Honestly your best bet is to talk to a recruiter. At the least you probably wouldn't be able to join as infantry.

I have another question.

I'm currently overweight and not within the height/weight standards. I gotta lose about 100 pounds. I figure it will take me a year or less to lose the weight and get myself in shape.

Should I still visit a recruiter to get the process started or wait until I'm closer to my weight range? I notice it takes some people a really long time to ship out, and my process may take a little bit longer due to a possible waiver/paperwork.

Holy **** 100 pounds?? I wouldn't even bother with a recruiter for a while. Even if you had perfect vision they wouldn't take you right now. What MOS would you like to join as? Focus on getting in shape and within the requirements and then you can start the process which doesn't take as long as you've been told/think.

Find a buddy or someone you can workout and exercise with to stay motivated. That is key. I'm no expert but if you want some tips on nutrition or exercise PM me and I can offer help.

[bubbagump]

Nah, you'd be good. You can't see **** with NODs anyway.

Honestly your best bet is to talk to a recruiter. At the least you probably wouldn't be able to join as infantry.



Holy **** 100 pounds?? I wouldn't even bother with a recruiter for a while. Even if you had perfect vision they wouldn't take you right now. What MOS would you like to join as? Focus on getting in shape and within the requirements and then you can start the process which doesn't take as long as you've been told/think.

Find a buddy or someone you can workout and exercise with to stay motivated. That is key. I'm no expert but if you want some tips on nutrition or exercise PM me and I can offer help.

100 pounds. I currently weigh 270 at 5-9. My problem with losing weight is basically lack of motivation. Last time I took diet/exercise seriously I lost twenty pounds and was doing pretty good. Then, I gave up and gained all the weight back with a vengeance. Pretty pathetic, but I'm not going to give up that easily.

I've always had my hopes set on Infantry, Cav Scout, or maybe combat medic. But knowing what I know now, I'd be happy just being allowed to enlist.

I've had some folks recommend I see a third specialist (Neuro - Ophthalmologist), so that maybe I can get a third opinion/diagnoses/solution which may help me get in. The only issue with this being cost (I have no health insurance). Or maybe just show up to the recruiters with what I currently have and hope for the best?

Thank you for the response.