Medical DQ, waiver, and appeal process

Specialties Government

Published

I'm trying to join the Navy as a Critical Care nurse. I had my gallbladder removed last October, then waited the 6 month deferral process. Now I've gone to MEPS and they DQ'd me for acute pancreatitis after my gallbladder was removed. My recruiter submitted all my documents related to my surgery and hospitalization in hopes of a waiver. He called today and said the waiver was denied, but for cholecystitis. I don't understand why they wouldn't grant a waiver when the reason they are DQing me would never be a problem in the future (physiologically impossible to get gall bladder inflammation without a gallbladder!) I really want to submit my packet for the opportunity to serve. Anyone know if I can appeal the waiver denial? Or can anyone shed some light as to why they see my previous condition as an issue? Any suggestions?

Hello. I realize this post is years but I am in a oddly similar position. Wanted to see how you made out and What recourse you may have found. Thanks

I decided to become a travel nurse while I gained enough experience to apply to the army and ask for a waiver from them. But I never did try. I realized that I wouldn't be able to maintain my relationship with my boyfriend at the time (Army). Stupid reason not to peruse it, I know, but we are happily married now. I think if things had not worked out with my husband and I, I would have tried Army. I sort of have the idea that I'll go to a different MEPS and start from scratch (will mention my gallbladder removal, but will not mention pancreatitis). They keep terrible records, I doubt they'd even think twice.

As bitter as I still am about not being granted a waiver, I believe that when one door closes, another door opens. Not only am I happily married, I'm persuing my dream of becoming a CRNA, which is much easier to do as a civilian.

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