Army Nurse Corps and Asthma

[Lindzh]

I know there are other threads on here about asthma, but nothing too recent. I have been gathering medical records to make an appointment for a physical through my recruiter, and my allergist does indeed include a diagnosis of mild intermittent asthma as late as 2007. I have heard of people getting waivers for this, but as my diagnosis is so recent I am very nervous. I do plan on disclosing this information to my recruiter. Is there anyone out there who recently got in with a waiver for asthma? I only had trouble around cats, never with exercise or pollen or any other environmental factor. I'm just really concerned since they have been filling nursing slots so quickly, I figure the army can afford to be a little more picky on who they let in. I will be calling my recruiter by the end of the week, as soon as I get done working this row of night shifts, just hoping for some insight, and maybe some encouragement in the meantime.

By the way, I do know that according to the military medical standards, asthma is NOT waiverable, but I also know that there have been exceptions to the rule in the past. I am just testing the current waters. Thanks for any help!

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hi here are the Army Regs regarding Medical NO GO's (www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf)

d.

Asthma (493), including reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, reliably

diagnosed and symptomatic after the 13th birthday, is disqualifying. Reliable diagnostic criteria may include any of the

following elements: substantiated history of cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and/or dyspnea that persists or recurs over

a prolonged period of time, generally more than 12 months.

I hope this helps you...Remember, most things can be waived BUT everything hinges on if you (your MOS/ASI) is needed at this (or that) point in time.

Please keep us posted on your progress, okay?

athena

[rghbsn, BSN, RN]

Your best bet is to have a pulmonary function test done (methacholine challenge or treadmill test) before MEPS. You'll likely have to pay for it yourself or use your own insurance. If you can get a negative PFT, and bring the paperwork from the test as well as a letter from the pulmonologist stating you do not have asthma or RAD, your chances are very good.

If the PFT is positive, you will likely be done. Just so you know. Have a different doctor (other than your allergist or primary care doc) do the PFT so that it is viewed as a specialist.

[JDARMYFNP]

It's not a problem... I worked with AIT soldiers and saw many of them with asthma - although the reg 40-501 states differently.

Here's my question... MOP 4, 120 degrees outside... dust, sand... evac wash...

Is it safe to have asthma and be in these conditions when you have an asthma attack?

I think the army is answer is 'don't ask, don't tell'.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

I'm on board with Athena's posting...

its important to note that the disqualifying requirements are different at point of entering the military vs retention in the military.

It is also noteworthy that MEPS makes the initial decision... waivers go through branch specific - but looking at the numbers if I were making the decision I would go with the healthy candidate as you have that choice available. imho.