Asthma?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 23, 2007

I think they're getting overextended to the point that they're taking almost anyone with a pulse. :uhoh3:

Seriously.......my 19-year-old is trying to get into the Navy, and they've told him his asthma won't automatically disqualify him. He still has to pass a physical, of course, but he may be eligible because his case is very mild and intermittent.

The military is also broadening recruiting efforts to include certain types of ex-offenders, young people who haven't even got their high school diploma or GED, and middle-aged people up to age 47 in some branches. So I believe the answer to your question is "Why not go for it?"

Gottago · Aug 23, 2007

I think they're getting overextended to the point that they're taking almost anyone with a pulse.
Seriously.......my 19-year-old is trying to get into the Navy, and they've told him his asthma won't automatically disqualify him. He still has to pass a physical, of course, but he may be eligible because his case is very mild and intermittent.
The military is also broadening recruiting efforts to include certain types of ex-offenders, young people who haven't even got their high school diploma or GED, and middle-aged people up to age 47 in some branches. So I believe the answer to your question is "Why not go for it?"

Thanks for sharing your story. I've heard waivers can be issued, but I suppose it's on a case by case basis. Glad to hear your 19 y.o. isn't being automatically disqualified.

Thanks again.

athena55, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2007

Hello There!

I agree with mjlrn97 regarding medical waivers. My son, who developed asthma after his move to Florida, had his last really life-threatening "attack" when he was 12. Almost died. Anyway, fast forward to age 18 and MEPS. He received a waiver since he did not have any other asthma related incident after the age of 12 AND he passed a pulmonary function test.

Myself, I received a medical waiver for age-related hearing loss! Gulp, never knew Ihad a problem until I failed the bloody audiogram twice.

And yeah, sometimes it does feel like the Army will take anyone in who has a palpable pulse, Smile.

Good Luck with everything....Let us know what's going on with you,

all the best.

athena

Gottago · Aug 27, 2007

Hello There!
I agree with mjlrn97 regarding medical waivers. My son, who developed asthma after his move to Florida, had his last really life-threatening "attack" when he was 12. Almost died. Anyway, fast forward to age 18 and MEPS. He received a waiver since he did not have any other asthma related incident after the age of 12 AND he passed a pulmonary function test.
Myself, I received a medical waiver for age-related hearing loss! Gulp, never knew Ihad a problem until I failed the bloody audiogram twice.
And yeah, sometimes it does feel like the Army will take anyone in who has a palpable pulse, Smile.
Good Luck with everything....Let us know what's going on with you,
all the best.
athena

I was recently diagnosed with asthma. I've never had any respiratory problems, until a prior chemical spill, which put me in the hospital a few years ago. I currently don't have any symptoms, and the doctor diagnosed asymptomatic asthma.

The asthma diagnosis was made after a pulmonary function test with methylchloride (I think that's the chemical which was used). The doctor was trying to cover all bases, and neither he nor I expected me to fail the pulmonary function test with methylchloride since I passed all previous pulmonary function tests (w/o methylchloride).

Anyway, after his diagnosis, he decided not even to prescribe any meds because he thought I probably wouldn't need them, since I reported no symptoms, and I currently exercise without any problems.

He served as a doctor at Walter Reed, and was familiar with some of the medical requirements. He didn't think I would have a problem. Guess it would all depend on what the army thought.