Disqualification for the NROTC

[Tia43]

I have anemia and I was wondering if that still disqualified you from getting into the NROTC, even if you want to be a nurse? If so, why and is there a way you could still become a navy nurse even with anemia?

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello Tia43:

This is from Army Reg 40-501 which apply to all branches of the Armed Forces. Not sure what you would need to enter NROTC and if you would be eligible for a medical waiver:

2–4. Blood and blood-forming tissue diseases

a. Anemia. Current hereditary or acquired anemia, which has not been corrected with therapy before appointment or

induction, is disqualifying. For the purposes of this regulation, anemia is defined as hemoglobin of less than 13.5 for

males and less than 12 for females. The following ICD–9 codes are used for diagnosed anemia: hereditary hemolytic

anemia (282), sickle cell disease (282.6), acquired hemolytic anemia (283), aplastic anemia (284), or unspecified

anemias (285).

b. Hemorrhagic disorders. Current or history of coagulation defects (286) to include, but not limited to von

W i l l e b r a n d ’ s D i s e a s e ( 2 8 6 . 4 ) , i d i o p a t h i c t h r o m b o c y t o p e n i a ( 2 8 7 ) , o r H e n o c h - S c h ö n l e i n P u r p u r a ( 2 8 7 . 0 ) , i s

disqualifying.

c. Leukopenia. Current or history of diagnosis of any form of chronic or recurrent agranulocytosis and/or leukopenia

(288.0) is disqualifying.

[Miss Mab]

Hi Tia,

I can't speak to ROTC issues or whether they hold the same physical requirements but I am positive that anemia can be waived for commissioning. Now, that said, be aware that while a great number of varied and sundry afflictions have been waived before, unfortunately, does not mean that there is always a reliable pattern to that madness and, in truth, a DQ is the 'technically correct' deafault answer. But, you can generally request a waiver for almost anything....

Go for it! Though I should warn you that the MD/SG will definitely want to get to the bottom of the low count if never officilally diagnosed prior. And yeah, I do mean to the bottom. And then up, and then back down again. Ain't no one can say I don't :redbeathe my country.

Best!

[jgcadet]

When you do your DoDMerb they will ask a lot of Q's and expect a lot of tests. i once had asthma around 13y/o and it took me 6 months to straighten everything.