Latent TB and Army

Specialties Government

Published

Hello,

I was recently accepted for a commission in the Army Nurse Corps, which I am very excited about.

As I recall, the paperwork they required did not ask me about latent TB, which I have tested positive for. Nor did I see this as an illness, so, I did not mention it. A few weeks ago, I read that untreated latent TB is a disqualifier; so, I started the meds (rifampin for 4 months). I have told my recruiter and she does not seem too concerned about it.

What do I do now? I have no orders to go to OBLC, nor have I signed anything. Can I ask to start in October when I will be finished the meds? Can I start in August and finish the meds in OBLC? Should I tell someone that I am on the meds? If so, who?

I don't want to lose my commission. Am I just being overly concerned because I am nervous?

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello moosicle:

Well, gosh if you mentioned it to your Health Care Recruiter and she did not seem too bothered by this? So your packet had been presented before the Board and you went through MEPS?

For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of going through MEPS there is application paperwork (DD2807-1) that one must fill out. One of the first questions it asks is: "Have you ever had or do you now have:

10. a) Tuberculosis

On the other side of the DD 2807-1, Question 29: Explanation of "Yes" Answer(s). (describe answer(s), give date(s) of problem, name of doctor(s) and/or hospital(s), treatment given and current medical status.)

And moosicle, it seems that you were very honest as the question does not ask about "latent Tb"

Let me check and find the website that lists all the MDQ's and I will add it on (as an edit)

athena

OKAY, I'm back. moosicle, here is the website that I went to: www.endusmilitarism.org/ar40-501.html

Okay and I'm quoting DQ: tuberculosis lesions: active Tb in any form or location or Hx active Tb within previous 2 years....(para 2-34)" past Tx of active Tb MORE than 2 years prior to enlistment....Qualified IF they received a complete course of standard chemo for Tb. Individuals with a tuberculin reaction 10mm or greater and without evidence of residual disease are qualified once they have been treated with chemoprophylaxis."

As many of us know, many, many medical things can be waivered.

PLEASE let us know what is going on with you, okay?

athena

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I trust my recruiter and I don't think she is trying to mislead me. She said that they will start me on meds once I actually start. But this information that you quote seems to conflict with her statement.

I looked over the form and I think I answered honestly; one thing has changed, I am now on a medication which I was not during my medical evaluation. So, I guess I need to update that. But, how?

I guess I am just going to ask to delay OBLC until I have completed the rifampin.

Thanks!

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Moosicle: Wait, I guess I didn't fully understand? So you ARE Commissioned already? You took your Oath?

If you did, Cool Beans!:up:

SO I don't see any reason for delaying going to OBLC because nothing should stop you from taking your daily meds, correct? I mean, even in the field I took my fish oil (omega 3) and my vit B complex...Unless you would rather wait until you have finished your treatment.....

athena

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I have not taken the oath, I have just been told that I am accepted and that I WILL take my oath.

I may want to delay it also for financial reasons.

Thanks for your help; I feel much better about this.

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