medical condition

Published

Hi, I am an LPN and taking classes to have my BSN and join the Army or Air Force Nurse Corps. I have an under active thyroid and I am taking medication for it and it is under controll. I am taking the same dose for years and usually I have to go have a lab drawn every 6 months or so. I found a website for disqualifying medical conditions and its states that hypothyroidism is disqualifying unless its controlled by medication. Mine controlled, but I am not sure if it would still cause a problem to join. Does anyone have some info on this subject? I really want to join and serve in the military, I hope I can do that soon as I finish my degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I heard through the grapevine (not from any source of authority so take this with a grain of salt--I think I read it somewhere long ago in a magazine or something...) that hypothyroidism/underactive thryoid is NOT disqualifying because taking meds for it is considered to be some sort of dietary supplement. I think it's the only case where regularly taking medicine is not a disqualifier. On the other hand, hyperthroidism/overactive thryoid is disqualifying. I heard that this is true for enlistment standards, so I would assume that the same standards go for comissioning?

Again, this is a memory of something I remeber reading, not from any military member or recruiter, so take it for what it's worth. Just thought I'd try to help and give my two cents! Best of luck with your studies!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

Best bet is to contact an Army Health Care Recruiter. Let me know if you need help in doing such.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info. It makes me feel better, that I do have a chance to join the service.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion