Hi Everyone,

Considering joining reserves and looked at the list of conditions that disqualify. I'm fit and have no medical issues other than I have a light case of eczema (skin disorder). According to the list, that's a disqualifying condition. How strict are the doctors about this when they evaluate me? Is it totally black and white?Thanks!

Bryan

My interpretation of the above is that it says in the Medical Standards of Enlistment:

1. After the 9th Birthday.
2. Chronic and unresponsive to treatment.

Is disqualifying.

So if it doesn't meet those two conditions....maybe? Here is the deal though. I am not a MEPS Doctor, I am not a Doctor. You really need to have a physical examination in person by a MEPS Doctor to determine this.

The second part is this. Your going to become filthy dirty on a fairly routine basis all over your skin and not have the opportunity to shower for several days sometimes. If that would result in a infection via your skin, thats a serious problem. Only you would know if your at risk in this area. Not something to mess around with if your at risk of a infection.

Bottom line is you need to tell the MEPS and have them form an opinion on your case.

Current or history of eczema or psoriasis is also an absolute contradiction for some immunizations (mostly live ones, such as smallpox). If your unit were to be deployed to an area where such immunizations were required, you would be non-deployable. That can be a show-stopper sometimes.

Again, the MEPS docs have some leeway and can exercise professional judgment - that's why they get paid the big bucks. Just be prepared to back up your statements with medical documentation regarding your diagnosis and treatment over the years.

Hmmm,

I never even considered any of those issues with eczema. Now it seems to make a bit more sense why it's a disqualifying condition. Well I guess the only way to resolve it is to just go to MEPS and see what happens. Thank you both!

Bryan