I am currently collecting my medical documents for MEPS as I seek entry in the USAR. MY problem is that I had a shoulder separation (NOT a dislocation) about 10 years ago due to a snowboarding fall. It took a while to recover, but I now have full range of motion, and can bench press 285 without a problem. I have read some medical articles on the subject which seem to indicate that these injuries heal well on their own and that the joint tends to "reorganize" itself to compensate or the injury. I have heard that it is relatively common among professional football players.
My question is...does anyone know of someone who has had this type of injury prior to entering service? Is it disqualifying? I am hoping for the best, but I am worried that I will be disqualified because the injury does involve some ligament damage.
Actually, it would help me. Here are some possible responses:
1) At least one person says "yes, I (or someone I know) had that injury, but was cleared through MEPS recently even though they knew."
2) At least one person says "yes, I (or someone I know) was disqualified because of that same type of injury.
3) A mix of #1 and #2
4) No answers from anyone
5) I am scolded for asking a useless question
The least helpful is #5. I'm sure that someone somewhere has tried to get in the military recently with this specific type of injury and I am interested in their experience.
Erich's point is that you need to have your medical documents related to YOUR condition available for MEPS to review - either as a medical pre-screen or when you have your physical exam.
Yes, it could DQ you. Yes, it could require a waiver. And no, it may not be a big deal at all ... it all depends on the MEPS Doc's read of the circumstances.
Yes, it could DQ you. Yes, it could require a waiver. And no, it may not be a big deal at all ... it all depends on the MEPS Doc's read of the circumstances.
I understand that. My medical documentation is currently being reviewed before I go for a physical, but I thought it would be interesting to hear the experiences of others who may have been processed with the same injury. After I find out my fate, I will post it here so that anyone else with the same question can get another perspective.
I had one in High School. I told them about it at AFEES ('74) wasn't a big deal to them. It never bothered me in the Army. Today however, I can tell you it will rain two days before it does.
As everyone has said above, each case is unique. So, definitive answers can not be provided.
My son is currently going through BCT at Fort Jackson, while going through the enlistment process, he had to go to Walter Reed seven different times for consults on his shoulder. Make sure all of your documentation is clear and legible, that will help with the doctors at MEPS.
After reviewing my initial documentation, which only included an emergency room report, they have at least approved me to come in for the physical next week.
I'm curious...are the outcomes so varied because of the different individual circumstances, or is it more because of the differing scrutiny levels that various doctors employ? I would assume that it is a combination of both, but I don't have any experience with which I can judge their consistency.
For example, suppose two people broke the humerous clean through at the midpoint 5 years prior and needed identical treatment and had identical recoveries. Is it possible that one MEPS would say "no problem", but another MEPS would say "no way?"
Honestly buddy, I got in on two bad knees and several very severe concussions ( I don't remember anything from before I was 15 or 16). I've broken bones in my arms and wrists, also most of my fingers, toes, and the bones in my feet have been broken. I even completed 13F AIT with a complete 360 degree tear of the labram in my right shoulder. The only thing the doctors at the KC MEPS gave me any grief about was my weight. It would seem, from my experience, that the only way that would get rid of me is if I were dead and I'm even starting to doubt that. I don't think your going to have much to worry about. If your shoulder is 100% again and you have no limitations on it, which it doesn't sound like you will, the I don't think you need to be to worried about it. I know a guy who's had major surgery on his elbow and still got in as an 11B out in the Kansas Guard.
