Hello Gentlemen,
My husband is heading out to MEPS tomorrow and we are ecstatic. I have a couple of questions for you guys who have been there, done that.

1. I've heard mention of Ace bandage style braces being ok. Do you need these approved and if so, where/with whom? They'd be handy for the old man's knees

2. We've gotten his medical records regarding a knee surgery that was about 18-20 years ago. All is well there, but what about sprains, fractures etc.? He's 41, so there is a long work history with injuries along the way here and there in different states. Do we need to report ALL of these minor injuries?! Our recruiter is top notch, but was kindof vague...

Thanks in advance and I hope he runs into you folks in NM or Ft. Sill

What I am about to say is my opinion only.

If you state a medical problem and went to the doctor meps will want every record from that hospital.

I mentioned Zero injuries. If you have things that will show up on an xray mention it, be ready for request of those documents. And each time you mention something gets you closer to Disqualification and have to wait for a waiver. this cost you more time.

Personally, i would not mention any minor injuries that did not require hospital intervention IE surgery, overnight in hospital, or physical therapy.

Meps is a cookie cutter, they will cut you up and if you dont fit in the perfect cookie your DQed.

So really it is up to you. The more you mention the more it gives them ammo to DQ you.

Now enter the truth police.....Flame me....

There's a list of questions on the DD2807 (Medical prescreen). If you check yes to any then you need to describe the condition and treatment below on the form.

Here's some examples that will be asked:

(2) Dislocated joint, including knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle
or other joint (1)(7)
(8) A swollen, painful, or dislocated joint or fluid in a joint
(knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, etc.) (1)(7)
(14) Head injury, including skull fracture, resulting in concussion,
loss of consciousness, headaches, etc. (4)
(15) Back surgery (4)
(41) Broken bone requiring surgery to repair (with or without pins,
plates, screws or other metal fixation devices used in repair) (1)(7)
(44) Limitation of motion of any joint, including knee, shoulder,
wrist, elbow, hip or other joint (4)(1)(7)
(48) Surgery on a bone or joint (knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, etc.)
including Arthroscopy with normal findings (1)(7)

Keep in mind, they ask for your current Doctor and previous one as well as your current insurance and previous insurance carrier.

Ok, thanks guys. Mostly, he went to doc-in-the-boxes with minor work injuries. No insurance. I guess that makes it easy! Another question:

I've been searching high and low on the forums and in the AR's for the body fat % for 40+ Prior Service enlistees. DH is at 26% right now...what is the requirement? Does this change when you get in?!

26% is Right for his age group. Meps allowed me at 28% at age 30 and passed me. But the rules about that are still up for debate. Meps will mesure loosly, suck in hard and bow that neck out.

Thanks guys.
For an update: he left for MEPS today. Before leaving his recruiter taped him again...

23% BF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so proud.

A Captain in the Recruiter's Office briefed him on what to say/not to say:
Disclose any provable treatment/surgeries. Do not volunteer any self-diagnosis. Don't sweat the small stuff that didn't require surgery, casts, meds., hospital stays, etc. I'm sure I'll be posting a follow-up on the over 40 physical tomorrow night!!!!

Hopefully he'll see some of you guys in November!