I joined the National Guard over 4 years ago and never had any close sign of asthma. About 2 years ago I started having trouble running for my PT test. Around 8 months back it began getting worse and I went to my doctor.

I've been on profile for 6 months while having to endure multiple tests. I'm starting to feel "attacks" coming on at home now and I believe it's getting worse from stress. Luckily at home I can sit for a few minutes and it goes away but as my unit is getting ready to deploy, I know that won't be an option.

I do not want to go overseas and be forced to take medication every day that makes me drowsy and nauseous. I would rather take a medical discharge but am unsure if they would do that. Can anyone give any advice?

First thing that needs to happen is to determine whether or not your considered deployable. In order to do that you must provide your Commander/unit with any/all medical documents you have since you've been diagnosised with asthma. Those documents will be submitted with your Fitness for Duty Evaluation (FFDE)and Military Medical Review Board (MMRB) and Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) to determine if your deployable AND retainable. The MEB then determines whether or not Asthma was incurred in the line of duty or if was a prexisting condition. These findings determine whether or not you can receive a Medical discharge. Don't be surprised if its classified as "preexisting" condition. If it is determined that the Soldier can be returned to duty, the Soldier should not deploy if he/she cannot wear protective gear, has experienced recent emergency room visits, or requires repetitive use or requires repetitive use of oral corticosteroids.