What should one do if s/he experienced anal warts and had them treated by a dermatologist? Is this cause for disqualification? Should I even mention this at MEPS?

I know what the official policy of the military is (depends on the severity of the case), but these warts were never irritating, never bothered me at all, weren't spreading - was purely cosmetic to have them removed. This is what kind of gives me a little hope that I still might be able to get a waiver.

Also, I aced my ASVAB (almost a perfect score) and have almost completed a college degree. Will any of this help me get a medical waiver?

Thanks for your help.

quote:

Originally posted by alyosha_dayan:
What should one do if s/he experienced anal warts and had them treated by a dermatologist? Is this cause for disqualification? Should I even mention this at MEPS?

I know what the official policy of the military is (depends on the severity of the case), but these warts were never irritating, never bothered me at all, weren't spreading - was purely cosmetic to have them removed. This is what kind of gives me a little hope that I still might be able to get a waiver.

Also, I aced my ASVAB (almost a perfect score) and have almost completed a college degree. Will any of this help me get a medical waiver?

Thanks for your help.

You realize your disease is caused by a virus, which never leaves your body, and actually can lead to some forms of cancer...some that are particularly fatal in women?

C'mon...you're a smart person, with what sounds like a promising life after college. Don't ruin it by lying at MEPS. You'll get caught. And when you do get caught, more than your extracurricular social life will be over.

Actually there is no evidence that it leads to cancer in men according to every .gov website I've seen. Also if your immune system is functioning properly HPV can eventually reduced to undetectable levels. The thing is about 1/5 of the population actually has the virus but not all of these folks show signs of the virus.

Also, my personal physician said there was nothing to worry about and that I don't even have to go to a dermatologist since they don't irritate me.

I'm not going to lie, obviously. I'm just wondering whether the best thing to do is to get them treated or not. I mean, since they aren't bothering me what is the sense of getting them treated?

The AR 02-108 or whatever says the condition is only disqualifying if it requires "frequent medical attention" or is "of such a nature as to prevent normal function." My question is why shouldn't I just go to MEPS and tell them the truth: that I've had warts for a year and they don't bother me at all.

How does this sound?

quote:

The AR 02-108 or whatever says the condition is only disqualifying if it requires "frequent medical attention" or is "of such a nature as to prevent normal function." My question is why shouldn't I just go to MEPS and tell them the truth: that I've had warts for a year and they don't bother me at all.

How does this sound?

This is what happens when people go fishing for information that gives them the answer they WANT, rather than information that gives them the answer they NEED.

You disclose to MEPS all medical information about yourself so the the doctors can make an educated and well-informed determination about your health and ability to serve in the armed forces. They evaluate the risk towards yourself and the risk towards other people.

Oh yeah, you also disclose everything because it means telling the truth, having integrity, and doing the right thing.

quote:

This is what happens when people go fishing for information that gives them the answer they WANT, rather than information that gives them the answer they NEED.

You disclose to MEPS all medical information about yourself so the the doctors can make an educated and well-informed determination about your health and ability to serve in the armed forces. They evaluate the risk towards yourself and the risk towards other people.

Oh yeah, you also disclose everything because it means telling the truth, having integrity, and doing the right thing.

DITTO! Don't worry what the AR says, just tell the truth! CPO Kalbach

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:
This is what happens when people go fishing for information that gives them the answer they WANT, rather than information that gives them the answer they NEED.

Yeah, I guess the Army Standards of Medical Fitness Manual was a pretty stupid place to go "fishing" for information.

quote:

Originally posted by alyosha_dayan:

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:
This is what happens when people go fishing for information that gives them the answer they WANT, rather than information that gives them the answer they NEED.

Yeah, I guess the Army Standards of Medical Fitness Manual was a pretty stupid place to go "fishing" for information.

It is if you are not experienced at interpreting them. Regulations are not a "black or white" thing. They often leave the decision up to the people with the knowledge and experience to properly apply them. In other words, the doctor's at MEPS.

quote:

Originally posted by alyosha_dayan:

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:
This is what happens when people go fishing for information that gives them the answer they WANT, rather than information that gives them the answer they NEED.

Yeah, I guess the Army Standards of Medical Fitness Manual was a pretty stupid place to go "fishing" for information.

You interpreted the information you found as an answer as to whether or not you needed to disclose your medical history. When in fact, the information you found is basically a regulation stating whether or not your medical condition is generally a disqualification from military service.

In other words: you wanted to know if you needed to disclose the info, and assumed that since it said to you it's not a disqualifier, you didn't need to say anything. This is fishing for the answer you WANT, rather than the answer you NEED.

It happens a lot. You're not the first person, nor will you be the last.

The answer you NEED is quite simply: disclose all medical history information so the doctors at MEPS can determine when and where to apply regulation, not you

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:In other words: you wanted to know if you needed to disclose the info, and assumed that since it said to you it's not a disqualifier, you didn't need to say anything

Not at all. In fact, I'm mystified as to how you could even come up with that interpretation.

I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression here but I am absolutely NOT looking for a way to pull a fast one on the doctors at MEPS. All I wanted to know was whether this condition is something they expect you to disclose, or if it is something they'd just assume you kept to yourself.

quote:

I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression here but I am absolutely NOT looking for a way to pull a fast one on the doctors at MEPS. All I wanted to know was whether this condition is something they expect you to disclose, or if it is something they'd just assume you kept to yourself.

If you've been treated by a medical doctor/professional for a medical condition you need to disclose it, plain and simple. You don't keep anything to yourself. CPO Kalbach

ok...so...I constantly astounded my misinformation about std's
two things...they'll likely reoccur
and the variety of HPV that causes warts is considered a low risk variety for causing cervical dysplasia but it highly contagious even when the warts are gone!
and a third thing...look you had it treated, it will likely NOT need constant treatment/medication etc but it will likely need treatment at some point in the future theres a record of it, so if you ever need treatment of it again...accessing your medical records is easy and you'll get in deep crap for trying to hide it.
so if you know its not likely a disqualifier and it probably wont need a waiver...what are you affraid of? telling the dr for fear of embarassment?
the meps dr's have heard it all just like any other dr...trust me they wont even bat an eyelash...worst case scenario you need a waiver...this isnt the end of the world know what I mean?

Everything went fine when I went in for my physical.

I was completely honest with them, told them I had an STD, the doctor poked around for a little bit and cleared me for military service. For anyone with a similar problem I just want to say DON'T WORRY - the doctors and medical staff at MEPS were very kind and understanding individuals that want to help future service members as much as possible. A pretty significant portion of Americans have this virus so I'm sure they've seen it many times. I don't care what your recruiter says, the doctors at MEPS are not out to "get you." Tell them the truth and you should be fine.


Thanks again everyone for your help.

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:
You disclose to MEPS all medical information about yourself so the the doctors can make an educated and well-informed determination about your health and ability to serve in the armed forces. They evaluate the risk towards yourself and the risk towards other people.

Oh yeah, you also disclose everything because it means telling the truth, having integrity, and doing the right thing.

Nangasaur, I can't think of a better explanation of why it's important to tell the truth.

Personally, I'd sticky this response.

quote:

Originally posted by Cider33Alpha:
Personally, I'd sticky this response.

I agree, and if possible I think this thread should be stickied. This is a serious question that - percentage wise - many future applicants are dealing with and thinking about. Obviously, it's also quite an uncomfortable and understandably embarassing thing to discuss - even on the internet.

With this in mind I think it would be good if this thread was put in a spot where it could be easily found by future visitors who have a similar question. Anything to let them know that there are others going through the same thing and that honesty is the best way to acheive their dream.

Just a thought.

quote:

Originally posted by Nangasaur:
You disclose to MEPS all medical information about yourself so the the doctors can make an educated and well-informed determination about your health and ability to serve in the armed forces. They evaluate the risk towards yourself and the risk towards other people.

Oh yeah, you also disclose everything because it means telling the truth, having integrity, and doing the right thing.


Nangasaur, I can't think of a better explanation of why it's important to tell the truth.

Personally, I'd sticky this response.

I'd sticky this but there are quite a few stickies on: Don't be influenced to lie, Medical history info, Why there are Medical DQ's. If a person is treated by a doctor or medical professional, there is usually a record and it should be disclosed on the medical prescreen, dd2807-2, that way MEPS can make the informed decision on medical fitness. CPO Kalbach

quote:

You realize your disease is caused by a virus, which never leaves your body, and actually can lead to some forms of cancer...some that are particularly fatal in women?

Considering he has ANAL warts, I doubt he'll ever be infecting any women...

Hey, that's not nice.