Posted on Apr 29, 2019
Is having a splenectomy due to hereditary spherocytosis disqualifying in the military?
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Hi, I’ve recently decided to join the navy. My health is fine besides having hereditary spherocytosis and had a splenectomy for that. I took the asvab and everything and meet all of the qualifications but my navy recruiter called me back a few days ago and told me MEPS disqualified me but he’s trying to send over my medical records to the navy headquarters to see if I can get a waiver. Hereditary spherocytosis is an autoimmune disorder and no site lists whether that’s a disqualification or not. I’ve read somewhere where it’s fine to have a splenectomy due to that reason but I’m just not sure. How long does it take to get a medical waiver and can anyone give me any information showing me if it’s disqualifying or not? MEPS told my recruiter they wanted to play it safe and not qualify me but I’m confused.
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Medical
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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As noted by SSG Thomas Livingston, DOD 6130.03 under 5.22 BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING SYSTEM
You suffer from spherocytosis which is a form of anemia specifically splenomegaly. That in and of itself is disqualifying but you further compound this by the fact you have had a splenectomy which is also disqualifying. Your condition is both current and hereditary which means that it cannot be treated to the point it disappears and is not going away.
Nothing that you can do, nothing that any recruiter can do can or will change this. This is a DoD directive policy, which means all five branches follow and adhere to this policy without exception. There will be no waiver. Your one and I do mean one and only hope is that at some point DoD revises their medical standard and absent a full scale war that is not likely to happen in your lifetime.
While I empathize with your want to join the military, accept what is said here and seek a career elsewhere. There are other ways and places to serve your country that are equally as meaningful and rewarding, and at the same time less restrictive on entry and acceptance guidelines.
I wish you luck.
You suffer from spherocytosis which is a form of anemia specifically splenomegaly. That in and of itself is disqualifying but you further compound this by the fact you have had a splenectomy which is also disqualifying. Your condition is both current and hereditary which means that it cannot be treated to the point it disappears and is not going away.
Nothing that you can do, nothing that any recruiter can do can or will change this. This is a DoD directive policy, which means all five branches follow and adhere to this policy without exception. There will be no waiver. Your one and I do mean one and only hope is that at some point DoD revises their medical standard and absent a full scale war that is not likely to happen in your lifetime.
While I empathize with your want to join the military, accept what is said here and seek a career elsewhere. There are other ways and places to serve your country that are equally as meaningful and rewarding, and at the same time less restrictive on entry and acceptance guidelines.
I wish you luck.
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Since MEPS said you were disqualified then yes. But, if you want to see it in paper/regulation format:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-05-04-113917-883
CNTRL F for Splenectomy and you will find that the DoD states this is a DISQUALIFYING situation. It won't matter what Navy Command nor your Recruiter says. You are disqualified from Service.
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-05-04-113917-883
CNTRL F for Splenectomy and you will find that the DoD states this is a DISQUALIFYING situation. It won't matter what Navy Command nor your Recruiter says. You are disqualified from Service.
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SPC Cathy Goessman
You asked for an answer and were given one backed up by a reference to a written regulation. Your continued insistence that you are special is going to get you nowhere.
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SPC Cathy Goessman
What may be confusing your recruiter is that splenectomy is waiverable for trauma. An auto-immune condition though would fit under a straight up disqualification. I'd say you need to find some other career choice. But you can always just wait and see where the waiver process goes.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SPC Cathy Goessman - nothing to'lose by waiting to see if they'll waive it. No worse off than you are now.
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LTC Jason Mackay
Jessica Williams - the equivocation is irrelevant. If your recruiter thinks he can run the traps for a waiver, go ahead. What MSG (Join to see) and SPC Cathy Goessman is not a hip shoot. It's in the DODI. The other reference is AR 40-501. Your recruiter has everything to gain from signing you up.... unless he has to answer for why someone is unwaived DQ and under contract.
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