Posted on May 12, 2020
Would I be able to enlist without having surgery for a torn meniscus?
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Hello everyone, I have a question that has been bothering me for some time, and I couldn't seem to find any answers online, or in person. Unfortunately, I have torn my meniscus on both knees in an incident a while back, one of the knees recovered well, the other one not so much, regardless of that, it is stable, and I am completely able to continue most of my activities. I've read the documents regarding disqualification due to knee injuries, and it seems like meniscus tears left untreated disqualify you from the military until it is taken care of, and your knees recover 100%, stable, and working well. I am not sure if this is accurate, would I really not be able to join the military unless I get the surgeries done? To be honest, I don't see myself getting two, very damaging (arthritis inducing) surgeries for my knees, that work fine, just to join the military and further destroy my knees. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, Thank you!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
If you attempt basic you will not be able to handle the physical demands. You should not risk it.
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Read section 5.18, subsection d in DoDI 6130.03
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-05-04-113917-883
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-05-04-113917-883
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CDR Terry Boles
SFC Thomas Livingston
Excellent referral source:
Page 31-32
(5) Current medial or lateral meniscal injury with symptoms or limitation of activity.
(6) Surgical meniscal repair, within the last 6 months or with residual symptoms or
limitation of activity.
(7) Surgical partial meniscectomy within the last 3 months or with residual symptoms or
limitation of activity.
(8) Meniscal transplant.
Excellent referral source:
Page 31-32
(5) Current medial or lateral meniscal injury with symptoms or limitation of activity.
(6) Surgical meniscal repair, within the last 6 months or with residual symptoms or
limitation of activity.
(7) Surgical partial meniscectomy within the last 3 months or with residual symptoms or
limitation of activity.
(8) Meniscal transplant.
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You state that you are able to continue most of your activities so do you think that you would be excused from runs and other activities that would stress your knees? You are also aware that the current conditions of your knees is a disqualification but you are not sure this is accurate. MSG (Join to see) has posted the procedure which confirms what you already know. If you want to join the military you will do what needs to be done and wait until your knees recover 100%, are stable, and working well. Have you talked to a recruiter?
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