Posted on Jun 27, 2021
I’m getting a pacemaker tomorrow. What happens next as far as my Army career?
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Basically I’m asking can you stay in the military with a pacemaker. What options I’m I looking at? Thanks in advanced!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
If it's a temporary pacemaker then it's a matter of whatever the underlying condition is and if the temporary pacemaker resolves it. Cardiac issues are a serious no go for continued service though. If it's a permanent pacemaker, at your age and time in service, you will be medically separated. Probably even medically retired
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SPC (Join to see) do not forget to have a discussion with your personnel officer who will certainly have regulations to refer and explain the options to you. In the Navy they have something called "at the convenience of the government", when I had a medical change my duty station was extended one year. Then when reenlistment came up, there were duty station options and work assignments comparable to my skills. I would see if the Army had those options
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CSM Charles Hayden
PO3 Phyllis Maynard I had a 21 day extension of my first enlistment fir that ‘Connivence of the Government.’
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AR 40-501 - Standards of Medical Fitness is where to start. CTRL + F pacemaker.
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LTC Jason Mackay
AR40-501 dtd Aug2010
3–24. Surgery and other invasive procedures involving the heart, pericardium, or vascular system
These procedures include newly developed techniques or prostheses not otherwise covered in this paragraph. The causes for referral to an MEB are as follows:
a. Permanent prosthetic valve implantation.
b. Implantation of permanent pacemakers, antitachycardia and defibrillator devices, and similar newly developed devices.
3–24. Surgery and other invasive procedures involving the heart, pericardium, or vascular system
These procedures include newly developed techniques or prostheses not otherwise covered in this paragraph. The causes for referral to an MEB are as follows:
a. Permanent prosthetic valve implantation.
b. Implantation of permanent pacemakers, antitachycardia and defibrillator devices, and similar newly developed devices.
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