Can I do ROTC if I have been released via medical board (for shoulder instability) and have a 10% VA rating?

Ayden Sofianos — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 13:52:46 -0400

I have been training my shoulder hard for the past two years so I can get back in. I know I can do it physically and mentally, any insight as to if they will let me back in?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 1:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 13:56:07 -0400

First, and simplest answer, if talk to a recruiter. It's a pain to get a waiver, I know from experience as I'm still trying to get one. It has to go through the Surgeon General. Get documentation if it is better, or does not affect your ability to perform. And make sure it's good documentation. You'll need as much ammo on your side as possible.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 6:02 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:02:30 -0400

ROTC is a challenge to get through medically, the answer is yes, but it will take some time and patience getting the appropriate medical evaluations and waivers if required.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 1 at 2017 8:12 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 20:12:04 -0400

1, Keep in mind you will have to do a physical, and their results count. You will need a waiver as well, and that can take time and patience. It is not a sure thing

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 9:13 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 21:13:04 -0400

I don't know about the medical board thing, but I had a 10% VA rating for a shoulder injury when I finished my enlistment. When I decided to try to come back in as a Chaplain all it took was showing the doc at MEPS that I could perform pushups. He made me do 20, signed off on the paper work for me to get a commission and here I am still on active duty almost 12 years later.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Sep 12 at 2019 3:15 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:15:05 -0400

If you can pass a PT test and have recovered most of your range of motion you should be able to. I herniated 2 discs on my first deployment and had problems doing sit-up and went before a Medical Review Board. Before the board met I deployed to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina and the board determined that since I could spend hours wearing my helmet, vest, weapon and ammo and could shovel debris that was similar to anything I would do on a deployment so they let me stay in. They gave me a permanent profile on sit-ups and the run and I later deployed to Iraq and had no problems