How do I determine my type of disqualification from the Army and whether I still have a chance to enlist?

2019-11-20T12:43:33-05:00

I got a call from my recruiter recently bout being disqualified from the Army due to a case of Psoriasis on my arm. I went through MEPS and the doc at the site said to see a dermatologist. I saw a dermatologist who told me I had a mild case and that a cream should clear it up, which it did. After getting a clearance letter from him and sending all the notes from the appointments to my recruiter, he called saying I was disqualified a week or two later. I asked some follow up questions to him and he said it was a temporary disqualification and I should check back in 6 months. This confused me so I asked if I could get a waiver and he said the whole process I went through was for a waiver. I researched online that 1. Psoriasis is a permanently disqualifying condition 2. You need a waiver only for a permanently disqualifying condition, not temporary 3. If your waiver gets denied, it's the end of the line. I am at a loss here and I really want to enlist. If anyone could just help clarify the situation(I hate to say this but if my recruiter is lying to me or not)

Edit: I want clarification because I don't want to wait 6 months and then get disqualified again I.E: wasting time for something hopeless to change

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 20 at 2019 12:51 PM

2019-11-20T12:51:06-05:00

Find another recruiter and start again. If your skin is cleared up ask them to send you back through MEPS again so you can be seen.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Nov 20 at 2019 1:26 PM

2019-11-20T13:26:55-05:00

John- A lot has changed in twenty years, so take my advice for what it is; layman's logic. If the current instructions include it as a permanently disqualifying condition, and you've already gone through, and been rejected by the waiver process... that may indeed be all there is to be done. If you're seriously committed to this path, why not try again... and again... and again. The worst that can happen is that you'll be told, "no". Getting into the theoretical... regulations do change, and usually due to very good reasons; you may find that recruiters, boards, and even the published guidance itself eases off in the face of manpower shortages, etc. Barring that, all I can add is that while "rules are rules"... I wouldn't give it up until you've exhausted all other options. If you find yourself at that point, satisfied that you've done literally everything humanly possible... then consider the fact that there are numerous ways to serve in other capacities. We live in a country where law enforcement is on the front-line of a war on gang-violence, organized crime, illegal drug distribution, human trafficking... etc, etc. Perhaps a career in LE has fewer medical hurdles. Maybe your motivation is in saving lives... you could certainly do worse than a career as an EMT, firefighter, or other first responder. If it's the "adventure" and "travel"... you may discover that the Military is somewhat more limited in those factors than one may imagine; perhaps there are other fields offering much of the same, minus many of the "negatives". In closing, understand this: the Military isn't for everyone; that's why so few (as a percentage) of the population participate. That being said, the Military hardly represents the only paths of honor, courage, and service for a citizen. Good luck, and best wishes!

Response by PO1 Jimm Mooney made Nov 20 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-11-20T13:37:54-05:00

Even if it turns out to be the "end of the line" for the Army, don't discount other branches of service or even the National Guard or Reserves. And as LCDR Joshua Gillespie pointed out, there is the First Responder Route to explore as well. Best of Luck to you and thank you for the effort and desire to serve.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 20 at 2019 2:10 PM

2019-11-20T14:10:00-05:00

Adults whose psoriasis covers at least 10 percent of their body surface area are at almost twice the risk of early death than those without the disease.

Response by PO2 Sean Baker made Nov 20 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-11-20T16:14:54-05:00

It's HIV

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-11-21T10:33:17-05:00

You are in the suck of how recruiting works. There are allowable quotas for waivers. One can reasonably conclude that that is your enemy, not your condition.
In any event, you will need a waiver because even if your skin clears up, the condition will likely return at some point. My understanding is such a waiver is pretty routine but there are considerations involved that can result in denial, as Psoriasis is an open wound and we go to dirty and often contaminated places.
If you are determined, stay engaged, check the boxes and jump the hurdles, get your waiver and serve with honor.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-11-21T12:22:16-05:00

See if your recruiter can reference http://www.esd.whs.mil/dd/. DODI 6130.03. This is the DOD instruction for basic medical standards for enlistment. I believe it encompasses all COMPOs. If you are prior service, you may fall under AR 40-501 Chapter 3 standards. I would not discourage you from applying or a waiver. Be truthful on your MEPS physical exam questionnaire.

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