I have a scar from inconclusive biopsy, will this result in a DQ at MEPS?

John Marder — Thu, 20 May 2021 13:53:26 -0400

I have a scar from a biopsy in my right hand middle finger. I understand MEPS will require an explanation. The scar was from a biopsy to remove a small lump on my finger. It didn't inhibit function in anyway but I was just curious to know what it was. The biopsy report came back inconclusive and was later sent to several top specialists in the UK and US. Nobody knew what it was. It has been several years since and I joined the British army for Officer training, no-one even asked about it for the medical. I have since left to join the U.S Military. (I am a dual National) However, I have heard MEPS is extremely strict with scars. Given the inconclusiveness of the biopsy and subsequent examinations. Is this likely to result in a DQ, even though it has had no impact on my health/functionality? If so, how would I even go about getting a waiver, if no-one knows what it was. Would be a shame for me to have thrown away my career because of some optional biopsy I had as a kid. Any advice in the comments or private chat would be appreciated.

Edit: I am not entirely familiar, does a biopsy even count as a surgery for the preliminary form?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 2:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:13:24 -0400

I'll answer the last question first. It would count as minor surgical procedure in a doctor's office. I'd recommend using that particular verbage.

As for the other part, if you can get your hands on the documents now, that'll help you in the long run. As for DQ, I highly doubt it since you say that you still have range of motion. Plus, showing proof that the issue had no bearing on your ability to serve in the British military, you may be good to go. The waiver would be done by your recruiter and MEPS. And if that procedure room place many many years ago...I'd be hard pressed to thing this would affect you negatively at MEPS.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 20 at 2021 2:25 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:25:07 -0400

I would not see why it would as long as range of motion, strength and function are not affected.

During your initial meet with the recruiter you just fill out what you know on your medical section and sign the waver allowing access to it. Be great it you had your medical files from your stint in the Brittish Army and your file from before but people have gotten in and by with less.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 7:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 19:25:12 -0400

I had a mole removed off my shoulder blade prior to joining, resulting in a 2 inch scar. I didn't annotate it as a surgery - I consider it an in office procedure. Nothing was said at MEPS. It was documented as an identifying feature similar to tattoos and birthmarks. Not even sure MEPS would look that close at your fingers.
If you require a waiver, your recruiter will work with you to submit it.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 20 at 2021 11:17 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Thu, 20 May 2021 23:17:20 -0400

I don't remember them being strict about scars. I have one on my inner thigh that, as I've been told, was from when I was a baby. I had to get Life Flighted because I had pneumonia when I was born. They had to put tubes and such in me. I told them about it at MEPS - and I've been in almost 17 years. I also have a scar on my right hand from when I was a kid going down our junky playset, there was some plastic on top of the slide broken. I sliced my hand on it. And then one on my knee biffing on my bike.

The only one really medical is the one from when I was a baby and they didn't say anything about it.

Now with yours though since you had a biopsy that was inconclusive - that might be an issue. But I don't know how MEPS medical works on that. I think the only way you find out is talk to a recruiter or if you make it to MEPS.