If I have Gastroparesis, will that bar me from any military service?

2018-02-20T14:11:12-05:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 2:23 PM

2018-02-20T14:23:32-05:00

Hi Casandra Paiz! Your best bet is to ask your recruiter. History of certain GI conditions may be disqualifying but that doesn't mean that's the end of the road. There are often waivers available and your recruiter would be familiar with that process. Best of luck!

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Feb 20 at 2018 2:46 PM

2018-02-20T14:46:39-05:00

It may be waiveable depending on how severe but you best Answer is to call a recruiter now! ASAP!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 4:19 PM

2018-02-20T16:19:17-05:00

I echo the ask your recruiter. Generally, it all comes down to can you function in an austere environment for (I believe) 30 days. So if you require any chronic medication to treat this, you will have to show that you can continue treatment during a potential deployment, or function at mission readiness if you can't.

It will depend on the medical condition. Your recruiter will have a list and /or contact with folks that can determine waverabilty.

With the current climate of looking hard at non deployable soldiers, I imagine waivers may be slightly harder to get now. But, I just might be talking out of my ass. I would like to get more educated in this area

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 4:26 PM

2018-02-20T16:26:15-05:00

Even if it is medically disqualifying, you can still get a waiver if you are physically fit and the medical condition does not affect your ability to do your job. Your recruiter will probably tell you the same thing but it won't make any difference until you go to MEPS and get your physical, then you will be told whether you are a GO or NO GO. If you do get a NO GO, then you can apply for a waiver, which usually entails having your MD or a specialist (GI in your case) write a letter stating that your medical condition will not interfere with your military work. If I were you, I would start with the doctor and see what he or she thinks as you will probably do a lot of work just to be told many months later that you need to be cleared by a doctor. It's worth a shot if you are motivated to join.