What options do I have for trying to get back in the Army after a previous cancer diagnosis?

2020-06-16T23:09:21-04:00

Prior service Army E-5 trying to get back in (reserves or guard) after having testicular cancer in 2018. I’m all good to go with a clean bill of health. I’ve been told the waiver was sent and rejected due to having to wait 5 years? Anyone have a similar situation or maybe didn’t have to wait 5 years? Do I even have any options at this point? I don’t mind having to wait if I have to but even according to the DODi I’ve read about rumors nothing is black and white that says you have to wait 5 years to join. Am I missing something?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:40 AM

2020-06-17T09:40:18-04:00

First and foremost Congratulations on being a Cancer Survivor!!!
Although you’ve been given a clean bill of health, the chances of your cancer returning usually occur within the first 5 years which is probably why they gave you the 5yr timeline.

Anytime you try to enter the Military with a previous diagnosis that has a potential of returning, medical will deny if your odds are not significantly low of it returning and if it is not beyond the 5yrs timeline.

Unfortunately it would get looked at as a pre-existing condition with a high probably of returning. Depending on the previous condition they can approve or deny based upon likelihood of returning.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, the Military have to determine if they are willing to take a chance on someone who’s had and been treated for a condition that has a high rate of return. So the Miltary has to decide if it’s worth the risk. Unfortunately due to it being less than 5yrs of being cancer free, the waiver came back disapproved and there is no work around in the wait period.

Again Congratulations on being a Survivor and if returning to active duty is truly what you want, don’t give up, we’re already halfway through this year, so it’s all down hill from here....Good Luck to you...