Will I be able to join the military after having a splenectomy when I was sixteen?

Wyatt Camera — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 13:58:53 -0500

I'm trying to join the military. I had a splenectomy when I was sixteen due to being in a biking accident. I've never had any serious illness since then. I'm in great physical shape, I'm going to go get my ears clipped today because I was that dumb kid and gauged my ears. I'm just nervous I'm doing all this work thing going to get denied. If anyone can give me some answers I appreciate it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 4 at 2020 2:09 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:09:41 -0500

Just be honest with your recruiter and get their feedback. They are the best point of contact in regards to current standards, requirements and policies. They will also be able to speak more candidly about all of the specifics we don't have on here. .

Response by Wyatt Camera made Dec 4 at 2020 2:40 PM

Wyatt Camera — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:40:43 -0500

Im 25 now if that matters like I said I havnt had any ill effect from the surgery or had any health issues.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2020 2:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:41:17 -0500

According to the DoDI for physical/medical requirements to join the military, history of splenectomy is a permanent disqualifier.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 4 at 2020 5:44 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:44:30 -0500

I am not real versed on this medical procedure and how it affects a person. Will they know you had the splenectomy if you don't tell them?

Response by Wyatt Camera made Dec 12 at 2020 11:20 AM

Wyatt Camera — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 11:20:45 -0500

My recruiter has been very supportive whether he's trying for quota or not. He's very sure he will get me in on a waiver so I guess we will see and I'll let you guys know after meps if it is possible

Response by James Ashworth made Sep 23 at 2024 6:52 PM

James Ashworth — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:52:51 -0400

Yes bro I’m sure because I’m currently getting a waiver hope I hear back from to clear me because here’s my story when I was 16months old in 2001 may parents had a car accident with me in the car and I broke my rib which punctured my spleen to cause me to have a splenectomy but ever since that day and currently as of right now I have not had any problems or underlying issues ever and I was wondering as well if I could join the Marine corps???

Response by James Ashworth made Sep 28 at 2024 12:00 PM

James Ashworth — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 12:00:39 -0400

Bro I’m sure you can go to another branch and get cleared my recruiter told me that this past Friday and they called me yesterday and told me the naval bureau medical (bumed) actually clear me of all my medical records and I had the same thing as you but mine was due to trauma from 23 years ago and I go to meps this Monday coming up to swear in but my recruiter had told me that the army can get majority of waivers the usmc won’t approve like our for example he said they will disqualify u and u will get a waiver and boom u will more than likely get cleared he said so don’t give up stay positive.