Would I have been able to get a waiver and reenlist or would it have truly been a waste of time?

2020-07-06T20:21:38-04:00

I got out in 2017 without submitting a reenlistment package. I got told it was a waste of time. In early 2017, I went to the firing range and didn't qualify for the second time. This is when I decided that it was time to get my eyes checked. It turns out that I have something called refractive amblyopia. My right eye never fully developed. I tried to go through my command to get a medical waiver which is when I was told that there is no point in putting in a reenlistment package. I was also told by my command that there wasn't enough evidence for a medical waiver. After my discharge, I studied my medical records and found that it was recorded back in 2013 when I had first enlisted and numerous times after. After I got them checked, I started to do eye corrective training. Basically just wearing glasses or a patch over my strong eye. However, I could still perform my job excellently and still fire a weapon effectively up to the 300 yard line. The 500 yard line gave me a bit of a run for my money which is where I failed every time. In your opinion, would it have been possible to put in for a medical waiver or a reenlistment?

Response by PO3 Jay Rose made Jul 6 at 2020 8:45 PM

2020-07-06T20:45:47-04:00

Here’s the ‘million dollar question,’ is your vision in BOTH eyes correctable to at least 20/40? If the answer is “yes,” you may actually have a shot at a waiver, however if the answer is “no,” it doesn’t really matter if they noted it, as a note in your chart in itself is NOT a waiver. If it was an injury that was directly related to combat or caused by the service itself, they probably wouldn’t have a ‘leg to stand on’ in denying you, but since it’s congenital, without a proper waiver, it doesn’t look promising for you.

Now, I’m not sure if you thought about it, but you may be entitled to some disability rating if severe enough to call for separation of service, especially if you could show a direct link that the service made the problem worse. It was also the fault of the service in not properly waiving you to begin with, and they should be responsible for any disability resulting from their negligence. Yes, it is negligent on their part. Let’s also not forget that as a civilian, you have access to care through the VA for the rest of your life! Maybe they could at least help you by getting you treatment which should be either free or very low cost! MOST vets will qualify!

One more thing, NEVER trust your command regarding a medical waiver, they’re not licensed medical professionals. I’ve seen people start by showing-up at sick-call and simply work their way up the medical chain until a proper waiver could be authorized, but only medical could initiate such a process. I hope this helps in at least clarifying things a bit better for you!

Best of luck!

Jay

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-07-06T22:09:30-04:00

Someone is eventually going to say it, so I will:

You probably could have learned to shoot left-handed and qualified.

That said, there is no way to know if your medical waiver would have been approved at the time, regardless of how well documented it was.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 6 at 2020 10:34 PM

2020-07-06T22:34:39-04:00

Waivers are at best a maybe. Anyone that tells you oh yeah, you would have gotten it is full of crap. You could have submitted a waiver, you might have gotten it. As long as your vision is correctable to the standard then go for it. The very worst they can do is say no. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and if you really want to be be serving, this is what you want to do.

Never, never let some barracks schmuck tell you no. You leave that to the actual experts and unless those are a little higher up on the food chain, the ones that told you waste of time, are full of crap. Sorry you bought into it.

Response by SGT Michael Boston made Jul 7 at 2020 12:34 AM

2020-07-07T00:34:30-04:00

If that was noted during your MEPs physical and the determination they cleared you to go there maybe and I underline maybe, some wiggle room for that possibility of a waiver. Being that said it will be a up hill battle. The higher ups that said it was a waist of time are more likely telling you they don't want to have to do the paperwork. If its worth it to you do the good fight. Talk to your physician and see what all conservative and invasive treatment option for you. This will also help once you get out when placing your VA claims for C&P as well as physician having a following history going forward. Good luck to you.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2020 2:38 PM

2020-07-07T14:38:04-04:00

You have a good reenlistment code on your DD-214, correct? Are you still in the IRR? Do you actually want to reenlist in the USMC or are you only asking your question because you are curious about what could have happened? Are you open to enlisting in another branch of service? Would you consider part-time National Guard or reserves? Sometimes, I say again sometimes, being National Guard or reserves can turn into full-time active service in support of the reserve component if you want it to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2020 6:27 PM

2020-07-07T18:27:03-04:00

Are you looking to re-enlist, if the answer is yes, head on down to your local army recruitment station and start the process.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 7 at 2020 7:44 PM

2020-07-07T19:44:14-04:00

Is this a hypothetical or are you trying to get back in?

A waiver doesn't substitute for annual training. If you can't complete annual training requirements it doesn't matter either way. If the eye issue is correctable then you have a possible chance but it comes down to being able to do the deed. If you can't hit the target at the 500 it doesn't matter.