If you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis while serving in the army will you be medically chaptered for that?I am looking for serious answers only. i have looked at ar 40-351 and see how you would not be allowed to enter but my question pertains to whether or not I would have to be chapteres. if so, does anyone know if the va helps with treatments after chapter?
2007-03-08 13:44:05 · 7 answers · asked by livewire 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I was in the service when I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago. It is a diagnosis that is "not fit for service. Or, to put it into PMCS terms, a "deadline deficiency."
I was offered a waiver to get some more years in. I love the service and my wife and I debated the pluses and minuses of this decision. In the end, the "unknown" nature of the disease won out. Since I did not know and still don't know how much time I have to be fully functional, I declined the waiver and was medically retired. I walk with a limp but still get around well. The disease has made mild progression since being diagnosed.
It's a semi blessing -- since then I have done things I always wanted to do, but kept putting off: skydiving, rode cross country and back on a motorcycle, this summer -- I will take my kids to Europe for a couple weeks. I would have just kept procrastinating these things had the MS not been diagnosed.
2007-03-09 02:49:30 · answer #1 · answered by dustoff 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-14 14:24:27 · answer #2 · answered by Katherine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not entirely certain what you're asking, but ...
My dad was diagnosed with MS while serving in the Navy in the 70s. He was honorably discharged and receives military disability benefits. He's been getting good treatment through the VA (better in the past couple of years), including some experimental medicines that seem to have done some good -- although, with MS, you never really know.
I wish you the best. It's a frustrating disease, and difficult to treat. But things are looking better.
Take care.
2007-03-08 14:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by ihatesunsets 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What will likely happen is that you will face a MRB which will determine fitness for duty. Everyone's situation is different, (which is why they have a Medical Review Board in the first place) so the Army will evaluate each case and determine if you are fit for full duty (worldwide deployment), limited duty (perhaps some physical limitations), or if you cannot meet certain minimum physical limits, potentially discharge. If you are discharged, the character of your discharge will be honorable and the reason will be medical.
The VA categorizes MS as a service-related disability (which is very puzzling to me, since there is no known cause for MS, so how can it be service-related? Whatever...). As such, if you are medically discharged, you will be eligible for VA benefits if your disease presents to a level of 10% within seven years of separation. Currently, there are about 11,000 veterans who have been granted a service-related disability for MS.
HTH
2007-03-08 16:41:22 · answer #4 · answered by CJ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, livewire...your question just caught my eye. My hubby has ms, so am very in tune with many of your issues. I send you a HUGE hug. Being in the military is a whole different ball game, however. Their particular needs often depend on physical stamina and health, so it can really be a question. One of the main problems with ms, is the unpredictability of how it progresses, especially when you are newly diagnosed.
I would very much hope to see the military willing to work with you, and allow time to see what you can or cannot continue to do. I suspect this is a very unusual situation for them also.
One thing I must tell you.. is that the sooner you begin treatment, the better it is for you.
You can reach me through my profile.. and I really hope you will. Of all the things you will want and need, it is people that can truly understand where you are coming from. Depression is common with ms.. NOT just because of the emotional change, but there are physical and chemical components to it. If you are aware of that, it will be easier to cope with and meet it head on.
2007-03-08 13:57:14 · answer #5 · answered by wendy c 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
MS is cause for medical separation. You would have to get a waiver to stay in.
There are two main reasons. First is the unpredictable nature of the disease process, second is availability of medications through the military system. Clearly the medications used to combat MS; interferons, Copaxone or Tysabri, are difficult to provide to deployed troops, similar to insulin dependent diabetics.
Good luck, both medically and professionally. Contrary to popular belief, although quite daunting, life isn't over after being diagnosed with MS.
2007-03-08 17:05:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Consider posting this question on a website I frequent.
It is called www.msrefugees.com
It's a very helpful and knowledgeable group.
Most members on the website used to be part of the MSWatch discussion group.
MSWatch shut down the posting part of the website, so the group created their own site to keep sharing information and encouraging each other.
I believe there are a couple of veterans there.
2007-03-09 00:54:01 · answer #7 · answered by ktajfl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋