I have one kidney that doesn't work. Could I join the army?

Question

I've asked this many places and never gotten an answer. My parents told me that I wouldn't be able to serve in the army, because basically I only have one kidney. They're both there, just one is small and functions at under 30%. Generally, people with one kidney are warned against participating in dangerous activities, because if you screw up that good kidney then you're, well, screwed. But I never found a good source on this.

So. Could my one-kidney self join the army?

This hasn't ever effected my health; you can live perfectly fine with just one kidney. I'm not seriously considering joining the army at the moment(if I did, I would rather be doing medical work or something), but I want to know if it's an option.

Answer 1

As a former Navy physician, if I became aware of the problem (the initial physical examination would not normally disclose any abnormality), I would deny you, or if you were in the military, you would be surveyed out (discharged). We have had recruiters that told potential enlistees not to mention any problems...one boy with epilepsy drowned during a swimming test...another arrived at boot camp in a wheel chair...so with honesty, I suggest you forget the idea.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

It's possible, but it just about takes an act of congress. I met a guy in the Navy that was so determined to be in the Navy, despite having a congenital birth defect where his heart was outside his body, that he lobbied his senator to get him in on a waiver. He did his whole enlistment on light duty, including basic training. He never went to sea or even left his home state after training.
He missed the whole point of being in the Navy because he selfishly wanted an exception to be made for him.

Answer 4

i could no longer basically take a seat around and don't something like my docs reported. they did no longer choose me to do something or to take herbs or organic treatments, yet I had to objective something - they only needed me to do dialysis! This application allowed me to take administration of my wellness. I went from degree 4 to degree 3 kidney ailment. It became ordinary to do and my BUN, creatinine and anemia are all in greater suited stages. Reversing Your Kidney ailment?

Answer 5

you are Permanently Disqualified.

sure, a person with only one kidney can live a long healthy life. But in the military, what happens when you get shot and you LOSE that one kidney.. ? The military is unwilling to take that risk. and so should you be.

Answer 6

You may join the army but as prevoius people have said they might not send you to Iraq or anything maybe just a job at your local base

Answer 7

Its very unlikely they would allow you to join with only one functioning kidney.

Also, I would think wearing body armor in 130+ degree heat in Iraq could seriously injure someone with your medical problem

Answer 8

Reverse Kidney Disease Naturally : http://www.NaturallyGo.com/Info

Answer 9

You'll have to get the physical and see--it really depends on if the doctor is in a good or a bad mood that day, well that moment actually.

Answer 10

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