I have scoliosis! Am I automatically disqualified for the coast guard?

Question

I really have my heart set on going!!!!

Answer 1

Spine and sacroiliac joints

The disqualifying medical conditions are listed below. The International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are listed in parentheses following each standard.

The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver) are an authenticated history of:

a. Arthritis (720).

b. Complaint of a disease or injury of the spine or sacroiliac joints with or without objective signs that has prevented the individual from successfully following a physically active vocation in civilian life (724) or that is associated with pain referred to the lower extremities, muscular spasm, postural deformities, or limitation of motion.

c. Deviation or curvature of spine (737) from normal alignment, structure, or function if-

(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

(2) It interferes with wearing a uniform or military equipment.

(3) It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical finding(s) and demonstrable by x-ray.

(4) There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, and kyphosis or lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb method.

d. Fusion, congenital (756.15), involving more than two vertebrae. Any surgical fusion (81.0P) is disqualifying.

e. Healed fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae (805). A compression fracture, involving less than 25 percent of a single vertebra is not disqualifying if the injury occurred more than 1 year before examination and the applicant is asymptomatic. A history of fractures of the transverse or spinous processes is not disqualifying if the applicant is asymptomatic.

f. Juvenile epiphysitis (732.6) with any degree of residual change indicated by x-ray or kyphosis.

g. Ruptured nucleus pulposus (722), herniation of intervertebral disk or history of operation for this condition.

h. Spina bifida (741) when symptomatic or if there is more than one vertebra involved, dimpling of the overlying skin, or a history of surgical repair.

i. Spondylolysis (756.1) and spondylolisthesis (738.4).

j. Weak or painful back (724) requiring external support such as a corset or brace; recurrent sprains or strains requiring limitation of physical activity or frequent treatment.

Derived from Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces.
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Answer 2

I have/had scoliosis and spent 27 years in the USAF. The only restriction I had was I couldn't fly.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

only if it is curved so much that it makes you less than six feet tall. you have to be at least that tall to join the CG because if the boat sinks you can wade ashore.

Answer 5

if the scoliosis is only slight,you should not have a problem

Answer 6

You should contact a recruiter, here's a link.. http://www.gocoastguard.com/offices/recindex.htm
they'll be able to tell you what limitations there are with regards to your condition.

Answer 7

depends on the degree of curvature. if it is under a certain amounts and you are okay.