Health Question?

Question

Ok its probably a little early for me to be thinking about this but I can't help it! My son is 5 now and was born missing the entire right side of his diphram. He has a patch but I was wondering if his birth defects could stop him from joining the military in the future if he wanted too. He also has 1 operating kidney. Like I said a bit early but I want too know because he wants to follow in his Uncles' foot steps already! God Bless Our Troops!

I can't ask my brother because he passed a while back and my bro in law doesn't know!

He has no current health issiues. He doesn't need any treatment for his kidney or any thing and the chances of him rehernating are slim to none. the kidney issiue is being found to be more common than prevously thought but most people are never diagnosed with it and never have any problems so unless they under go tests that show the kidneys function before they join then no one would ever know! The only reason we know is b/c his surgery for his diphram!

Answer 1

Under current standards, he would not be inducted into the service. There are two issues,

1. Preexisting medical issue, which would impact on a: his ability to function in combat situations, and b. an increased impact on medical resources.

2. Even if the other two issues were allowed a waiver, his safety would be in question. While all service members take the risk of being injured, the risk of a person with missing organs and physical deformities of any kind would increase his risk of dying if injured/wounded.

Please note: many soldiers are removed from active duty, due to their dependence on medications, which may not be readily available when deployed. The medical readiness of a service member is much different than that of others, living and traveling around the world. There are increased stressors, sometimes inadequate hydration and nutrition and other issues which do not readily affect civilians in the US.

Answer 2

At this point it would probably restrict him from military service. However thats not a guarentee. He could get a waiver to join, but a waiver says that basically the army is not responsible for disability if something with that preexisting injury or ailement already exists. But who knows in 10 yrs the regs are always changing because we are getting better at being able to treat all kinds of things downrange. The best answer is you wont really know until he is of age to join by then they could be taking him. Ive had 4 complete reconstructive knee surgeries i was never suppose to get in, i went through a very long process of gettting many waivers to join and i am in and loving it.

Answer 3

I'm almost certain that those defects will prevent him from joining the military. Military members need to be in top physical condition due to the rigors of service during times of war.

However, 13 years from now when your son is eligible to enlist, there may be a waiver available, or treatment for his condition that will make him eligible. If not, steer him toward civilian service in the Defense Department. In my experience the civilian personnel at a base have a depth of experience that is vital to the smooth operation of the military system. Think about it - military move every few years while the civilians tend to stay put for a longer period of time.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm not sure about the diaphragm problem as I've never personally encountered that. But, if he only has one kidney that works that's a definite no. A close family member was denied from joining the marines for only having one kidney. He had given one to another family member when they were young.

Answer 5

Oh please, you know the answer to that. There is no way that any service will take him!