Will military discharge me for Huntington's disease?

Question

I just found out my mom has HD, and I have a 50% chance of having the disease as well. If I get tested positive, will the military discharge me? I have no symptoms. What should I do? I want to have children, but I'm risking passing on the disease if I do have it. But my biggest concern is not having any health care benefits if the military discharges me. I've been in the Air Force for 4 years.

Answer 1

Military will discharge you if the military doctors feel that you are not qualified to remain in the military.

Answer 2

Genetically if one of your parents have HD you have a 50/50 chance of developing the disease. Get tested, make an appointment at the hospital and tell them that you need these tests done. They will do a number of tests on you that will determine if you have the HD gene. If you do have the gene, again you have a 50/50 chance of passing it to any offspring that you may have. As far as getting discharged goes, it should be a medical discharge and you should be able to collect VA benefits due to the disease. But that is something that you will have to discuss with a Rep from the VA. Good luck,

Answer 3

From what I can find, HD is not fun. but, as it is a bit difficult to make an informed diecision without haveing all the information. I would suggest that you find out what the military standing is on this issue. Generally, mean onset of HD isn't until your late 40's or early 50's. Also, you need to get tested. All of this is moot if you test negative. Like you said, you only have a 50% chance of testing positive for it. Start there and worry about the rest of it as it comes.

Answer 4

depends on what the doctors at Meps will say

Answer 5

Ask them