Likelihood of Medical Waivers

[Kaymanism]

So I have been excited about joining the navy for over a month now...scored 98 on my ASVABS and was all set to go in for CTI...in case I failed my Security Clearance I had picked Corpsman as what I would go for next. That was until I read an article on becoming 8404 and instantly knew what I wanted to do. As some of you are aware through my private questions on email I have done EXTENSIVE research and the more I found out the more I was in love

I had knee surgery almost 20 years ago, othorscopic only, and the recruiter kept telling me getting a waiver should be no problem. I knew it wouldnt be as easy as he said but this has turned into a HUGE fiasco. The major problem being that because it was 20 years ago I dont have any of the paperwork, my parents cant even remember what hospital it was, and an extensive search of all major hospitals at the time have resulted in nothing.

What I dont get is that I cant even seem to get in to MEPS to have it tested. Time and time again they are asking for more documentations, more sworn statements, and a lot of waiting. It has been almost 3 weeks now.

I know most of you will tell me its the military way, that I should be patient, etc. But what I am asking from you guys is some advice on ANYTHING i can do to get in front of these guys. Since this has happened I have been an 8 letter varsity athlete, a professional climber, played volleyball for Ohio Wesleyan and recruited by Ohio State, participated in both adventure series style races and triathalons, and most recently finished a 5k race in 23:18...im not bragging but just showing that I am very fit even for my age and think I can handle boot camp and MOST things that will be faced as an 8404 (I say most because I have seen even the most fit people face challenges that hurt them). I plan on going for any and all programs afforded to 8404’s (including recon and airborne) and do what I can to support the marines overseas.

Is there anyone I can call at MEPS (probably not), is there a committee I can write a letter to or send pictures and videos of my physical fitness, is there a commander or head of personnel that I can sit before and explain my situation, is there ANYTHING I can do at all? Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated at this point.

For fun is a picture that made climbing magazine last summer edition...only difference now is I have shorter hair :P

[Da-Chief]

Where are you located? Your recruiter can get you evaluated by a Ortho Medical Officer to clear you.

V/R
HMC

[Kaymanism]

I am located here in Chicago actually.

What sucks is I have a brand new recruiter, with what I say with no ego whatsoever, that has no clue. I tried to switch recruiting centers to get someone with more experience and they refused saying that they will eventually get everything right.

I am afraid that if I fail on this occasion I will NOT get another chance to get in...its VERY frustrating so to speak...

That is why I came here to ask for help

[Da-Chief]

Tell your recruiter to call the Naval Hospital (847)688-4560 ask for Orthopedics, Then ask to talk to LCDR Lutes, tell him HMC Crone Referred you. (Did him a favor a while back, owes me!).

;-)
Let me know.. BTW, do you have any films, MRI results etc?

HMC

[Kaymanism]

You are the man :)

Calling my recruiter now.

No i dont have any films or anything...and thats the problem...with nothing to show for the operation they are thinking I am trying to hide something...believe me if I had ANYTHING I would walk there and get it myself

I will let you know what the recruiter says ASAP.

Edit: OF course no answer...I will keep trying

[Kaymanism]

So as the case may be...they sent my paperwork back saying they wanted more documentation including some official race times etc.

I sent them a link to me placing first in the last state climbing comp:
http://usaclimbing.net/rockcomps/comps/event_details.cfm?&id=1114

as well as some pictures with the dates on them from this summer for climbing...as to them calling the Naval Medical School...she seemed very reluctant to do so saying that they couldnt do anything until we heard from MEPS...god I hate being confused :P

I just want to get before someone...on paper I understand the confusion and I understand the navals reluctancy...but in paper its more than obvious what kind of shape I am in :(

[Kaymanism]

GUESS WHO IS GOING TO MEPS TONIGHT!!!!!

Well more accurately guess who passed the dirty pre-screen and is going to the hotel tonight for MEPS tomorrow :)

Wish me luck...from what I understand I am going as normal and if the doctor warrents it I will go to Orthopedics the following day...I am sure they will be fine with me as is

Wish me luck :)

[Da-Chief]

CONGRATS!!

Remember to get what you want in Writing..

Remember these things..

1. NPSB (Non-Prior Service basic) is a Reserve program, once your done with your schools you go home and drill as a reservist. You are eligible for a 20K bonus when finsihed with school.

2. NCS-- Is a "RESERVE PROGRAM" don't let a recruiter tell you that you can Extend after the 15 month obligation or reenlist, you can't You are also not eligible for the GI bill or other things, you can't get a C-School other then FMSS(Which by the way is not a c-school, but I digress) and you can't get the nifty hospital duties over seas.

3. Five year program is Full time 5 years USN. You get everything, Somtimes bonuses are availible as well. If you want RECON Ask for it in writing.

4. FTS/TAR 5 year contract but you deal with the Reserves. You won't go to FMSS right out of school, You will be stationed for the most part here in the States until you get a little more senior.


All in all those are the programs. Remember if it "ISN'T IN WRITING" you did not get it, don't fall for the "You'll get it in BootCamp" crap etc..

And if all else fails call me @ home.. I am home watching the kids, I will PM you my Phone number..

Good Luck!
Da-Chief

:dude:

[Kaymanism]

I have NEVER in my life been so turned off by a group of people EVER.

So my excitement to get to go to MEPS quickly turned into a fiasco.

Went to the hotel room as usual (not until 11:30 of course because the recruiters were finishing others paperwork still) got about the usual 2 hours of sleep and went went to MEPS. AS soon as I showed up the Navy liason office asked what the hell I was doing there...that they were STILL waiting for a document and showed me the EIGHT, yes count them EIGHT, requests for this document. She said she would let me continue the process but the doctor is not going to see me. Sure enough as soon as the doctor came through and saw my pack she circled the requests and said I wouldnt process through that day. I was pissed at first then realized it wasnt her fault. I went back and tried to get ahold of my recruiter and of course we are the ONLY station that doesnt have anyone there by 10am.

But I have a little secret up my sleeve. I brought EVERY document I have...and little did my recruiter know...I backed up everything before giving it to him...so the piece of paper that magically disappeared and the doctor apparently wasnt getting was in there...I gave it to her and OF COURSE she is mad at me, then him, then was fine...she signed off on an ortho consult and I went to get Xrays...

WHEN ARE RECRUITERS GOING TO LEARN IT DOESNT PAY TO LIE?

Of course having wasted so much time the ortho doctor had already left and I have to go back tomorrow....and thats ok because at least I got my xrays done and they are expecting me (the tech and doctor at the radiology clinic said the xrays looked great btw so I am going in with a positive attitude)

To top off the stupidity of my recruiters even more...they submitted a fake EPSQ because they never did one...and didnt tell me until AFTER i left for MEPS I needed my original diploma and daughters birth certificate...

But I didnt even have it the worst. One of the kids leaving for MEPS with me...that night we were leaving he found out no one did a height/weight check on him...turns out he was over...the recruiter told him to drink two bottles of magnesium and to put preparation H on his body and wrap it in saran wrap...he was scared to do it and of course at the hotel room decided no to. He of course failed...he was over 4%...which I dont care what tricks of the trade you know you are NOT losing 4% body fat overnight...and he is now on hold for 45 days...the kicker...when we got back to the recruiters office the FIRST thing out of her mouth was "IF you would have just listened to your recruiter you wouldnt be in this mess" For the love of god...if the recruiter had done their job when it was supposed to be done he wouldnt have gone in the first place...oh well

So tomorrow hopefully I find out if I passed or not and even more so sign my papers to leave :)

[Corpsman77Wife]

Recruiters are never going to learn that it doesn't pays to lie. It is like you have to re-check everything they do. It isnt there name on that paperwork so they really don't care. My husband had to go over his recruiters head and speack directly to MEPS to get what he wanted across to them before he left for boot. And let me tell you the recruiter was pissed. He was accusing him of not wanting to leave for his ship date, which in fact wasn't true he just wanted everything to be laid out and correct. You are doing a great job hanging in there. Good Luck! :)