Getting into the military with epilepsy.

CDC funded page

Not a CDC funded Page

Hello, I tried to get into the Army when I was 18 but they denied me because they couldn't guarentee that I would or could get my medication on a daily basis! It makes sense! Now my 17 year old son has plans of joining the Navy. I've told him what I went through and what they told me but he's already talked to recruiters that have told him that he could get in. Do different branches have different rules for enlistment? I've already made my son promise me that he wouldn't enlist until after Bush is out, but Bush has created such a mess it's going to take years to clean up his mess and to get our troops out safely! My son's grades aren't good and I've already been told that the Navy won't take him unless he has at least a C average, so that sets my mind at ease! Does anybody have any first hand knowledge regarding getting into the armed forces with E.

Comments

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by angelacarwile on Tue, 2009-01-20 - 12:34

Hi all. I was forced to retire after 13 years due to Adult Onset TL Epilepsy. I was also a Navy Counselor Chief, Career Recruiter during that time. I can tell you that with a diagnosis of Epilepsy your son can not join. A waiver can be obtained if a person (without Epilepsy who has a seizure) is seizure free for 5 years, but in 9 years I never saw one get through. If a recruiter tells you he/she can get a medical waiver in one day, it's bologne these days! The physical alone is an all day process and if a waiver is required, it takes in some cases up to 2 weeks or longer. I have also heard of recruiter's telling applicant's to lie, stop taking meds, etc.. but like someone mentioned earlier, you would most definitly have to have records from your Neurologist stating he is seizure free and it was a childhood illness, he grew out of it, etc.. It's unfortunate, believe me, but it's for his own good. We are considered a liability regardless of where we're stationed or in what compacity we work in. If he were to have a seizure, he would have to abide by the laws in the state in which he was stationed. I was not able to drive for over a year, shower alone, live alone, etc... The Navy can't be responsible for that, not to mention if we were to have a seizure while on deployment. I was forced to move home at 30, sell my house.. needless to say I was not a happy camper. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't want your son to get his hopes up. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

Angela

Hi all. I was forced to retire after 13 years due to Adult Onset TL Epilepsy. I was also a Navy Counselor Chief, Career Recruiter during that time. I can tell you that with a diagnosis of Epilepsy your son can not join. A waiver can be obtained if a person (without Epilepsy who has a seizure) is seizure free for 5 years, but in 9 years I never saw one get through. If a recruiter tells you he/she can get a medical waiver in one day, it's bologne these days! The physical alone is an all day process and if a waiver is required, it takes in some cases up to 2 weeks or longer. I have also heard of recruiter's telling applicant's to lie, stop taking meds, etc.. but like someone mentioned earlier, you would most definitly have to have records from your Neurologist stating he is seizure free and it was a childhood illness, he grew out of it, etc.. It's unfortunate, believe me, but it's for his own good. We are considered a liability regardless of where we're stationed or in what compacity we work in. If he were to have a seizure, he would have to abide by the laws in the state in which he was stationed. I was not able to drive for over a year, shower alone, live alone, etc... The Navy can't be responsible for that, not to mention if we were to have a seizure while on deployment. I was forced to move home at 30, sell my house.. needless to say I was not a happy camper. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't want your son to get his hopes up. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.

Angela

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by 2beagles on Wed, 2010-12-08 - 18:44

So, my family member can get accepted to med school to train as a surgeon, with an active medicated diagnosis of epilepsy, and the military won't touch him? Something about this is messed up. So does the military accept diabetics? People with high blood pressure? Bipolars? Because they also need medication on a daily basis.

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by angelacarwile on Thu, 2010-12-09 - 08:37

Unfortunately, that's how it works. As far as the military accepting someone with pre-existing diabetes or bipolar disorder; they're also denied entry. They're a liability any way you look at it. If they're out to sea, on deployment or even TDY and run out of medication the consequenses could be fatal. It's not discrimination; it's for the protection of other service members as well as the individual trying to enlist. You have to look at it from a liability stand-point. Although i was devistated when I was forced to retire after 13 years, I understand why I was no longer an asset, but a liability. As you know when you have uncontrolled seizures, you're not allowed to drive or live alone. This kind of care is impossible in the military for long periods of time. Even if seizures are controlled, there's no guarantee. It's not just medication supply; if an epileptic were out in the field and suddenly had a seizure it could not only endanger his or her life, but the life of those around him. The medical field is quite different than being in harms way on a consistent basis.

There are exceptions for diabetics "if" the member becomes a diabetic on active duty. On a case by case basis, based on the level of severity and medical care needed, the service member may be allowed to stay on active duty in a non-deployable status. If it can be controlled by diet alone, then it's also allowable. Bipolar disorder is another "if". If diagnosed on active duty, then a medical determination can be made to see if the member is still fit for duty.

I'm sorry you feel this is unfair, and in some ways I agree with you. However, I can tell you from personal experience of being an Epileptic - the Navy did me a favor and took care of me. My seizures started somewhere around 3 years ago. It was horrible to say the least. I could barely function before my diagnosis and had no idea what was happening to me. Once diagnosed and medicated, it was even worse adjusting to the medication. I wish your family member great success in becoming a Doctor.

God Bless.

Angela Sanders

Unfortunately, that's how it works. As far as the military accepting someone with pre-existing diabetes or bipolar disorder; they're also denied entry. They're a liability any way you look at it. If they're out to sea, on deployment or even TDY and run out of medication the consequenses could be fatal. It's not discrimination; it's for the protection of other service members as well as the individual trying to enlist. You have to look at it from a liability stand-point. Although i was devistated when I was forced to retire after 13 years, I understand why I was no longer an asset, but a liability. As you know when you have uncontrolled seizures, you're not allowed to drive or live alone. This kind of care is impossible in the military for long periods of time. Even if seizures are controlled, there's no guarantee. It's not just medication supply; if an epileptic were out in the field and suddenly had a seizure it could not only endanger his or her life, but the life of those around him. The medical field is quite different than being in harms way on a consistent basis. There are exceptions for diabetics "if" the member becomes a diabetic on active duty. On a case by case basis, based on the level of severity and medical care needed, the service member may be allowed to stay on active duty in a non-deployable status. If it can be controlled by diet alone, then it's also allowable. Bipolar disorder is another "if". If diagnosed on active duty, then a medical determination can be made to see if the member is still fit for duty. I'm sorry you feel this is unfair, and in some ways I agree with you. However, I can tell you from personal experience of being an Epileptic - the Navy did me a favor and took care of me. My seizures started somewhere around 3 years ago. It was horrible to say the least. I could barely function before my diagnosis and had no idea what was happening to me. Once diagnosed and medicated, it was even worse adjusting to the medication. I wish your family member great success in becoming a Doctor. God Bless. Angela Sanders

Unfortunately, that's how it works. As far as the military accepting someone with pre-existing diabetes or bipolar disorder; they're also denied entry. They're a liability any way you look at it. If they're out to sea, on deployment or even TDY and run out of medication the consequenses could be fatal. It's not discrimination; it's for the protection of other service members as well as the individual trying to enlist. You have to look at it from a liability stand-point. Although i was devistated when I was forced to retire after 13 years, I understand why I was no longer an asset, but a liability. As you know when you have uncontrolled seizures, you're not allowed to drive or live alone. This kind of care is impossible in the military for long periods of time. Even if seizures are controlled, there's no guarantee. It's not just medication supply; if an epileptic were out in the field and suddenly had a seizure it could not only endanger his or her life, but the life of those around him. The medical field is quite different than being in harms way on a consistent basis.

There are exceptions for diabetics "if" the member becomes a diabetic on active duty. On a case by case basis, based on the level of severity and medical care needed, the service member may be allowed to stay on active duty in a non-deployable status. If it can be controlled by diet alone, then it's also allowable. Bipolar disorder is another "if". If diagnosed on active duty, then a medical determination can be made to see if the member is still fit for duty.

I'm sorry you feel this is unfair, and in some ways I agree with you. However, I can tell you from personal experience of being an Epileptic - the Navy did me a favor and took care of me. My seizures started somewhere around 3 years ago. It was horrible to say the least. I could barely function before my diagnosis and had no idea what was happening to me. Once diagnosed and medicated, it was even worse adjusting to the medication. I wish your family member great success in becoming a Doctor.

God Bless.

Angela Sanders

Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Comments

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by angelacarwile on Tue, 2009-01-20 - 12:34

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by 2beagles on Wed, 2010-12-08 - 18:44

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by angelacarwile on Thu, 2010-12-09 - 08:37

Sign Up for Emails