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Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Tue, 03/25/2008 - 17:45
Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Adults
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 dainty on Thu, 2011-01-20 - 11:36

It enraged me when recruitors would tell my son to lie to get into the military.  I had to make my son understand how lying was not a good way to go.  IF you are seizure free 5 years and off meds for 5 years, you may apply.  Doesnt mean they will take you.  If your plan is military or police please have a backup plan as it is unlikely to happen.

 

I wish you all well.

joan*

 

 

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/JuvenileMyoclonicEpilepsy/ Son lamictal 200 2x   21 Grand Mals-Stable Daughter keppra 500 18 - on MAD **stable* Both had first issues at 15 - Both JME - gotta love puberty : ) * Both dealing with the nuances that

It enraged me when recruitors would tell my son to lie to get into the military.  I had to make my son understand how lying was not a good way to go.  IF you are seizure free 5 years and off meds for 5 years, you may apply.  Doesnt mean they will take you.  If your plan is military or police please have a backup plan as it is unlikely to happen.

 

I wish you all well.

joan*

 

 

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/JuvenileMyoclonicEpilepsy/ Son lamictal 200 2x   21 Grand Mals-Stable Daughter keppra 500 18 - on MAD **stable* Both had first issues at 15 - Both JME - gotta love puberty : ) * Both dealing with the nuances that

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by mjb_02 on Thu, 2011-07-07 - 01:26
Military Enlistment rules change all the time, I I had 2 seizures one in 8th grade and one in 10th grade I have been out of school for 9 years and stopped taking my meds almost directly after my second seizure due to the effects it had on me during class, but thats not the point I was allowed to join the Navy back in 2005 I received a waiver for my seizures. It can happen!!! I am proof, now one thing I can tell you is that I tried the Air Force, then Army and then the Navy denied twice and I guess 3rd times was the charm. I did what the recruited told me med records, an EEG and CT scan of my head. The EEG came back normal and the CT scan showed some gray matter but I had an answer the very next day after going to MEPS. I can't say this is going to be the case for everyone, but there is no hurt in trying. One thing I can say for sure is that if you are serious about it then make sure you have all your information in order and a strong letter saying that you are good to go. I would recommend going to the doctor that you are most familiar with to get this letter since they'll know your case the best.

Re: Getting into the military with epilepsy.

Submitted by fritzmerde on Fri, 2011-07-08 - 14:16

All I can say is go for it. After skimming over some of the comments I'm sorry to say that those who give you a snowballs chance in the Middle East are probably right. I was (and am still) in the military, I think that'll be ending soon. I got back from a TDY, I had a seizure while there, gave my file back to the clinic, and recieved a fun filled ass chewing by a LT. Colonel. I was told rather loudly that I was going to be thrown out, not the answer to my questions that I never got to ask. Anyway I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what to do. Being on profile is like haveing a kick me sign taped to my back. When you are no longer an asset you become a liability, and everyone can be replaced. I don't recall any other soldiers with "E" or seizure disorders. standards for different jobs might exist, I really don't know. In the army I  was a 19D, in the ANG my afsc was 1A271, so those are the only folks I was really close to. You never know though, things in the military change all the time-good luck.

 

All I can say is go for it. After skimming over some of the comments I'm sorry to say that those who give you a snowballs chance in the Middle East are probably right. I was (and am still) in the military, I think that'll be ending soon. I got back from a TDY, I had a seizure while there, gave my file back to the clinic, and recieved a fun filled ass chewing by a LT. Colonel. I was told rather loudly that I was going to be thrown out, not the answer to my questions that I never got to ask. Anyway I'm in the middle of trying to figure out what to do. Being on profile is like haveing a kick me sign taped to my back. When you are no longer an asset you become a liability, and everyone can be replaced. I don't recall any other soldiers with "E" or seizure disorders. standards for different jobs might exist, I really don't know. In the army I  was a 19D, in the ANG my afsc was 1A271, so those are the only folks I was really close to. You never know though, things in the military change all the time-good luck.

 

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