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Does Asthma Prevent Military Service

Common Causes Of Service

How do we stop the military fainting?

There are various causes of service-related asthma including the following:

  • Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, pollution, asbestos exposure, and/ or chemical exposure
  • Side effect from certain medications
  • Abnormal weather conditions making it difficult to breathe
  • Certain physical activities exacerbating asthma
  • Respiratory Infections

Oftentimes, deployment can trigger some causes listed above.

Allergies And Coeliac Disease

Allergies

Significant food or other allergies are a limiting factor to entry.

Coeliac disease

While coeliac disease is manageable day-to-day within New Zealand, in certain situations there may be limited dietary options for a prolonged period. In such situations there is a risk of complications ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to nutritional deficiency. This has potential implications not only for the individual, but also those around them. The Defence Force has an obligation to minimise risk to the individual and the organisation wherever possible, and accordingly if you have coeliac disease you may not be admitted entry to the Defence Force.

Can You Decline A Deployment

The military can deny the request. Officers can request to resign their commission after serving their minimum obligation to the military. It takes time and the military can deny the request. There are assignments that can be declined under certain conditions, but combat deployments generally arent one of them.

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Open Burn Pits What Was Burned

Waste products commonly disposed of in open burn pits include:

  • Chemicals, paint, medical and human waste
  • Metal and aluminum cans
  • Petroleum and lubricant products
  • Plastics, rubber, wood, and food waste

Exposure to smoke created by burning these materials may cause irritation and burning of eyes or throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, skin itching or rashes. Many of these conditions are temporary and resolve on their own when the exposure ends. However, if you were closer to burn pit smoke or were exposed for longer periods of time, you may be at greater risk for longer-term health conditions.

What Offenses Or Moral Behavior

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  • Individuals under civil restraint including parole, confinement, or probation are not eligible for waivers
  • Individuals subject to civil court conviction or adverse disposition for more than one serious offense, or serious offenses with three or more other offenses will not be eligible for a waiver
  • Anyone found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana, is not eligible for a waiver
  • Anyone with three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years prior to application will not be eligible
  • Anyone convicted for five or more misdemeanors is not eligible
  • Individuals who are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test or anyone with charges pending will not be eligible for a waiver

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Endocrine And Metabolic Disorders

The following conditions may disqualify you from military service:

a. Adrenal dysfunction of any degree.

b. Diabetes mellitus of any type.

c. Glycosuria. Persistent, when associated with impaired glucose tolerance or renal tubular defects.

d. Acromegaly. Gigantism or other disorder of pituitary function.

e. Gout.

Goiter, persistent or untreated.

Hypothyroidism, uncontrolled by medication.

Cretinism.

Thyroiditis.

i. Nutritional deficiency diseases. Such diseases include beriberi, pellagra and scurvy.

j. Other endocrine or metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, porphyria and amyloidosis that obviously prevent satisfactory performance of duty or require frequent or prolonged treatment.

Are There Height And Weight Restrictions What If I Am Too Short Or Heavy To Join

Yes, there are height and weight restrictions to join the Army, but they vary by age and gender. Reference the table below to find your minimum height and weight requirements.

Height In Inches

MENS HEIGHT AND WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
233 236

For the most up-to-date information on these restrictions, talk to a recruiter or calculate your BMI requirements. If you do not meet the specific requirements, you can talk to a recruiter about next steps and possibly submit a height or weight waiver.

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Spine And Sacroiliac Joints

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Arthritis.

b. Complaint of a disease or injury of the spine or sacroiliac joints with or without objective signs that has prevented the individual from successfully following a physically active vocation in civilian life or that is associated with pain referred to the lower extremities, muscular spasm, postural deformities or limitation of motion.

c. Deviation or curvature of spine from normal alignment, structure or function if —

It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

It interferes with wearing a uniform or military equipment.

It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical finding and demonstrable by X-ray.

There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, and kyphosis or lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb method.

d. Fusion, congenital, involving more than two vertebrae. Any surgical fusion is disqualifying.

e. Healed fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. A compression fracture, involving less than 25% of a single vertebra is not disqualifying if the injury occurred more than one year before examination and the applicant is asymptomatic. A history of fractures of the transverse or spinous processes is not disqualifying if the applicant is asymptomatic.

f. Juvenile epiphysitis with any degree of residual change indicated by X-ray or kyphosis.

Neurological And Learning Disorders

Asthma VA Disability Claims and Ratings

Seizure disorders and recurrent or severe headaches may be disqualifying, and waivable only be determined on a case-by-case basis. A history of learning disorders such as attention deficit disorder may only be considered for waiver if an applicant has demonstrated successful academic performance off stimulant medication or other treatment for at least 15 months and if no educational accommodations have been required.

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Your Butt Cant Be Too Big

Spinal disorders and conditions are taken very seriously by the military. Many of the jobs have stringent physical demands and standards, and having any sort of back issue can be detrimental to your health, and the readiness of the force. However, according to the Tucson recruiting office, as a result of spinal curvature misalignment, your butt can be too big for you to serve. Enough said.

Airborne Hazards And Burn Pit Exposures

VA added 3 presumptive conditions related to particulate matter exposure

The new presumptive conditions are asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. To be eligible for benefits, you must have gotten one of these conditions within 10 years of your separation from active service.

This will expand benefits for Veterans who served in:

  • Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or
  • The Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present

If you have a pending claim for one or more of these conditions, you dont need to do anything. Well send you a decision notice when we complete our review.

For more information about VA benefits and eligibility, or how to file a claim, Veterans and survivors can visit www.VA.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

See the regulation.

Airborne hazard refers to any sort of contaminant or potentially toxic substance that we are exposed to through the air we breathe. While on active duty, military service members may have been exposed to a variety of airborne hazards including:

  • The smoke and fumes from open burn pits
  • Sand, dust, and particulate matter
  • General air pollution common in certain countries
  • Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes
  • Smoke from oil well fires
  • Types of waste burned
  • Proximity, amount of time, and frequency of exposure
  • Wind direction and other weather-related factors
  • Presence of other airborne or environmental hazards in the area

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What Services Are Available For Asthma In The Military

Because asthma and related respiratory problems can worsen over time, its important that military servicemembers obtain a thorough evaluation of their health in order to help get treatment to control symptoms, even if youre already in the military.

As with signs of any medical condition during military service, asthma symptoms should also be taken seriously. Every effort should be made to determine whether an individual can continue with military service in order to avoid unnecessary risk to their own life or to the lives of others who serve with them.

Medical research supports the involvement of people with asthma in the military with basic treatment for symptoms.

Research from 2015 in Federal Practitioner suggests that most service members with asthma can remain on active duty when management with inhaled therapies that allows them to meet standards and perform required duties.

Researchers involved in this 2015 study also suggest that an asthma diagnosis should be given along with the following tests to confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis:

  • how strongly the airways react to asthma triggers
  • how the heart behaves during asthma diagnosis tests

You may have a greater chance of receiving a waiver if:

  • you are currently being treated for asthma
  • your symptoms appear to be well controlled
  • your symptoms are relatively mild

Poorly controlled symptoms are likely to lead to a waiver disapproval and disqualification from joining the military.

What Are The Requirements To Be Drafted

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The Selective Service Act of 1948, enacted in June of that year, created a new and separate system, the basis for the modern system. All men 18 years and older had to register with Selective Service. All men between the ages of 18 to 25 were eligible to be drafted for a service requirement of 21 months.

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Condition #5 Eyesight Issues

According to the standards of physical fitness provided by Armed Forces, there are some eyesight issues that are disqualifying.

Armed Force members are required to maintain certain visual standards with or without visual correction devices such as spectacle lenses. The regulations for eyesight without a visual aid are:

  • Soldiers must be able to see at least 20/40 in one eye, and 20/70 in the other eye.
  • Or 20/30 in one eye and at least 20/100 in the other eye.

If a spectacle aid for eyesight is required the standards are:

  • 20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other eye.

Entrance into US Military Academy or ROTC has additional requirements. The distant visual acuity must correct to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Vision below those standards is disqualifying.

Officer Candidate School OCS has standards of 20/20 and 20/100.

There is no standard set for color vision, which is a common concern. Though it will get tested for certain branches of the military , it is not a requirement to qualify.

However, it may restrict you from joining certain specialties of the U.S. Military.

For example, if you wanted to become a Navy SEAL, you must meet specific eyesight requirements.

They include 20/40 vision in your best eye, 20/70 vision in your worst eye, and it must be correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness.

There are several rare types of eyesight issues such as blepharitis, conjunctiva, cornea dystrophy, and iridocyclitis that are disqualifying diseases.

How Do You Shut Up A Jehovah Witness

Politely interrupt to take control of the conversation.

  • When a Jehovahs Witness starts talking, interrupt with a polite, Excuse me to get their attention.
  • Try raising your hand an holding it between the two of you at chest level with your palm facing the other person and begin your interjection with, Hold on.
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    Air Force Disqualifying Medical Conditions

    The United States Air Force is considered slightly more selective than some of the other military branches.

    The branch also factors in the Speciality Code you are seeking, as some USAF jobs require top-secret security clearance or special qualification .

    Expect your medical health conditions to be closely analyzed if you are in a position that requires a lot of trust or advanced physical fitness.

    Speak to an Air Force recruiter if you have any of the following conditions:

    • AIDS/HIV

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    If Ive Been Disqualified From One Branch Of The Military Can I Join Another Branch

    Yoochun Asthma Attack

    The Armed Forces use the same disqualifying medical conditions for every military branch.

    Therefore, what is disqualifying in the Army is also disqualifying in the Navy.

    However, one branch may approve a waiver while another branch may not based on the condition, your role in the military, and other factors.

    Its possible to try and enlist in another branch after another denied your military medical waiver.

    Once again it primarily depends on the health condition.

    For example, someone with Schizophrenia is likely to get denied by every military branch, while another recruit with a small curvature of scoliosis might have better luck the second time around.

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    Can I Join The Army If I Am Older Than The Maximum Age For Enlistment

    The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, and you must enter active duty prior to your 36th birthday. For Officers, you must accept your commission by age 32. However, restrictions can be lifted based on the need for certain roles. Recruits can receive an age waiver, so long as they can retire with 20 years of military service by age 55. Talk to a recruiter to get a better understanding of the demand for certain roles.

    You Need To Take Care Of Your Teeth

    Your dental health is very important when joining the military you cant have too many cavities. According to the International Classification of Disease code, any dental issue that interferes with a normal diet, or includes complex dental implant systems with complications will disqualify you from service. Having braces can also temporarily disqualify you, also.

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    Why Adhd Restrictions For Military Service Are Unfair

    As a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with individuals with ADHD, I say that the militarys policies effectively cut off a population of talented, capable, and intelligent people from a tremendously valuable career path.

    Military service is often an excellent option for people with ADHD, many of whom do well in highly structured environments and thrive on activity, which military service delivers in spades.

    The problem with the militarys guidelines is that they label and discourage a population of people at the outset. Each branchs waiver customs may well allow for consideration of the person. But as written, the military is arbitrarily enforcing a blanket policy on people with ADHD.

    One of the misconceptions about ADHD, for instance, is that these individuals cannot pay attention, and therefore are unfit for certain positions and situations. But this is not the case ADHD biology includes the ability to hyperfocus intensely when the person finds something interesting with or without medication. Depending on the person, the job, the interest level, and how talented they are for the kind of work, a person with ADHD can do extremely well in many jobs in the military.

    As for IEPs what difference should it make if a student had an IEP after age 14? Many people need assistance with organization, structure, accountability, and more throughout high school. This has no bearing on how organized or responsible they may be at 20.

    Why Does It Matter

    Can You Be In The Military With Asthma

    Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally.Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don’t affect your everyday life, can mean that you’re not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.

    You will be sent forms asking about your medical history once you’ve submitted your application.

    The medical team assess everyone individually, and make their decisions based on their professional opinion in keeping with prescribed army standards. These standards and guidelines are reviewed and amended regularly.

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    Can You Serve In The Us Military With Mental Illness

    Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

    Verywell / Evan Polenghi

    If you wish to join the U.S. military, be aware that people with current mood disorders or a history of certain mental illnesses cannot serve. The U.S. Department of Defense has a directive which provides a detailed list of the mental health conditions that prevent a person from being in the armed services.

    Condition #6 Anxiety Disorder

    Anxiety is an issue that affects every single human. However, some individuals have a harder time appropriately dealing with it than others. In certain cases, they may even get diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

    The military realizes that some anxiety is normal. However, since anxiety is considered a mental health issue it will check your medical background for any perceived risks.

    The biggest mental health factor the military assesses is a history of suicidal behavior. Though that is more connected to depression than anxiety, it will also consider previous or current issues.

    Some disqualifying conditions include:

    • Simple phobias
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    Likewise, specific phobias such as a fear of specific animals like spiders, snakes, or dogs , fear of specific environments like heights or thunderstorms , and situational fears like bridges or driving can all be grounds for military disqualification.

    Of course, this all depends on the extent of your phobia, and whether or not youve been treated for it in the recent past.

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    What About If Youre Currently Serving

    According to Recruiter Mendoza, if its discovered that you have Asthma while youre serving, youll be discharged.

    With that said, we had someone contact us and said that this is not necessarily true.

    Check out what he had to say below:

    I would like to speak on the Navy discharging you for being diagnosed with asthma while currently serving: this just simply isnt true.

    I have been enlisted for 10 years, and am looking to 20+ years of enlistment at this point.

    I was officially diagnosed earlier this year with asthma, and no talk of discharge was ever brought up, except when I stated that I do not want this diagnosis to be one that would cause me to be discharged from service.

    I am being treated with a single daily pill, and an inhaler to use before physical exercise and also on an as-needed basis.

    I will not be discharged for being diagnosed with asthma.

    DBoydstun, comment left on Aug 1, 2019

    The biggest concerns would be for anyone thinking about becoming a Naval Aviator , Submariner, Diver, or Firefighter.

    The Navys policy is pretty straightforward on this as well Any history of asthma , including childhood asthma and exercise-induced asthma, is considered disqualifying for aviation duties and training.

    This includes even very mild asthma.

    For all other rates , the recruit will perform a series of physical tests during MEPS.

    If the doctor expects asthma, then youll be referred to a specialist.

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