Can a prescription be waived?

[Rahtzee]

In case you frequent other forums, I copied this here because I'm trying to gather as much insight as possible.

I wanted to join the NG in 2009, but was disqualified for taking a prescription for hypogonadism. Basically, I took (and still take) one shot per month. When I told the recruiter, everything froze and did not want to pursue anything more, so I tried the ANG. Looking back, I was overweight and not very fit physically, which probably contributed to my inevitable DQ and waiver rejection.

In December, I will graduate with a Bachelor's with honors, can fulfill the physical standards, and want to join ROTC for a law program at a nearby Uni. Even though DODMERB is supposedly more stringent than MEPS, is it possible to secure a waiver? I still take the monthly injection, but can otherwise perform my duties (wouldn't even need a shot during a monthlong stay at Ft. Knox). Is it even possible to go back to MEPS and try for the NG and pray my improved condition will help?

PS- I have a 3.6 GPA and got a 94 on the ASVAB. No criminal record.

 

[Pima]

The problem is even as a JAG they can deploy you to places like Iraq and Afghanistan where you needing monthly injections means that they need to have that med there, otherwise you are non-deployable as a military member.

It is all about can you deploy anywhere in the world within days with this medical condition that requires monthly injections. That is where the waiver issue will come into play.

 

[Rahtzee]

I don't know much about your time with the military, but based upon your experience (assuming you have a bit), how likely is a monthly injection waiver in the current state of affairs? I only ask because while I believe personally it should be in my favor, the medical side of the military can be strict and subjective.

 

[usna1985]

Unfortunately, there is no way you will know until you apply. I tend to agree with Pima that waivers for chronic conditions are rare. However, that doesn't mean that your particular situation is not waiverable -- we aren't MDs and we aren't part of the programs (ROTC/SA) to which you're applying.

Go through the process but be sure to have a Plan B that doesn't include military service. That way you're covered.