I have posted about this before, but I have since taken the DoDMERB, and received my results; I need one remedial regarding eyesight. The surgery I am referencing however, is in regards to my left thumb, which was a duplicate when I was born. The duplicate was removed, and I have lived 17 years with the tip being bent towards the right.
Now, I can choose to undergo a surgery which would involve pinning the first joint on my left thumb so the thumb is straightened. I would like to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, however, I have read that "missing" the first joint of a thumb is disqualifying for the military. In this case, the joint will be present but the bones will have been fused together, essentially eliminating any flexibility there. Therefore, while I want to have the surgery, it is not worth the risk of losing my ability to serve in the military. What I am asking is whether or not this surgery will disqualify me medically, and will reporting this surgery drag out the DoDMERB process to an extent that will damage my appointment to an academy.
Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.
Now, I can choose to undergo a surgery which would involve pinning the first joint on my left thumb so the thumb is straightened. I would like to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, however, I have read that "missing" the first joint of a thumb is disqualifying for the military. In this case, the joint will be present but the bones will have been fused together, essentially eliminating any flexibility there. Therefore, while I want to have the surgery, it is not worth the risk of losing my ability to serve in the military. What I am asking is whether or not this surgery will disqualify me medically, and will reporting this surgery drag out the DoDMERB process to an extent that will damage my appointment to an academy.
Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.
