AROTC Medical Determination for Hypertension and Chest Pain

Hello all,

I've come on here to seek some advice on an issue that has arisen with my participation in the Army ROTC program.
I am a Junior/ MS3, I've already been to Camp at Ft. Knox because I am a Nursing Cadet. During a PT test 2 months ago I began having severe chest pain and passed out and went to the ER. I have been undergoing cardiac testing and treatment with a cardiologist since then. I have no major arrhythmia except for random PVC's upon exertion (stress test). My stress test also showed that I had extremely uncontrolled hypertension from an unknown cause (at this point), I peaked at 240/80 with a HR of 204 during the test, it was stopped due to painful pressure in my chest. My doctor was very concerned with the readings and started me on a beta-blocker. I have an echocardiogram-stress test coming up later this month. Cadet Command has grown impatient for medical data and I had to turn in everything I had thus far, minus the stress echo, for medical determination for possible retention.

Would anyone be able to tell me the probability of being disenrolled due to a diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension with just initiated antihypertensive therapy, and atypical chest pain?
Also, if I am told I have to disenroll, will I have to pay back my scholarship up to this point?

I'm just worried it could go either way and any feedback is greatly appreciated.

If THEY tell you that you must disenroll you shouldn't have to pay back any scholarship money up to this point. THEy would be the ones breaking the contract aside from the moral issue of it being something beyond your control. Sounds like you're taking all the right steps health wise and I hope they get the BP under control and that everything works out for you.

First off, thank goodness medical attention was your first priority. You can google search medical standards for the army, the stardards are different for cadets and you can read for yourself. A medical disenrollment should not trigger repayment. Good luck with getting your bp under control. I'm sure your docs will give you all the suggested dietary and lifestyle changes to help keep you healthy.

Didn't see kinnem post.

ems535-

Make sure they have no other grounds for disenrolling you as a cadet ... Weight, GPA, 'behavior', participation ...

Attend every activity for which you are authorized like LLab, class, FTX, and PT (even if you can't participate).

My DD's Medical Determination (successful) took about two months from the time the medical records were submitted though it was for an orthopedic issue.

AROTC Parent said:

ems535-

Make sure they have no other grounds for disenrolling you as a cadet ... Weight, GPA, 'behavior', participation ...

Attend every activity for which you are authorized like LLab, class, FTX, and PT (even if you can't participate).

My DD's Medical Determination (successful) took about two months from the time the medical records were submitted though it was for an orthopedic issue.

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No other grounds for disenrollment, my GPA is spot on, I'm within the BMI limits, good standing in ROTC. I was forced to take a leave of absence and my scholarship benefits are suspended this semester for the medical reasons so I am unable to attend any ROTC activity.
But yes I was told I could be waiting as long as 3 months to hear back from the Cadet Command Surgeon

Ohio2015Parent said:

First off, thank goodness medical attention was your first priority. You can google search medical standards for the army, the stardards are different for cadets and you can read for yourself. A medical disenrollment should not trigger repayment. Good luck with getting your bp under control. I'm sure your docs will give you all the suggested dietary and lifestyle changes to help keep you healthy.

Didn't see kinnem post.

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Thank you very much. And yes I've been looking at the AR for Medical Standards of current cadets and they are different. Unfortunately it lists my condition as a disqualifying condition. I'm not sure if they can still get around that and not medically dismiss me, I would hope so.

kinnem said:

If THEY tell you that you must disenroll you shouldn't have to pay back any scholarship money up to this point. THEy would be the ones breaking the contract aside from the moral issue of it being something beyond your control. Sounds like you're taking all the right steps health wise and I hope they get the BP under control and that everything works out for you.

Click to expand...

If it comes down to it (I hope not), I am glad I would not have to pay my tuition back. But thank you very much, I'm working closely with my doctor.

ems535 said:

Thank you very much. And yes I've been looking at the AR for Medical Standards of current cadets and they are different. Unfortunately it lists my condition as a disqualifying condition. I'm not sure if they can still get around that and not medically dismiss me, I would hope so.

Click to expand...

I'm glad you have the information from the standards. Did not feel it was my place to try and draw conclusions or paraphrase them. I hope too that you are not dismissed unless it absolutely necessary for your own heath or the safety of those with you. Will watch for updates on your situation. Take care.

It's been a number of years since it happened, but my cousin was disenrolled from AROTC after tearing up her knee in a skiing accident. She lost her scholarship but did not owe for previous tuition already paid. She did, however, have to change schools to something more affordable. So I guess that is a good reminder re: the advice to choose a school you can afford even if you lose your scholarship. Best of luck on your recovery. Sounds like it may be a blessing in disguise.