Does eczema disqualify you from the military?

If you have eczema, you may already be thinking about the flares those conditions could cause. For these reasons and others, the U.S. Armed Forces has medical standards surrounding military service and eczema. Specifically, having atopic dermatitis (AD) after age 12 is disqualifying.

Why is eczema disqualifying for military?

Among other conditions that are more common in children, impetigo and eczema vaccinatum are potential infectious complications with special military implications. The skin of the vast majority of patients with atopic dermatitis is colonized with staphylococcus aureus.

Can you get a waiver for eczema in the military?

The US Military follows strict medical eligibility requirements for enlistment and retention. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic eczematous conditions after 12 years of age is disqualifying for military service, but waivers may be possible for mild cases.

What medical conditions disqualify you from the military?

Can you pass MEPS with eczema?

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammation of the skin that results in a visible rash and itchiness. A history of atopic dermatitis or eczema after the ninth birthday is disqualifying.

Eczema In The Army : MYSTORY

How severe is my eczema?

The seriousness of eczema symptoms can vary a great deal between people. With mild eczema, you may have nothing more than small areas of dry skin that get a bit itchy from time to time. In more serious cases, eczema inflames skin all over your body and causes relentless itching that can be hard to ignore.

What do MEPS doctors look for?

Medical Evaluation at MEPS

Your blood will be tested for HIV, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, RPR, and alcohol. There are also two different urine tests; one is the legal drug urine and the other tests for pH, blood, protein and specific gravity.

How hard is it to get a medical waiver for the military?

Nobody can tell you what your chances of waiver approval are, as you consider joining the military. Depending on your issue, it could be an easy process, like LASIK or PRK Laser Eye Surgery, or a difficult and long process for serious knee or shoulder surgeries.

Can you join the military with psoriasis?

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis remain medically disqualifying conditions for entrance into the U.S. military, and many treatments for psoriatic disease could inhibit those who are enlisted from continuing to serve.

What happens if you lie at MEPS?

If you're lucky, you'll simply get an administrative, other than honorable, or dishonorable discharge. If you're unlucky, you could be convicted of a felony, punishable by a $10,000 fine and three years in prison. All of this is clearly spelled out in your enlistment documents.

What is chronic eczema?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a non-contagious inflammatory skin condition. It is a chronic disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched. People with eczema also may be particularly susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections.

What causes eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is caused by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers and stress. Your immune system. If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.

Can I join the military with ADHD?

While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.

Can you be on medication in the military?

Recruiters generally tell applicants that they must be off medication for a considerable length of time — by far the most important measure to take — and show that they are able to function properly while off medication prior to starting the enlistment process and to be considered for a waiver.

Is psoriasis a military disqualifier?

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are medically disqualifying conditions for entrance into the U.S. military.

Which branch accepts most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle.

What happens if MEPS disqualifies you?

If your 2807-2 is declined or you fail your physical at MEPS, you will receive either a Temporary Disqualification or a Permanent Disqualification. Don't let those terms scare you away.

Does the military pull your medical records?

Because the military does not routinely pull medical records, recruits who pass their physical and reveal no prior history may get in. However, if the soldier later gets sick or injured, the Army can check medical records if an undisclosed pre-existing condition is suspected.

Do they check fingers at MEPS?

Hand and Fingers

Any absence of the hand or any part of the hand is disqualifying. Any extra finger is also disqualifying.

Does MEPS check your feet?

US Navy's Policy On Flat Feet

With the right waiver, you can join the Navy with no issues. It is true that a doctor will examine your feet at MEPS before enlisting in the Navy. With that said, unless you have symptomatic flat feet, it is completely waiver-able.

Can family watch you swear in at MEPS?

Your parents/guardians are allowed to accompany you to MEPS but are not allowed in the area where the processing and examinations take place. During the Oath of Enlistment ceremony, parents, family, and guests are welcomed to watch and take pictures.

Is eczema a disability?

If you have eczema to such an extent that you are unable to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will grant you disability benefits automatically if you meet the requirements the SSA sets forth in its disability listing called "Dermatitis." Dermatitis is a general term for inflammatory skin conditions, and ...

Does eczema shorten lifespan?

Hospitalization due to AD flares and associated infections is associated with an 8.3-year reduction in lifespan compared to the general population. Outside of hospitalization, the risk for death due to any cause is slightly increased in people with AD.

How do I get rid of eczema forever?

There is no permanent cure for eczema, but certain lifestyle changes and treatments may ease itching and prevent future breakouts.

Can I join the military with anxiety?

Anxiety issues, either current or historical, or panic, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, other acute reactions to stress, and post-traumatic stress are disqualifying for entry into the service.