Has anyone heard of eczema being a reason you can't join the army??

Question

that's what they're telling my boyfriend...we've got a baby on the way and the army was what we had to hope for...they'll pay for so much and the baby would be insured...but why are they telling him this..i don't understand??

Answer 1

Mu husbands friend has really bad Eczema and guess what? Hes a Marine. They didnt deny him for Eczema, but the Army could be different. I doubt it though. If Marines, the hardest branch, can accept eczema, im sure the Army will.

Ive NEVER heard of Eczema being s disqualify factor.

Go to a different recruiting office and speak with someone else. . If thats the only one close enough to you, speak with a different recruiter.

Edit.. Hey Bethany, its obviously not a permanent disqualifying factor for all branches.. Like I said, My husbands friend has severe eczema, before he enlisted and currently, and they accepted him.

Answer 2

The disqualifying medical conditions are listed below. The International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are listed in parentheses following each standard.

The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver) are an authenticated history of:

a. Acne (706), severe, or when extensive involvement of the neck, shoulders, chest, or back would be aggravated by or interfere with the wearing of military equipment, and would not be amenable to treatment. Patients under treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane) are medically unacceptable until 8 weeks after completion of course of therapy.

b. Atopic dermatitis (691) or eczema (692), with active or residual lesions in characteristic areas (face, neck, antecubital, and or/popliteal fossae, occasionally wrists and hands), or documented history thereof after the age of 8.

c. Contact dermatitis (692.4), especially involving rubber or other materials used in any type of required protective equipment.

d. Cysts.

(1) Cysts (706.2), other than pilonidal, of such a size or location as to interfere with the normal wearing of military equipment.

(2) Pilonidal cysts (685), if evidenced by the presence of a tumor mass or a discharging sinus. History of pilonidal cystectomy within 6 months before examination is disqualifying.

e. Dermatitis factitia (698.4).

f. Bullous dermatoses (694), such as Dermatitis Herpetiformis, pemphigus, and epidermolysis bullosa.

g. Chronic Lymphedema (457).

h. Fungus infections (117), systemic or superficial types, if extensive and not amenable to treatment.

i. Furunculosis (680), extensive recurrent, or chronic.

j. Hyperhidrosis of hands or feet (780.8), chronic or severe.

k. Ichthyosis, or other congenital (757) or acquired (216) anomalies of the skin such as nevi or vascular tumors that interfere with function or are exposed to constant irritation.

l. Keloid formation (701.4), if the tendency is marked or interferes with the wearing of military equipment.

m. Leprosy (030.9), any type.

n. Lichen planus (697.0).

o. Neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease) (237.7).

p. Photosensitivity (692.72), any primary sun-sensitive condition, such as polymorphous light eruption or solar urticaria; any dermatosis aggravated by sunlight such as lupus erythematosus.

q. Psoriasis (696.1), unless mild by degree, not involving nail pitting, and not interfering with wearing military equipment or clothing.

r. Radiodermatitis (692.82).

s. Scars (709.2) that are so extensive, deep, or adherent that they may interfere with the wearing of military clothing or equipment, exhibit a tendency to ulcerate, or interfere with function. Includes scars at skin graft donor or recipient sites if the area is susceptible to trauma.

t. Scleroderma (710.1).

u. Tattoos (709.9) that will significantly limit effective performance of military service or that are otherwise prohibited under the military regulations for the service the applicant is joining.

v. Urticaria (708.8), chronic. w. Warts, plantar (078.19), symptomatic.

x. Xanthoma (272.2), if disabling or accompanied by hyperlipemia.

y. Any other chronic skin disorder of a degree or nature, such as Dysplastic Nevi Syndrome (448.1), which requires frequent outpatient treatment or hospitalization, or interferes with the satisfactory performance of duty.

Derived from Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6130.3, Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction, and DOD Instruction 6130.4, Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces.

Answer 3

Eczema is a permanent disqualifier with No waivers for all branches of the armed services.

I know :-) I have it and I was applying to get into the Army. The reason is that because people tend to scratch at it it can get very infected and since you can be deployed (in the desert) it will react very badly.

Also, don't join the military for the benefits - get a job...

Answer 4

what you've got to understand is that first and foremost - when you join the defence force - in this case the army - you are expected to be a combat ready soldier.  regardless of what job you join under, you must be fit to be in the field for extended periods - without basic medical assistance.  I have known people turned down with acne.  

I don't know of the exact circumstances of your BF's exzema.  But I do know that the Defence forces do have a duty of care to their personnel.  As such it is not in either the Army's or the individual's best interest to employ a person who has a condition that could interfere with the duties of a soldier.

Your BF should be able to appeal the decision - or at least obtain details as to exactly why he was turned down, this should be avaiable to you under the freedom of information act.

Answer 5

Yes,

Some one with eczema is at a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases due to the dry patches etc.  The military is not willing to take the chance that the eczema will get better or worse.  When I get sick on AD, the AF has to fix me.  Regardless of whether its my appendix or food poisoning or whatever.  I cost a lot and I don't have any chronic illnesses.

I didn't catch the lady's name whose friend has eczema.  I strongly suspect that the eczema didn't show up until he was on AD for a minute.  Once you are trained asset, the military will treat you. . .up to a point.  I have two friends on AD with diabetes.  They couldn't get in with diabetes but they have it now.  One is being retained.. . his diabetes is very manageable.  He will never leave San Antonio.  My other friend is not so lucky with his diabetes. . . he met a medical board and they recommended separation.