Will I be denied entry into the military with Osgood Schlatters disease?

Question

Will I be able to obtain a wavier if not? I'm hearing contradicting answers. The official manual used for the MEPS decisions list that Osgood Schlatter is disqualifying IF SYMPTOMATIC, so what does that mean? If it hurts me or if it left a bump...is the bump considered a symptom? Just trying to get some straight forward answers before I go to MEPS. Thanks.

Answer 1

even if it does disqualify you a doctor can waive you if he feels it won't be a problem.

Answer 2

Symptomatic means you have pain or reduced range of motion or instability in the knee joint from that little floating bone that grew between your knee cap and the top of your shin bone.

The reason this is disqualifying is that your military training will require you to run long distances and fall down repeatedly into a prone position to fire your weapon, etc. The repeated trauma could result in arthritis in the knee joint to the point they would have to discharge you with medical disability pay. That's why it's a "no go" to begin with.  

Answer 3

Depending on how bad your case of Osgood Schlatters is, they may waiver it but they're going to want all of your notes from your doctors and surgeons who have treated you and you're going to need an extra set of X-Rays and visits with MEPS doctors who will determine whether or not they are going to waiver you.

Symptomatic means basically if you have Osgood Schlatters and it's bothering you. If you're still having problems walking, or with the kneecap popping, if you can't run or walk for long distances, are still in pain-etc. Basically anything that will hinder your military service.

I will tell you this-prior to enlisting, try to make sure you can easily pass the pt testing (mainly the run) and can handle walking EVERYWHERE. My sister thought she was fine, was 1 year out from her knee surgeries and went away to boot camp. 3 days into BMT she blew out her knee and had to deal with an Entry Level Discharge because since she was a Reservist the Air Force thought it was a whole lot cheaper to get her gone.

I wish you lots of luck, and please don't 100% trust your recruiter on this-save your in-depth medical questions for the MEPS docs. They'll be the ones to help you for sure. Just be honest with them, provide them with everything they ask for, and they'll be honest with you.

Answer 4

You are absolutely right...As per AFI 48-123V2 - (the same regs MEPS uses)  A3.24.3.8. Current osteochondritis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-Schlatter’s disease) (732.4) is disqualifying if symptomatic.

Symptomatic means - do you have recurring problems with your knee that require treatment (medical doctor assisted or home remedy)?

I think its really going to depend upon what branch of the service you get into.  If you go into the Marines or Army, I think you might have a good chance of recurrance since you will be putting a lot of strain on your leg joints.  In the Navy and Air Force, not anywhere near the strain as the Army or Marines.

Get medical documentation if you have it and take a chance at MEPS.

Tell them that it has not bothered you.

Answer 5

The symptoms go away with time.  Anti inflammatory meds control it alone with rest until them.  The bump is just the scar left by it and is not a symptom.  If you have outgrown it, it should not interfere with military service.  Of course you might end up dead in Bush's War.