previous diagnosis of asthma

[pk1]

my 18 year old son is interested in joining the service. As a child he was diagnosed with asthma. However episodes were intermitent. He has not had any symptoms or medication for well over a year. He is a champion swimmer and works out at the gym and swims daily. I have been told by the coast guard he is automatically disqualified because he was treated for asthma after the age of 13. However today I called the navy recruiter and he said no problem all my son needs to do is sign a form that says he has no symptoms and what physical activity he does daily. Help!! Who is right. I have read that there are certain branches that will allow a pulmonary test that can be preformed to get medical waiver. Do you know if this is true and what branches allow this? Thanks for your help.

[wackychick]

It is true that different branches of the military have different requirements when it comes to the asthma issue. But yes, for the Coast Guard, if you even mention the word asthma, that's it. So I would imagine what you have learned is all true - some branches will accept the paperwork saying it's no longer a problem and some branches will not. The different branches of the military all have their own rules and are not the same across the board. I hope this helps. Good Luck to you.

[dexia05]

Maybe it's true! When you enter into the military, you'll undergo a lot of procedures or requirements. They are strict in terms of health aspects.

[alwaysright]

Asthma is not going to get him into the military. ITs just one of those things that they never really want to run into while training or on base or whatever the case maybe.

[armyrecruiter1]

Always right has it wrong. If you had it as a child and you dont have it anymore. You can get a pulminary test done. It is then up to the medical doctors down at the MEPS to qualify you or disqualify you. Some branches accept it some dont.