Medical Discharge

[babyray]

I got a story from a friend of mine who's son need some advice. His son is a 6 year army vet. 2 years ago he was sent to iraq and had a mild heart attack. He was dx w/ heart disease after having a angiogram and was put on meds. 2 months ago after having his arteries cleaned out ( he is station in Virginia now). Now they want to put a pacemaker in his chest and send him to Afghanistan. All conditions are SC and part of his SMR.

He wants to get out of the military. Should he get a medical discharge and if so, how should he go by getting out? Should they automaticly give him one? Can he file for SC disability? This is all I was told about this situattion so maybe someone has enough info to give me a good education guess?

[john999]

If they are going to send him to Afghanistan with a pacemaker I think he should call his senator. Maybe if there is military lawyer he should consult with him. That is just my first impression, but if it was me I would be yelling and screaming before I let them send me to a combat zone with a pacemaker and a bad heart. Someone has lost their mind. I know others here probably have better ideas.

[jbasser]

I got a story from a friend of mine who's son need some advice. His son is a 6 year army vet. 2 years ago he was sent to iraq and had a mild heart attack. He was dx w/ heart disease after having a angiogram and was put on meds. 2 months ago after having his arteries cleaned out ( he is station in Virginia now). Now they want to put a pacemaker in his chest and send him to Afghanistan. All conditions are SC and part of his SMR.

He wants to get out of the military. Should he get a medical discharge and if so, how should he go by getting out? Should they automaticly give him one? Can he file for SC disability? This is all I was told about this situattion so maybe someone has enough info to give me a good education guess?

He needs to write his congressman, Mother needs to also do the same. He is not in shape to go to Carpetville.

He should be MEB'd.

Basser

[brokensoldier244th]

In order to be found medically unfit, he has to have a medical evaluation board, and I don't know if you can request that. I had mine because of an injury that rendered me unfit for duty in my MOS, and it was started by the medical team and my CO. You can't 'get out' of the military, medical or otherwise at your request easily, if at all, if you are under contract, unless you are found unfit medically, or do something that results in a punitive discharge (that I am aware of).

[carlie]

Good gosh is this ever a big bunch of BS !

Just goes to show support about how hard up DOD is

for warm bodies.

[brokensoldier244th]

I do not have a pacemaker, so I don't know what physical limitations people have with a pacemaker when they are young and in shape vs. older. *shrug* OP also didn't say what the soldier's job was-there is a big difference between being S2 or S4 and a ground pounder.

[cooter]

UNBELIEVABLE! My Congressman, BTW, was Barry Goldwater, and he got me out in 24 hrs. for less than that! My daughter is an officer in the Army and she was just telling me that the military is downsizing so this might be the opportunity he needs. He's done his duty and then some! BTW, the post commander was pissed cause I didn't give him the chance first. lol. So by all means, if he doesn't want to go thru all the red tape with the military, diffantly contact his Congressman. Like I said, he's already served his Duty of Honor!!!