Type one Chiari and the military

[Loganbrad]

Hello, In 2012 I was diagnosed with a type one Arnold Chiari Malformation, and on December 5th of the same year I received a decompression surgery to correct the issue. I Have wanted to join the Army my entire life, but I have not heard of anyone being accepted under these circumstances, Does anyone know how, or if I can join?

[tnedwards]

I was wondering the outcome of your story. Were you able to get a medical waiver for the Army? My son has also had the surgery and is doing well. He is trying to get into the Navy. Please let us know if you were able to get in and what obstacles you ran into.
Thanks.

[VannahLynn]

Yes I would love to know to. i am thinking about going for surgery on two months and its been my dream to join the Air Force. If anyone gotten in please let us know.

[kwalker0004]

Just be advised some may over look this but as Selma has said you being a younger person the body tends to bounces back quicker than an older person who has had this operation. Just listen to your body has you are the only one who is the person who can tell what is going on with it at any given moment. And please keep us updated on your story! Let us know if ur accepted into the military! Best of luck:-)

[selmaS]

  Wonderful to hear such a fantastic recovery story....not too many share info once they have had surgery, they tend to leave the site and get on with their lives.....we know many have outcomes such as urs and many more that do not.

Being a young person ur body will bounce back quicker .....but be advised it tends to catch up with us at some point....so if u do have ne issues listen to ur body.

I wish U all the best and do let us know if u are accepted into Military service.

[Loganbrad]

above post

[Loganbrad]

my doctor has written notes saying that I would be fine for duty, and since the surgery I have competed in full contact varsity football, track and field, and I am currently going to state for weightlifting, I am more physical than most people who do join the military, and I have not had a single issue arise since the surgery.

[kwalker0004]

Hello and welcome to the community...

As to answer your question, I do believe that with you having surgery you are disqualified for most branches of the armed forces. You can look into the Army, National Guard, or the Army Reserves with the later being your best option of serving your country. But then again you could get a medical waiver. But the only reason you would not be accepted would be because you had a piece of your skull removed. Removing that piece of bone would make you a reliability. Since you could fall and hit that spot and you could cause more harm to yourself then good. Some say if you hit it wrong you could even die or cause your self to be knocked out. I know this is some this you didn't want to hear but you could just ask your requiter and see what they say. And there are still the army medical test you would have to pass and you could which would give you a medical waiver.

Thank you for your courage for wanting to serve our country. Even if this doesn't work out for you remember there are other ways for you to serve our country:-)

[selmaS]

  Hi....I did reply to u on a different thread of the same topic....http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/Teenager-just-diagnosed-future-in-Military-/show/1915142#post_10122181

May I ask, how are u doing post op?...Do u feel u can manage in boot camp?

I really do not know if ne branch of the service would take u or reject u....all u can do is ask, and if they would take u, I have to say Thanks for even considering offering to serve ur country !! With Chiari it may be more difficult then without.

Check out the other reply, it is similar to above.....