Arthritis and CAF service

[ama_about_my_beard]

Good morning, all.

A quick question, and I searched the forums and couldn't find any info related to my question.

Arthritis (both rheumatic and psoriac)  seem to be automatic disqualifiers for the US Army, but what about The Forces - primarily The Reserves?

I'm asking because I was diagnosed over a year ago with arthritis. Since then I've been on medication for it, which is a small injection under the skin once every two weeks and my condition has improved drastically. So good that I am able to live a fully active life (gym 4 times a week, weight lifting, cardio, swimming). I honestly don't even notice that I have it anymore. I have had 0 flare ups since last year, but still, it is something that is a part of me.

Anywho, I have applied into the Reserves as Infantry. I already passed the physical & knowledge exams. Next week I have the medical exam. I'm just wondering if by the slightest mention of arthritis, will I get automatically disqualified? Or will I still have a shot at enrollment?

 

[Loachman]

Merged.

You could, of course, choose not to disclose your condition, but should then expect the consequences when it is discovered.

 

[ama_about_my_beard]

Merged.

You could, of course, choose not to disclose your condition, but should then expect the consequences when it is discovered.

I'd rather be upfront and truthful about it.

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

Good morning, all.

A quick question, and I searched the forums and couldn't find any info related to my question.

Arthritis (both rheumatic and psoriac)  seem to be automatic disqualifiers for the US Army, but what about The Forces - primarily The Reserves?

I'm asking because I was diagnosed over a year ago with arthritis. Since then I've been on medication for it, which is a small injection under the skin once every two weeks and my condition has improved drastically. So good that I am able to live a fully active life (gym 4 times a week, weight lifting, cardio, swimming). I honestly don't even notice that I have it anymore. I have had 0 flare ups since last year, but still, it is something that is a part of me.

Anywho, I have applied into the Reserves as Infantry. I already passed the physical & knowledge exams. Next week I have the medical exam. I'm just wondering if by the slightest mention of arthritis, will I get automatically disqualified? Or will I still have a shot at enrollment?

My advice is to get the infantry out of your head.  Reserve or Regular, the training will crush you, especially if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.   

My father was 21 years old when he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, he is now 60 years old and has taken a concoction of medications since that time which has kept him relatively mobile.  He's needed two elbow replacements and a variety of other procedures and his elbows are locked in a permanent bend. 

He was attempting to join the RCMP when he was diagnosed and was revoked.  He had also injured himself numerous times playing College Football and the injuries would not heal which was later attributed to his Arthritis.

You may be working out now and feeling fine but just wait until you're tired, cold and run down from a summer marching with a pack sack.  Your body may not respond so well. 

I wouldn't risk keeping it a secret, you may do yourself more harm long term.   

 

[DAA]

You will never the outcome, until you have been medically assessed.  RoyalDrew makes a very valid point and should be considered.

But if you feel so compelled to "self diagnose", I generally tell people to read para 3 of the link below as this will be your new life.

http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-policies-standards-medical-occupations/generic-mosid-task-statements.page

 

[CombatDoc]

...I'm asking because I was diagnosed over a year ago with arthritis. Since then I've been on medication for it, which is a small injection under the skin once every two weeks and my condition has improved...Or will I still have a shot at enrollment?

The short answer is No. The CAF is not for you and vice versa. Please find another way to serve your country if that is your desire.

 

[Loachman]

There is always the Cadet Instructors Cadre - always in need of good people.

I'll be doing that myself in the near future.

 

[ama_about_my_beard]

Does anybody here know anyone who got in with a diagnosis of arthritis?

 

[medicineman]

I've never seen anyone on immunomodulators for any condition get in - RA, Crohn's, colitis, bad psoriasis, etc.

The folks that are in that are sick enough that they need those drugs are put on medical categories and usually eventually released.

MM

 

[OldSolduer]

I've never seen anyone on immunomodulators for any condition get in - RA, Crohn's, colitis, bad psoriasis, etc.

The folks that are in that are sick enough that they need those drugs are put on medical categories and usually eventually released.

MM

I've had RA for just over a year. DMEDPOL is looking at my file and I will be on a PCAT. Chances are I'll be medically released.

If you have RA, forget the infantry.

 

[ama_about_my_beard]

Thank you to everyone who answered!

I'm hoping I can still get accepted, maybe in a different trade if possible. I guess I'll only know Wednesday at my med exam

 

[Loachman]

As Universality of Service applies to all, do not get your expectations up too high.

 

[CharlesKZ]

So, I'm aware that you can be refused for chronic disease. I'm wondering if I'd be refused for arthritis even though it's been so long since I've had it. I basicly had it for a few months when I was young and I've been in remission for 17 years now. Do you guys think I'll be refused since it's a chronic disease even though I've been in remission for 17 years?

 

[Loachman]

There is only one way to find out for certain.

 

[thrwawyacct]

I searched for this question over the forums and couldn't find an answer. Before I get started, this has to do with the Reserves.

I have been off medication for arthritis for over a year, there have been zero huge symptoms and very minor flare-ups a few times a year. I walk and run often for work and enjoyment, and I weight lift regularly. I DO NOT want to go into a combat trade, but if my arthritis were to come back full swing after enrollment (which it can do even after remission out of nowhere) and I have to return to taking my medication, could I be medically discharged or deemed unfit for service?

If this is covered in another thread with any other medical issues I apologize in advance.

 

[mariomike]

, but if my arthritis were to come back full swing after enrollment (which it can do even after remission out of nowhere) and I have to return to taking my medication, could I be medically discharged or deemed unfit for service?

For reference to the discussion,

Arthritis in the Military?
https://army.ca/forums/threads/13548.0
2 pages.

Degenerative Arthritis 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/96517.0

"Unofficial site, not associated with DND or the Canadian Armed Forces."

 

[medicineman]

I searched for this question over the forums and couldn't find an answer. Before I get started, this has to do with the Reserves.

I have been off medication for arthritis for over a year, there have been zero huge symptoms and very minor flare-ups a few times a year. I walk and run often for work and enjoyment, and I weight lift regularly. I DO NOT want to go into a combat trade, but if my arthritis were to come back full swing after enrollment (which it can do even after remission out of nowhere) and I have to return to taking my medication, could I be medically discharged or deemed unfit for service?

If this is covered in another thread with any other medical issues I apologize in advance.

I'm assumming you have RA - I seem to recall they don't like people that have had or may require biologic immunomodulators, as they mess around with your immune system, which isn't good when you're stuck in the middle of Ungabungaluktutuk - that can make you non-deployable...if you're non-deployable, you're not going to get hired.  THings may have changed since I left however, so you'd have to take it up with the Recruit Medical Staff at a CFRC. 

MM

 

[thrwawyacct]

I'm assumming you have RA - I seem to recall they don't like people that have had or may require biologic immunomodulators, as they mess around with your immune system, which isn't good when you're stuck in the middle of Ungabungaluktutuk - that can make you non-deployable...if you're non-deployable, you're not going to get hired.  THings may have changed since I left however, so you'd have to take it up with the Recruit Medical Staff at a CFRC. 

MM

Thanks for the reply! I hope this is taken on a case by case basis. I did take biologics and had zero side effects, I don't know how that will come into play but we shall see. But could someone be medically discharged if they were accepted with a chronic condition and it worsened after BMQ? Any condition not RA or arthritis in particular. The answer usually is 'it depends' but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[kratz]

[quote author=thrwawyacct]
Thanks for the reply! I hope this is taken on a case by case basis. I did take biologics and had zero side effects, I don't know how that will come into play but we shall see. But could someone be medically discharged if they were accepted with a chronic condition and it worsened after BMQ? Any condition not RA or arthritis in particular. The answer usually is 'it depends' but it doesn't hurt to ask.
[/quote]

Yes.
QR&O Release Item 3 occurs all the time.

 

[medicineman]

Yes.
QR&O Release Item 3 occurs all the time.

What he said


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