completely irrelevant...

karmylooking

New Member
I am choosing not to disclose my diagnosis of asthma and ADHD (update: I read the DODI 6130 and the specifics of ADHD that would disqualify me do not apply to me) since neither affect me anymore and I can run several miles/do a full workout/hike without being affected at all.

I've been told that my doctors need to be listed on my HIPAA release form in order for them to check it or pull those records. What is your knowledge on this? and what are my chances of getting caught if I only ever get a secret clearance?
 

ngatimozart

Super Moderator
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
I am choosing not to disclose my diagnosis of asthma and ADHD (update: I read the DODI 6130 and the specifics of ADHD that would disqualify me do not apply to me) since neither affect me anymore and I can run several miles/do a full workout/hike without being affected at all.

I've been told that my doctors need to be listed on my HIPAA release form in order for them to check it or pull those records. What is your knowledge on this? and what are my chances of getting caught if I only ever get a secret clearance?
This is an international defence forum, not a US centric one. Therefore we are not really in the position to answer your questions. I would suggest that speak to someone you trust. You will get caught out in the end.

Ok speaking as a RNZAF & RNZN veteran, if you are already in then I would seriously think about what happens if you are in a combat situation and your asthma comes back because of the smoke and all the other shit flying around. You might think that you can hack it but what about your your brothers and sisters in arms next to you who are relying on you to cover their backs and to pull your weight 110% of the time. It's not just about you, but about them as well, so give that some serious thought.

If you haven't joined yet the same applies and I would not want to serve next to someone who bullshitted their way in and then put the rest of us at risk because they f***ed up due to a preexisting medical condition that barred them from being accepted for service.
 

Todjaeger

Potstirrer
I am choosing not to disclose my diagnosis of asthma and ADHD (update: I read the DODI 6130 and the specifics of ADHD that would disqualify me do not apply to me) since neither affect me anymore and I can run several miles/do a full workout/hike without being affected at all.

I've been told that my doctors need to be listed on my HIPAA release form in order for them to check it or pull those records. What is your knowledge on this? and what are my chances of getting caught if I only ever get a secret clearance?
To give a US perspective, aside from the potential consequences to you and/or your comrades-in-arms in the event of a combat or hazardous situation, consider your last sentence. If you are wondering what your chances of getting caught are, then it sounds like you either already believe, or know, that you would not be eligible to serve if the service knew of your medical condition or conditions.

Considering that the training regimen is designed to both improve one's physical fitness, but also to weed people out, if you still suffer from asthma then it could flare up. It really depends on whether the asthma is under control, or if it is actually gone.

Also consider the potential repercussions or penalties that one might face, after one has submitted false or incomplete information to the federal gov''t. While it might be possible to slip through some of the cracks, at some point, someone is going to find out. Actually, someone it most likely to find out if you get involved in an incident and an investigation is then launched. In a case like this, the potential penalties for lying or submitting false information could easily result in an involuntary stay at Club Fed.
 

CWhase

New Member
I am choosing not to disclose my diagnosis of asthma and ADHD (update: I read the DODI 6130 and the specifics of ADHD that would disqualify me do not apply to me) since neither affect me anymore and I can run several miles/do a full workout/hike without being affected at all.

I've been told that my doctors need to be listed on my HIPAA release form in order for them to check it or pull those records. What is your knowledge on this? and what are my chances of getting caught if I only ever get a secret clearance?
A lot of soldiers have similar problems as you when enlisting. The personnel at MEPS only knows what you tell them in your papers. They don't test you at MEPS for asthma. At the end of the day, its your decision to disclose that you indeed have it or not. I know a few trainees in my flight were taken out of training because they had asthma and couldn't withstand the physical aspect of training. I'm not sure if they were completely separated or not. I also know a lot of airmen who hid their asthma diagnosis and had no trouble with training, therefore had no problems continuing to their duty station. I'm not telling you whether to do it or move on. Talk to a recruiter about possible waivers, try every avenue, and then make a decision. Good luck.
 
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