Got Told By My Recruiter To Undergo Pulmonary Rehabilitation—Am I Done?

[lecdbt]

I'm someone who had childhood asthma, which went away after I was 4 years old and then suddenly returned when I was 14.

It came and went when I was in high school and has since disappeared again more or less, usually reappearing after I've had a major respiratory infection as a lingering symptom for a month, manifesting as some sort of wheezing/coughing when breathing, and then disappearing again afterwards. The last time it appeared was sometime around February 2023.

After doing the OAR (not ASTB, because I'm not interested in planes), submitting paperwork, etc. I had a MEPS appointment back in July 2024 but it was cancelled last minute on their end, and my recruiter said that MEPS told him that to continue with the process I needed to undergo a pulmonary rehabilitation program to completely eliminate any symptoms (which in itself I've got conflicting information about—online sources say it takes 2-3 months or so whereas the pulmonologist office I've looked into said it'd take 3-4 years with years of monitoring to prevent recurrence afterwards).

Meanwhile, an acquaintance I have who, without disclosing too much information, is pretty high up in the world of military medicine and was an air force officer said that I've more or less hit the end of my aspirations in military service. His belief is that, since undergoing a pulmonary rehabilitation program is an admission of current asthma symptoms, my odds of getting a waiver are unlikely and my recruiter is merely stringing me along.

I'm not sure which opinion is correct and whether or not I can continue with my application process for the navy or military service in general, as well as what's the expected length of such a program.

All advice and thoughts are appreciated.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Words

Lots to unpack with this. So a friend of an acquaintance of a friend or a cousin... who may have been an air force doctor says you might be in trouble?

What has your recruiter, who is probably way more proficient and understanding of your situation say?

Have you spoken to a specialist about this rehab program?

Lastly, if your chances were grim, why are you being told to complete a rehab program instead of just disqualifying you.

You seem to cling on pulling data from unofficial sources instead of actually talking direct to experts. That would be step 1 for you.

 

[lecdbt]

Lots to unpack with this. So a friend of an acquaintance of a friend or a cousin... who may have been an air force doctor says you might be in trouble?

What has your recruiter, who is probably way more proficient and understanding of your situation say?

Have you spoken to a specialist about this rehab program?

Lastly, if your chances were grim, why are you being told to complete a rehab program instead of just disqualifying you.

You seem to cling on pulling data from unofficial sources instead of actually talking direct to experts. That would be step 1 for you.

Not quite

The acquaintance is of my family, and he's worked within the White House's medical teams, hence why I'm assuming he knows what he's talking about (I could be wrong, granted)

The recruiter has been out of contact for a couple of months now—not really responding to phone calls/emails very quickly if at all—the last I've heard from him is basically find and start the rehab program and keep him informed of any updates

The pulmonologist office I contacted left the message that stated the program time length of 3-4 years; I'm currently in the process of reaching out to others to see if it's accurate

Honestly not sure why the recruiter said that—before the original MEPS appointment was cancelled he said something along the lines of the navy having met its quote and tightening back up standards again—what his advice about the rehab program means depends on what one assumes of his motivations. I don't know if he genuinely thinks it's the next step or if he's leading me on

What exactly are the odds of getting a waiver for the sort of asthma history I have?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Not quite

The acquaintance is of my family, and he's worked within the White House's medical teams, hence why I'm assuming he knows what he's talking about (I could be wrong, granted)

The recruiter has been out of contact for a couple of months now—not really responding to phone calls/emails very quickly if at all—the last I've heard from him is basically find and start the rehab program and keep him informed of any updates

The pulmonologist office I contacted left the message that stated the program time length of 3-4 years; I'm currently in the process of reaching out to others to see if it's accurate

Honestly not sure why the recruiter said that—before the original MEPS appointment was cancelled he said something along the lines of the navy having met its quote and tightening back up standards again—what his advice about the rehab program means depends on what one assumes of his motivations. I don't know if he genuinely thinks it's the next step or if he's leading me on

What exactly are the odds of getting a waiver for the sort of asthma history I have?

Ask your recruiter to send you the N33 letter stating such - MEPS only gives recommendations, the Navy (Navy Recruiting) is who makes the decision on commissioning physical requirements.

If you're having issues getting in touch, either contact the recruiting office or google search the closest NTAG (recruiting) headquarters and speak to either the Chief Recruiter or Ops Officer.

It's very difficult to say what your chances of getting a waiver are, based on the fact you haven't been actually denied - sounds like you may have a shot. But once again, I can't see your medical record nor am I a doctor...

 

[lecdbt]

Ask your recruiter to send you the N33 letter stating such - MEPS only gives recommendations, the Navy (Navy Recruiting) is who makes the decision on commissioning physical requirements.

If you're having issues getting in touch, either contact the recruiting office or google search the closest NTAG (recruiting) headquarters and speak to either the Chief Recruiter or Ops Officer.

It's very difficult to say what your chances of getting a waiver are, based on the fact you haven't been actually denied - sounds like you may have a shot. But once again, I can't see your medical record nor am I a doctor...

Would you say I should consider switching recruiters to find someone who's more responsive, or is that a last resort?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Would you say I should consider switching recruiters to find someone who's more responsive, or is that a last resort?

No. Read the second paragraph of my last response again.

 

[Anthony2000]

So I had childhood asthma too, never had an inhaler for over a decade and for some reason my records showed an inhaler prescribed to me when I was 17…

I went and got a pulmonary function test, and Methacholine challenge test (MCT) done. Both test showed negative for asthma symptoms. Those test literally induce asthma and you can feel your lungs getting filled up with the chemicals to induce asthma.

Submitted that and got it cleared and did not need a waiver. I’m also aviation and it was never brought up in my flight physical.

I’m no doctor, but I would recommend getting those test done. Also, they are not cheap… submit that and see what they say. Now if they do show positive indications of asthma then you do have asthma, but regardless you would have to get them done. MEPS will make you get it done or N33