Condition, Not a Disability (reenlistment)

[consal]

Hello all,

My question is one that probably isn't talked about often on here, but I'm trying to get as much information as possible and I know there are knowledgable people on here.

I joined the Navy in February of 2019 and was separated in August of 2019. I received an Entry Level Administrative Separation for "Condition, Not a Disability" for recurrent syncope. I went through part of the BUD/s pipeline and underwent training where this kind of occurrence is not uncommon in the slightest (often due to heat exhaustion, dehydration, etc.). More specifically, I never fully passed out but had episodes of "presyncope" during moments of training. Nonetheless, this happened to a few of the other candidates and the medical staff was on high alert, so they separated me even though every medical test I took pointed to a perfectly healthy individual.

I got home over 2 years ago and have been going to great lengths to try and reenlist (I've tried Navy again and Army). However, because my medical paperwork doesn't give an explanation as to WHY these episodes happened (and they haven't happened since), no branch has let me move forward to process in. Like I said, every test I had says I am perfectly healthy, but they are worried about some underlying condition that would cause these episodes of dizziness or passing out.

My question is this: what avenues should I take to get back in? I've already taken plenty of other medical tests like a tilt table, EKG, etc. since I've been home and gotten multiple notes from doctors. I've been trying to make as many connections as humanly possible in the hopes that someone knows something I can do. I did not receive benefits, nor do I want any. All I want is to serve again. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oddpedestrian]

This is tough because I suffer from the same thing, in the end after all tests said I was in great health even a heart echo they just told me to avoid the exercises that caused it. For me like any gym junkie SQUATS really caused it even after doing some ab routine I have to stand up slowly or the whole room is spinning. Have you tried doing the things that caused the dizzy spells to see if you still feel faintish? I agree this has to do with heat exhaustion but also try standing up and down with a lot of weight on to see if it still effects you. Also see if you do fine in a sauna or wet spa (be careful). The docs concern is warranted because if you go through intense training again it could come back or be worst they focus big on drinking plenty of water but I drink about 160 oz daily and it only helped a little.

 

[consal]

This is tough because I suffer from the same thing, in the end after all tests said I was in great health even a heart echo they just told me to avoid the exercises that caused it. For me like any gym junkie SQUATS really caused it even after doing some ab routine I have to stand up slowly or the whole room is spinning. Have you tried doing the things that caused the dizzy spells to see if you still feel faintish? I agree this has to do with heat exhaustion but also try standing up and down with a lot of weight on to see if it still effects you. Also see if you do fine in a sauna or wet spa (be careful). The docs concern is warranted because if you go through intense training again it could come back or be worst they focus big on drinking plenty of water but I drink about 160 oz daily and it only helped a little.

Thanks for the response! Yes, I am also an avid gym junkie and lift heavy at least 4x a week. Not once have I had the sensation that I am going to pass out. The closest thing to it is maybe slight lightheadedness after some max deadlifts (nothing abnormal as most people experience this if they get heavy enough). But even when I am not fully hydrated, I have zero problems. For some reason the doctors there just thought this was a huge deal and pulled the plug on my enlistment. And now, almost 3 years later, I can't seem to prove to the doctors that I do not have this condition. The fact that it's in my record is enough for them to deny enlistment.