Pacemaker equals TDRL

Jason Perry

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From the DoD Policy Memo Implementing the 2008 NDAA:

Revise Add E4.6.1.9 (DoDI 1332.38, “Physical Disability Evaluation,” November 14, 1996, with the following:
E4.6.1.9. Post Operative or other invasive procedures involving the heart, pericardium, or vascular system. Surgical Procedures Performed to Treat Conditions Involving Abnormalities of the Conduction System, the Heart Valves, the Major Vessels, or Cardiac Rhythms. However, a member who has an automatic implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) will be placed on the TDRL for 18 months.
 
jason, i have a icd just implanted because i had a heart arthemia and my heart stopped ,docs could not find anything wrong so does this mean med disharge for me or can i fight this to stay in. i was taking muscle relaxers for baxk pain that doc presribed flexeril and they forced me to get the implant even though i felt it was not needed. they will say i cant deploy or be on a ship but can i still stay in?
 
Bruce,

Yes, it is possible to stay in, but the answer will depend on your ability to perform the duties expected of your grade and rate. If you are senior in grade or have a very sedentary rate, it is possible. However, overall, you at least have the TDRL finding "guaranteed" if you are unfit. So, you have little to lose by preparing your case for a fit finding. Furthermore, depending on the facts of your case, you may have a good case/argument for Permanent Limited Duty.

What do your doctors and command say about your future and ability to continue to serve? How many years do you have in active service?
 
It does not impact/apply to SCS. The regulation only applies to "Conditions Involving Abnormalities of the Conduction System, the Heart Valves, the Major Vessels, or Cardiac Rhythms."
 
jason, i have a appointment with a heart specialist and he will determine my fitness and impact on duty but other then that i am just starting in the process so hard to tell right now. this was my last 3 years sea duty then i was only have 2 two years left on shore. i am just hoping they can keep me in so i can finish ,i have 15 years in right now but an engineman rate as an e-6 is going to be tough to ind a job with the detailer.
 
Bruce,

Are there instructor slots available for your grade/rate? Going to the school house may be an option. Best of luck!
 
I may have found the wrong website but im sure I will get some usefull infomation any way.
My names is James and I am currently trying to enlist in the Navy, however I have a Pacemaker. I would like to know why the Navy as a no waiver policy when it come to pacemakers. I would love to be put through the physical fitness test to see if im physical and mentaly able to preform the my dutys. I have been put through stress tests and every ekg screening my cardiologist can give me. He has written a waiver saying i would be more than physicaly fit to serve in the Navy and I have my martial arts instrutor who wrote me a letter of recomendation and how my pacemaker does not effect nor limit me physicly, however no one is giving me the time of day. I wouldnt even care if I were to have shore duty forever, I would be disapointed put I would still be in the Navy. Although I do here Carriers do have the equipment on board to deal with pacemakers if the worst should happen.
Point is, I need help to join the Navy, I know its possable. I just need help.
Thanks for reading,
I hope someone can help. Any info helps
Thanks James W.
 
James,

Two things ...

1st : It warms my heart to hear of someone trying so hard to serve our country! Thank you, regardless of the final outcome of the attempt.

2nd : This site, while fantastic, is geared for helping people understand the opposite side side of things (usually). Regardless, I hope that Jason (site owner and general legal advisor of the highest order) will read your post and be able to offer you advice.

Good luck, friend and thank you AGAIN for wanting to offer your services to our military.

HerHusband
 
Thank you very much for a quick responce, I hope that Jason can point me in the right direction. I will jump through as many hoops as I can and do what ever is asked of me. But I will never give up my chance to serve my country.

Thanks again
James W.
 
hey jason, just thought i would update you on my status so far. i went to a cardialogist in hawaii back in dec 2009. the results of the stress test were really good at 12.8 METS FOR 12 MINUTES. i had no problems and prognosis was excellent. the med board called back this week for more specific info such as prescribed limitations and assessment of electro-magnetic effect on AICD, so i might still have a chance to stay in. i have been on limdu now for about 6 months and i have been working in my rate on shore,riding bike ,running and next week i will run the prt. i will post again when i get my final decision from the PEB. for everyone else out there going through this process ,keep your head up and hang in there.
 
I am trying to find out what the final decision was for your aicd? My hubby has one in and is also being medboarded. We want to stay on Active duty due to the fact that he retires in 2014.
 
Hate it when you don't post an updAte. I am going to cardiology 12/10/15. My gp thinks I may have sick sinus syndrome. Treatment options are pacemaker. Looking information. On a coad I have 18.3 years in currently e-8 my job is sedentary you can have 3s across the board for a profile.
 
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