How Far Back Does the Military Check Medical Records?
When it comes to joining the military, candidates are required to undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they are fit for duty. This examination is designed to assess the candidate’s overall health and identify any potential health issues that may impact their ability to serve. One of the key aspects of this examination is the review of medical records, which can go back several years. But just how far back does the military check medical records?
Initial Review
During the initial review of medical records, the military typically looks for any pre-existing conditions that may impact a candidate’s ability to serve. This includes conditions such as:
• Disabilities: The military looks for any disabilities that may impact a candidate’s ability to perform their duties, such as a physical or mental disability.
• Chronic illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or hypertension that require ongoing treatment.
• Previous injuries: Any previous injuries that may impact a candidate’s ability to serve, such as a broken arm or leg.
The military also reviews medical records to identify any surgical procedures that may have been performed, including:
• Organ transplants: The military reviews medical records to identify any organ transplants that may have been performed, including kidney, liver, or heart transplants.
• Orthopedic procedures: The military reviews medical records to identify any orthopedic procedures that may have been performed, including joint replacements or spinal fusions.
• Neurosurgical procedures: The military reviews medical records to identify any neurosurgical procedures that may have been performed, including brain surgery or spinal cord surgery.
Follow-Up Review
In addition to the initial review, the military also conducts a follow-up review of medical records during the processing phase. This review is designed to identify any new or worsening conditions that may have developed since the initial review.
How Far Back Does the Military Check Medical Records?
So, just how far back does the military check medical records? The answer is that the military typically checks medical records going back 10-15 years. However, this can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each candidate.
Table 1: Medical Record Review Timeline
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial Review | 10-15 years |
| Follow-Up Review | 5-7 years |
| Ongoing Review | 3-5 years |
Important Considerations
When reviewing medical records, the military takes into account several important considerations, including:
• Age: As candidates get older, their medical records may be more likely to reveal pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.
• Type of procedure: The type of procedure performed can impact the military’s decision to accept or reject a candidate. For example, a candidate with a history of heart surgery may be more likely to be rejected than a candidate with a history of ear surgery.
• Candidacy: The military takes into account the specific job or role a candidate is applying for. For example, a candidate applying for a job that requires heavy lifting may be more likely to be rejected if they have a history of back problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to joining the military, candidates are required to undergo a thorough medical examination, including a review of medical records. The military typically checks medical records going back 10-15 years, although this can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each candidate. By understanding what medical records are reviewed and why, candidates can better prepare themselves for the military medical examination process.
