Disqualified?

[Guest Miclhstrase]

I received some terrible news from my ANG recruiter today:

"The doctor at MEPS has Permanently Disqualified you for military service, reason: Acute Pericarditis"

What does this mean exactly? Is this a deathblow to a career in military aviation? I'm really in a state of shock right now and am looking for some answers...

Some background:

I was picked up for a pilot slot with an ANG unit last year and have been in the process of trying to get clearance to get my MEPS physical (a physical I've passed no problem in the past) so that my Brooks physical can be scheduled. Unfortunately, I saw a doctor last fall for chest pain, and they diagnosed it is an acute pericarditis, successfully treated it with Asprin. They followed up with an echocardiogram which came back perfectly normal. Additionally, the chest x-ray, blood work, ECG, all came back normal. There's been no re-occurrence of the pain in a six month period.

This is what I do know:

According to the AF Waiver Guide:

"There is no increased likelihood for aviators with a history of completely treated idiopathic or viral pericarditis to develop future episodes of pericarditis"

For FCI/IA class, waivers are accepted for "uncomplicated idiopathic/viral pericarditis off all medications and > 6 months since episode" and must be approved by AETC and reviewed by ACS. It goes on to list the required documents and records needed for a waiver, all of which I have and were sent to the MEPS doctor.

So it seems I can submit a waiver, and with all med tests coming back negative, and no problems in 6 months, that I may stand a decent chance?

Some input would be greatly appreciated. Anything to calm my nerves or give me a reality check would be great too.

Edited May 8, 2011 by Miclhstrase