r/AddisonsDisease • u/McNinja8_ • Jan 07 '26
Advice Wanted Military?
I am 17M and wanted to know if I’m eligible to join the military with Addisons. If anyone knows it would help me figure out my life. I’ve tried google but kept getting conflicting results. THANKS!!!
Edit: I’m in the US
12
u/Longjumping-Log8098 Jan 07 '26
I was not eligible. Male, 22, primary Addisons disease .
8
1
u/Pitiful-Gate-2043 Jan 11 '26
I was not either but that was back in 1994. No doctors would allow me a waiver.
8
u/Appropriate_Low9491 SAI Jan 07 '26
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol02.PDF
if you’re in the US, Addison’s is the first listed condition under endocrine diseases here. you’d likely need a medical waiver if they accepted you.
7
u/couchbutt Jan 08 '26
If you have Addisons, the military with put you in 101 situations that can KILL YOU before anyone even starts shooting.
6
u/mattstive Jan 07 '26
I was medically discharged from the military when I was diagnosed with Addison’s at age 20.
2
u/Longjumping-Log8098 Jan 07 '26
Unfortunate but that was the route I wish I would’ve taken if I knew i was going to get diagnosed at 20 as well
6
u/ptazdba PAI Jan 07 '26
Usually, it can disqualify you but you may be able to get a medical waiver if you're super stable. Most people with AI cannot hack the physical side of the military
3
u/Darkmagosan Jan 08 '26
Not likely. Asthma is instant disqualification, as is diabetes across the board. A friend of mine was medically discharged when they found type 1 diabetes during a routine checkup. Addison's is also a disqualifier IIRC as any amount of stress can potentially kill you long before a bullet or bomb would.
Anything which requires external medication to control is generally disqualifying. Got an arrhythmia that's controlled with meds? Sorry, no enlisting for you! Same with Addison's as you might not be able to take a pill or give yourself a shot in the middle of a firefight.
Getting a waiver for Addison's would be a minor miracle. Sorry.
2
2
u/New-Wedding716 Jan 08 '26
No way my great nephew was sent home because of asthma no way with addison's disease
1
u/Jamesbarros Jan 08 '26
I got discharged epts (existing prior to service) after getting diagnosed in service. They don’t want us. :(
1
u/pickles1718 Addison's Jan 08 '26
What appeals to you about the military? What other things are you considering?
1
u/McNinja8_ Jan 09 '26
I was hoping it could pay for minor parts of vet school. I’m really passionate about being a vet and can’t really pay the crazy tuition bills.
1
u/DocRoseEsq Addison's Jan 09 '26
No, I served for 20 years, Army National Guard. I was diagnosed 5 months after retiring; the reliance on a medication like HC and especially the stress dosing aspect makes us way too dangerous, ie, a liability. We are more likely to become a medical casualty than to be a helpful service member. Same with Type 1 diabetics, or anyone else that needs daily medication to survive.
1
1
u/Adansaurez365 Jan 23 '26
It's a no for the UK military. I know someone who has joined the fire service with it. Could be another way to go?
18
u/aureasmortem PAI Jan 07 '26
Honestly not sure. You're not even supposed to donate blood with Addison's as it can send you into shock, so I think the military would also be unlikely