Can I Join The Army With Tattoos Are There Restrictions
Yes, you can join with tattoos, as long as they are not visible above your collar or below your cuff. The Army does not typically accept individuals with tattoos on their hands, wrists, face, or neck. Tattoos anywhere above the neckline or on the head, including in the mouth, ears, or eyelids, disqualifies a candidate. A tattoo waiver is available for candidates who have disqualifying tattoos. However, tattoos that are extremist, racist, sexist, or indecent are prohibited anywhere on a Soldiers body, without exception.
Goals Of The Hands & Voices Military Project:
Our main objective is to offer awareness and provide support to Hands & Voices chapters across the United States, as well as in remote and distant locations. We strive to help local chapters understand the impact the transient military lifestyle has on the family so they can better support the military population.
Military children may change duty stations at least twice during their high school years and may attend six to nine different schools between kindergarten and 12th grade.
A few challenges related to these frequent moves are navigating new homes, neighborhoods, schools, separations from extended family, and the absence of a parent during times of deployments. Coping with the effects of a significant life change each time a family relocates is a common occurrence for our families. Consider how raising a child with a hearing loss in a military family requires extra effort when one must reestablish their childs medical and educational team each time they move.
We consider it a privilege to connect families across the globe to their states Hands & Voices Chapters. We hope this will help alleviate some of the stresses and strains involved when navigating a new geographical area.
Dont ask us when were leaving ask how long you have us for. -A military spouse
Is There A Cure
Health providers treat reversible hearing loss with medications or surgery. For example, fluid buildup from an infection may clear up with antibiotics, and corticosteroids treat conditions caused by autoimmune issues.
Some hearing loss caused by damage to the middle ear from head trauma can be reversed with surgery.
But noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. Treatments for this condition usually focus on preventing the hearing loss from worsening, improving hearing or learning other ways to communicate.
Also Check: Ringing In Your Ear Meaning Spiritual
Following In Her Footsteps
Does that mean anyone with Lopezs level of hearing loss could follow in her footsteps? Thats difficult to say, as Lopez met her setbacks with her own unique mix of grit, determination, and persistence.
But Lopez has certainly proven that such a course is possible. Its true, she might not be the first individual with a hearing disability to serve in the FBI .
Its likely that, with Lopez leading the way, more individuals will be able to see what shes accomplished and pursue a similar career path. The visibility of Lopezs success means that othersperhaps those who are feeling deflated or defeatedcan be encouraged to keep at it.
Read Also: What Is The Best Over The Counter Hearing Aid
What Conditions Are Covered By These Benefits
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as:
- Chronic back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability
- Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease
- Severe hearing loss
- Loss of range of motion
- Ulcers
- Cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangers
You may also be able to get VA disability benefits for:
- Traumatic brain injury
-
If you have signs of an illness that started within a year after you were discharged from active service, find out if you can get disability benefits.
You May Like: How Do You Say God In Sign Language
Hearing Requirements To Join The Military Service
The hearing requirements for military service are pretty straight-forward. You may be rejected if you have hearing loss as stated here:
The cause for rejection for appointment and enlistment is a hearing loss greater than: Pure tone threshold average not more than 30 dB , with no individual level greater than 35dB at these frequencies.
Pure tone thresholds not more than 45 dB at 3000 Hz and 55 dB at 4000 Hz . Taken from the generalized hearing standards used by MEPS physicians.
While this is the requirement, there are many fighting for deaf people to be able to join the military. The Air Force introduced a new bill in 2014 that would allow deaf individuals to join the military as a part of the demonstration program or as a part of a pilot program. The goal was for this bill to expand to other branches, as well.
Keith Nolan has been fighting to get the deaf into the military, as well. Hes a teacher at the Maryland School of the Daft and has been working with Dave Alexander to help persuade the Department of Defense to create a pilot program for 15 to 20 deaf candidates with a range of hearing loss. This program would train the individuals to become Air Force officers.
There is a possibility for this program to be considered in the 2018 military budget. Nolan and Alexander have been working on this for the past five years and have met with the White House many times. They have even met with Congress over 100 times.
Jennifer Jenny Swan Project Leader
Jenny holds a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech. Shes an Army spouse of 16 years. Jenny homeschools her five children, the youngest of whom is deaf. She has always been passionate about advocating for military families and since the birth of her youngest son, she has become passionate about supporting families of DHH children, as well, within the military community.
Jenny is thrilled to work with the Hands & Voices Military Project Leadership Team and hopes to bring awareness and support for the challenges military families of DHH children face. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys crocheting, learning about health/nutrition, and gallivanting around the country with her family in their RV tiny home.
Read Also: Your Pretty In Sign Language
Disability Ratings And Va Benefits
The VA provides disability compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus.
The first thing a veteran needs to do is to establish that their hearing loss or tinnitus is connected to their service. Visit the VAs eligibility for benefits webpage to read more about how to start a claim.
For hearing loss and tinnitus, a veteran will need to know the basics of their condition:
The VA requires both a pure-tone and a Maryland CNC test for hearing loss. Depending on the results, the VA will assign a disability rating from 0 to 10 percent. You can read more about disability ratings from the VAs ratings guide.
For tinnitus, the disability rating is 10 percent. Veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus can get separate ratings for each disability.
Why Does It Matter
Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally.Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don’t affect your everyday life, can mean that you’re not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.
You will be sent forms asking about your medical history once you’ve submitted your application.
The medical team assess everyone individually, and make their decisions based on their professional opinion in keeping with prescribed army standards. These standards and guidelines are reviewed and amended regularly.
You May Like: Alcohol Ringing In Ears
Skin And Cellular Tissues
The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:
a. Acne, severe or when extensive involvement of the neck, shoulders, chest, or back would be aggravated by or interfere with the wearing of military equipment, and would not be amenable to treatment. Patients under treatment with isotretinoin are medically unacceptable until eight weeks after completion of course of therapy.
b. Atopic dermatitis or eczema, with active or residual lesions in characteristic areas , or documented history thereof after the age of 8.
c. Contact dermatitis, especially involving rubber or other materials used in any type of required protective equipment.
d. Cysts.
Cysts, other than pilonidal, of such a size or location as to interfere with the normal wearing of military equipment.
Pilonidal cysts, if evidenced by the presence of a tumor mass or a discharging sinus. History of pilonidal cystectomy within six months before examination is disqualifying.
e. Dermatitis factitia.
f. Bullous dermatoses, such as Dermatitis Herpetiformis, pemphigus and epidermolysis bullosa.
g. Chronic Lymphedema.
h. Fungus infections, systemic or superficial types, if extensive and not amenable to treatment.
i. Furunculosis, extensive recurrent or chronic.
j. Hyperhidrosis of hands or feet, chronic or severe.
k. Ichthyosis, or other congenital or acquired anomalies of the skin such as nevi or vascular tumors that interfere with function or are exposed to constant irritation.
m. Leprosy, any type.
The National Center For Rehabilitative Auditory Research
In 1997, VA established NCRAR to study hearing problems in Veterans, and to develop effective treatments. Researchers work to alleviate communication, social, and economic problems in Veterans resulting from hearing loss and tinnitus.
Among the topics studied at the center are methods of early detection of hearing loss the effects of certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, on auditory functioning and the impact of auditory problems on speech perception.
NCRAR researchers are also looking for ways to improve speech recognition in noisy areas for people with hearing impairments and are studying the combined effects of aging and noise exposure on hearing.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Say Black In Sign Language
Other Forms Of Hearing Loss
Most people are able to understand a distinct voice in a crowded, noisy room. This experience is commonly known as the cocktail party effect. This skill requires the brain to focus in on a single voice, while screening out other sounds. However, people with hearing impairment are unable to separate individual voices in a noisy environment. For them, multiple sounds blend together, making it hard to understand speakers.
According to a 2021 study by researchers at the VA Portland Health Care System and the Oregon Health & Science University, this difficulty may be caused by an auditory processing problem. The brain normally blends the sounds it hears from each ear into a single signala process called binaural pitch fusion. For people who have an overly broad binaural pitch fusion, their brain blends sounds together in a way that makes speech unintelligibleeven when separate voices have different pitches.
Researchers suggest it will now be possible to develop new therapies to improve speech perception for people with this type of hearing impairment.
Real Solutions To Hearing Loss
Life after serving in the military brings a host of challenges and it can be difficult for veterans and their families to adjusteven with Veterans Service Officers working tirelessly to support them, resources are often limited.
Hearing related issues are the top service-connected injuries affecting veterans of all generations2often correlating with many other physical and mental health conditions. The most important thing for veterans to know is: You are not alone.
Thats why Hamilton® CapTel® built the Heroes With Hearing Loss® program, providing resources, guidance and support needed within the veteran community.
Recommended Reading: Asl For Hungry
How Long Does A Military Medical Waiver Take To Get Approved
Its difficult to set an accurate timeframe for military medical waivers.
There are several factors to take into account, and much of the timeframe depends on the type of medical condition and the severity of the issue.
Often, a military medical waiver needs to pass varying levels of approval before you are granted permission to enlist.
In general, expect at least two weeks to a month to hear back on a military medical waiver.
Are There Different Hearing Tests For Specific Military Jobs
Yes, there are certain Military Occupational Specialties that require you to have better hearing than the basic guidelines of the Armed Forces.
Consequently, it is possible to qualify for certain MOS and disqualify for others based on your hearing test score.
Each military branch treats hearing and other physical impairments a little differently.
You may receive a waiver but there is no guarantee.
Highly selective and competitive military specialities like pilots, airborne, and special ops might make it a little more difficult to get in though its not as big of an issue compared to your vision.
Pilots, for example, need outstanding vision with no color blindness.
Don’t Miss: Warm Compress For Earache
Different Types Of Hearing Loss In Vets And Soldiers
Just like there are many different causes of hearing loss and tinnitus in soldiers and military veterans, there are several types of hearing loss that can occur in vets. These types of hearing loss can also affect civilians and may result in requiring hearing aids.
If you were on duty or in training with the US military, you were subjected to the noise of weapons and engines almost every day.
Hearing loss can make life stressful. It can be hard to communicate with your loved ones or hold down a job if you arent being treated.
Were going to learn all the types of hearing loss. If you suffer from any of these hearing ailments after serving in the military between the years of 2003-2015, you may be due compensation from 3M.
Condition #6 Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is an issue that affects every single human. However, some individuals have a harder time appropriately dealing with it than others. In certain cases, they may even get diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The military realizes that some anxiety is normal. However, since anxiety is considered a mental health issue it will check your medical background for any perceived risks.
The biggest mental health factor the military assesses is a history of suicidal behavior. Though that is more connected to depression than anxiety, it will also consider previous or current issues.
Some disqualifying conditions include:
- Simple phobias
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Likewise, specific phobias such as a fear of specific animals like spiders, snakes, or dogs , fear of specific environments like heights or thunderstorms , and situational fears like bridges or driving can all be grounds for military disqualification.
Of course, this all depends on the extent of your phobia, and whether or not youve been treated for it in the recent past.
You May Like: Can You Teach Yourself Sign Language
Symptoms Of Hearing Loss
Chronic exposure to loud noises and aging both contribute to hearing loss which is common in most adults 65 or older.
There are other factors that can contribute to temporary hearing loss such as excessive earwax.
If you are having problems with your ears and hearing, you should schedule an appointment with a medical professional or ear specialist.
There are several signs and symptoms attributed to hearing loss:
- Muffling of speech/sounds
- Frequently asking others to speak louder or more slowly.
- Needing to turn the volume up high on electronic devices.
Hearing loss is detrimental enough that it can cause victims to want to withdraw from social settings and conversations to avoid the inconvenience.
As a result, hearing loss can start to negatively alter other functions of your lifestyle which makes finding treatment important.
Once again, you should speak with a medical professional if you are having issues with your hearing.
How The Va Can Help With Free Or Low
by Michelle Crouch, AARP, March 23, 2018
Most of the hearing loss and tinnitus in the military are due to noise exposure often from aircraft, gunfire, heavy equipment and roadside bombs.
The top service-related medical issue for military veterans isnt missing limbs, traumatic brain injury or even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Its a hearing injury.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , more than 2.7 million veterans currently receive disability benefits for hearing loss or tinnitus, a ringing in the ears.
And the actual number may be even higher. Those are veterans who have been through the process and documented by the VA, says Gabrielle Saunders, associate director of the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, a VA-funded research facility in Portland, Ore. She says that there are probably many other veterans with hearing loss that the VA hasnt been able to document.
Veterans are 30 percent more likely than nonveterans to have severe hearing impairment, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis. Those who served after September 2001 are four times more likely. And their numbers are growing: In fiscal year 2016, 190,000 veterans were diagnosed with service-connected tinnitus, and 103,000 were diagnosed with hearing loss, according to the VA.
The good news is that hearing protection is now standard issue and mandatory for all active-duty service members.
Also Check: Phonak Icom Pairing
How An Afcs Payment May Affect Other Benefits
Your Lump sum payment will be considered as capital and may reduce the amount of means-tested benefit you are entitled to. But the Lump sum isnt counted as capital if you put it into a trust. If you are over the age of 60, the value of the lump sum wont count as capital if you claim Pension Credit.
If youre receiving a GIP, this may affect your entitlement to other state benefits.
Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining The Military
Below, you will find details from the Army‘s “Standards of Medical Fitness.” These standards generally apply to all other branches as well. Remember that most of these conditions are not necessarily permanently disqualifying, but they are red flags.
If you have had a medical complication at any time in your life that is mentioned here, then you need to tell your recruiter. They will tell you whether your condition can be waived, or if it is permanently disqualifying. Remember that if you do not get an official waiver and your condition later is discovered, you most likely will be dishonorably discharged for fraudulent enlistment. The choice is yours.
Don’t Miss: How Do U Say Please In Sign Language