Appealing Sep

[Deebs]

Three days away from PIR my son was separated for an "undiagnosed/unknown cardiac condition".  This was after he got dizzy and lightheaded after his final two attempts at PFA.  The running was done after he had 1. performed at PIR with no food or water and 2. firefighting class.  He was sent to do pfa after both of those events.  The second run was on Monday, Tuesday he was sent to Lovell where a cardiologist (very young sounding resident) performed an ekg, stress test with echo and blood work.... all were normal.  He recommended him for separation based on "presyncope" which are the symptoms you have right before passing out.  Wednesday night when I spoke to my son he was prepared to accept the separation... very very very broken hearted and discouraged but prepared.  We shifted focus at home, as well, to the plans to get him enrolled in school and look for a job.  He was set to go to CTR school so our minds were racing at what types of degrees he could look into that would be as interesting and challenging.  Yesterday morning I started making phone calls and doing online research and I began to see the slim likelihood he could re enlist after being cleared by a civilian even though the Navy told him he could.  I also spoke with some people more familiar with the way things work at RTC and experience with the Navy and they all said the SAME THING, fight there at rtc.  So, that's what he is planning to do.  Yesterday afternoon he and I spoke briefly and I told him all I had learned and he agreed.... he wants to fight there.... got nothing to lose at this point. His division graduated today and I was so broken hearted I left all the facebook groups I was a part of, I couldn't bear to see everyone's updates.  They were hall of fame division and won other awards too.  He was bass drum captain, weapons petty officer and very well liked by his division and rdcs.  Each time I spoke to him he was happy.... never once was he miserable during this whole boot camp experience.  He brought up some valid points he plans to use in his case.  The first being that he wasn't allowed access to food before running when he had just participated in two lengthy and physically taxing events.  Second, they were a push division and did not have all the opportunities usually afforded recruits to PT.  I am praying hard for wisdom for him and the strength to use the right words and that the right people come across his path.  Even still, regardless of the outcome of this, I know it will build him.  So he's in ship 5, and now I'm in ship 5 here..... for as long as it takes, win or lose. 

[AZNavymom]

I'm so sorry for what you are all going through. I don't know anything about fighting it, since my son didn't do that. I hope it works out and your son is able to finish up boot camp, graduate and move forward.

I'm sure it was heartbreaking to see his division graduate without him.

[veitajl]

AZNavymom I am now beginning this process also. Here is my story and I need support. My son was in his 3rd week getting shots. He became dizzy and lightheaded. He has always had anxiety getting shots and the Peanutbutter one was dreaded before leaving home. He was taking to meds. He had a escalated heartbeat and high blood pressure. I would think this was normal considering the situation. I would have anxiety while standing in line to receive a series of shots....who wouldn't? Now the Navy has decided to discharge my son based on how he answered a questionnaire that was put in his face during this crazy moment of light-headed ness. We got the call that he was coming home in two weeks? WTF? My husband thank God made some calls and was able to speak to our son and we have convinced him to fight for this. We have begun the first step of appeals. The Navy had already convinced him to sigh papers that did not give us permission to see his medical records? What are they trying to keep from us? His meds showed normalcy, but they decided he was an anxious person. My son is an Eagle Scout. He is so frustrated and has heard horror stories that the appeal process could take 4-6 months. I am so worried about him and what this will do to him mentally. I'm sure he feels like he isn't good enough and that no one gives a crap about him in the Navy. They find something tiny and then want him out. I need prayers for my son and some words of wisdom!

[AZNavymom]

Veitajl

I'm so sorry; I know it's heartbreaking. I want to say that there are no forms to sign to stop you from seeing his medical records. It actually works the opposite way - he has to sign forms giving you permission to see records and to even talk to anyone there etc. Without signing those, they won't give you info. And even WITH signing those, sometimes they still won't tell you anything........ but sometimes they will.

I don't want to give you no hope at all, but generally speaking, valid or not, once they decide a recruit has anxiety, they are pretty much done with him. It sounds awful, but it's true.

For now, try to keep things as positive as you can. Send him letters daily. My son said those were a HUGE help. Also, they can get books and magazines, so send those if you can.

What do you mean he was taking to meds? Was he on meds when he got there or did they give him some when he had anxiety over the shots?

Hang in there!

[Lolly]

JUst so you know. I am so encouraged by your son's willingness to fight for what he came there for.I am especially encourged your obvious committment to your son. I have been trying to carefully encourage my son to do the same feeling his chances for winning the fight will be much better there than here. A little research from the links provided in this website, and I'm wondering why they ever felt they had the grounds to discharge him in the first place. I realize your post is a couple of months old, but I wonder,,, has he had any success. My son called Sunday and told me they were probably going to send him home in about a week. He has been to leals and signed some papers, but I wonder if he still has time to turn this around.

 

[veitajl]

Lolly, sorry to disappoint you but my son decided not to appeal now and gave up. He has been home 3 weeks now and has just this week acquired a part time job. We are so disappointed in his decision and I truly think he realizes that there are no jobs out there for 20 year old boys with only a high school diploma. His road now will be rougher than it would have been had he chosen to appeal. I encourage you to try if your son wants this because it is so very hard dealing with his depression and lack of abilities to acquire work once home. Good luck and God Speed!

[AZNavymom]

My son is also having a hard time finding work. He's 18 and doesn't want to go to college right now. It really is such a shame the Navy didn't work out for him. He currently is an auto technician trainee - just started. We'll see how that works out.

[pooks9661]

Anyone know the address for ship 5?

[pooks9661]

Did your son win his appeal?