Scotty123 wrote:Just got back from selection up in Glencorse today. I got medically failed for an old knee injury that causes me no pain or discomfort whatsoever. Failed because my left knee hyperextends half an inch more than my right.
Stupid IMO.
Was just wondering if anyone had been medically failed for something similar and had managed to successfully appeal the decision and actually start basic/join the army?!
I actually have slight hyper-extension in the knees myself, and have been passed medically fit by the Army (yes, they did notice when I was examined!). So, it obviously IS possible to be OK'd if you have them, but it comes down to the severity of the extension.
The Army (and other Services?) use a system known as PULHHEEMS to indicate the state of someone health. It stands for
Physical capacity,
Upper limbs,
Hearing (left and right),
Eyes (left and right),
Mental and
Stability. Each of these categories has a document associated with them that tells the doctors what "grade" to assign dependent on any relevant conditions. You can find a list of the documents
here. The one you want is
this one. If you search that document for "hypermobility" you'll notice that it says for extensions greater than 10 degrees, the grading P8 must be given. An eight grading (in any of the categories) indicates that the person is considered unsuitable for service
I'm really sorry mate, I know it's not what you wanted to hear.
Now, having said that!
You might also notice the footnote at the bottom of the page. It says that the 10 degrees is an arbitrary cut-off. That tells me you might have some mileage with an appeal, particularly if you go and see a doctor independent of the Army, but who perhaps has some experience with the military, who would be prepared to vouch for you given your hypermobility. I may know a suitable doctor, PM if you want to pursue it.