Sample Cases
Category: Release
Ah, Nuts!
A private with three years of service was notified that he was facing a possible medical release from the Forces because of a food allergy. The problem? Brazil nuts. It seemed that this allergy was deemed serious enough that he could not serve.
Needless to say, the private was not happy with this possibility and appealed it. Leaving the Forces would have a profound impact on his life, and it seemed unnecessary to take such extreme actions for a low-risk allergy.
After not receiving any information about his appeal for over two months, the private came to the Office. The investigator contacted Director Medical Policy (D Med Pol), and learned that the appeal had been submitted to Director Military Careers and Resource Management (DMCARM). The private’s allergy had been assessed, and DMCARM determined that it was indeed low risk. After extensive consultation with both D Med Pol and DMCARM, it was decided that the private would be retained in the Forces, with the condition that he carry his epinephrine medication with him at all times.
This set the precedent for similar cases. It is now required that members have their condition assessed to determine the risk level of the allergy and whether continued employment can be granted in spite of it.
