Hey all,

I'm starting to wonder if I have asthma. My massive coughing fits don't happen while running, just occasionally, maybe 1 every two weeks when I'm at home or just working. I've been hiding it from my chain of command pretty good I think, so they haven't ordered me to medical.

I was once diagnosed with a reactive aircause caused by the second hand smoking of my father. It went dormant for quite a while, but I went through a couple smoking stinch's and I'm suspecting it may have triggered it.

My biggest question is this: Is this a medically dischargable?

Next question: If yes, what are some ways to hide it so I don't have to risk it?

Thanks!

Answer: no, you will not be discharged just for developing asthma as long as it can be controled with meds. If it can't, you can be discharged for it.

Don't hide it, get it treated. With treatment it can be less of a problem. You could also just smoke yourself every day with long distance running, that is how I dealt with it, but mine is very mild. Jessy Owens was asthmatic, that is what he did.

You get an automatic 60% disability for asthma from the VA. If you are infantry and you have been deployed you will get 30%.

What is your MOS? What is your rank?

If you are an E5 or above they are usually more willing to work with you if you have medical problems. If you are combat arms you can be reclassed.

Depending on your service marines will medically retire you if you made it through boot or if not just give you a discharge.