Getting Medical Clearance

I got a letter from the Medical Review Board on January 18. They want me to defer my service for 11 months. Yikes! I was really upset until the next day when I was able to talk to my recruiter about the situation. She said though it’s unfortunate it’s not unusual. Apparently it has something to do with the fact that the Peace Corps is struggling to keep up with applicants. (What is it going to be like when people who’ve heeded President Obama’s call to service start getting their applications in?)

Meanwhile, my recruiter wants me to request another review, and so I’ve started working on that. It means another round of gathering documents, begging doctors to take time out of their busy day to answer questions on forms and having them repeat some expensive tests; in one case I have to find a new doctor to write an evaluation. Then I have to write another statement and send it all in to Washington.

I have a good chance, I think. I’ve been honest about my medical history — and you don’t get to your mid-fifties without having something in your history — and she admits that probably bought me a few extra hassles. But it is important to be honest about the medical history, too, and she has seen many deferrals overturned in re-review.

The Peace Corps says it wants older volunteers. It’s important to challenge this decision and so I am going to spend the time, energy and additional money to get the necessary documents and request the review. I have 60 days to file this but I want to do it in 30.