Medically Disqualified

[alientic]

Hi everybody. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Mine was okay, because the day before Thanksgiving I found out I was medically disqualified because I had a diagnosis of probable Multiple Sclerosis from May 2005. I currently have no impairments or suffering from any symptoms of this disease that I "probably" have. Anyhow I have been doing a lot of research these past few days and this what I came up with. I'm going to Olympia this morning to submit my appeal. I have been doing a lot of research about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and it looks like things are in my favor. This is quoted from the ADA "An employer may also make a job offer contingent on the results of a medical exam or inquiry, if that exam is required for all candidates. If the results show a disability, and you are then denied the job, the employer's decision must be based on job-related factors and your specific, current impairments and not on your diagnosis or speculation about future impairments." I have no current impairments, I think I was given an unfair shake. I am fully capable of performing the duties of a law enforcement officer. I'm a young 27 year old former military guy and in great shape and health. Not to mention the fact that I know a person with MS in this agency and this person is able to perform the essential duties.

[alientic]

The Bottom Line
"Employers are generally forbidden from considering medical diagnoses in either pre- or post-employment decision making. The employer must consider your current ability rather than your diagnosis or any potential, real, or imagined future deterioration. The diagnosis of MS cannot, by itself, disqualify you from getting, keeping, or being promoted to a job for which you are qualified." Quoted from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Brochures-ADA%20and.asp#Employment

[alientic]

It turns out that I was given misinformation last week. I was not medically disqualified because the Captain had not made his final determination yet, so I didn't need to appeal. The Captain said the letter helps in any case. He said it was admirable for me to come down this morning and he appreciates my passion and for coming in business attire. He said that he will let me know in a few days whether or not I'm hired. He said that 52 people have been chosen for the Arming Class but they need unarmed Trooper Cadets as well so we will see.

[just joe]

Who said you have MS and what testing was it based on? I know several people with MS, and none of them started testing until they experienced problems, and it is very common for people to experience MS symptoms for years without a positive test result. It took seven years from my wife's onset of symptoms until brain lesions were found in one of her scans and a neurologist who specializes in MS could confirm that she had MS.

[alientic]

Who said you have MS and what testing was it based on? I know several people with MS, and none of them started testing until they experienced problems, and it is very common for people to experience MS symptoms for years without a positive test result. It took seven years from my wife's onset of symptoms until brain lesions were found in one of her scans and a neurologist who specializes in MS could confirm that she had MS.

Thanks for your response, I am fully aware of the process that leads up to the diagnosis of MS and who makes the diagnosis, remember, I'm the one with the diagnosis, lol. I received my diagnosis in May 2005 from a Neurologist who's specialty is actually Neuro-Ophthalmology. I had a battle with Optic Neuritis in my left eye and the MRI showed the demyelination process had begun. I have lesions all over my brain that are indicative of MS hence why I received the diagnosis. I give myself a daily injection of Copaxone and I'm actively involved in the National MS Society. But yes, I had other symptoms prior to the diagnosis but I didn't think much of them. Right now I am symptom free and have been ever since I recovered from the Optic Neuritis and I'm young and healthy and in shape. I can perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.

[just joe]

Okay. My wife is on the same meds. She was a dispatcher and resigned her position due to the way the disease was effecting her cognitive skills--she was afraid that she would forget something she was just told and an officer would end up getting hurt. I guess it depends on the physical and cognitive impact the disease has on you, knowing that over time things will probably get worse. My wife's MS is relapsing/remitting and she has been pretty stable for a number of years, but has been experiencing some walking problems recently. If you do become a police officer, I think in your heart you will know when and if it is time to resign. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.

[alientic]

Okay. My wife is on the same meds. She was a dispatcher and resigned her position due to the way the disease was effecting her cognitive skills--she was afraid that she would forget something she was just told and an officer would end up getting hurt. I guess it depends on the physical and cognitive impact the disease has on you, knowing that over time things will probably get worse. My wife's MS is relapsing/remitting and she has been pretty stable for a number of years, but has been experiencing some walking problems recently. If you do become a police officer, I think in your heart you will know when and if it is time to resign. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best.

Thank you very much. Hopefully I can work long enough until retirement. But I think definitely my body will tell me when to call it quits. Hope for the cure!