u/Ok_Breadfruit4652

I have a C&P exam coming up for bilateral bunions/hallux valgus and I’m wondering if anyone has dealt with a similar situation.
I recently found my DD Form 2808 from my MEPS enlistment physical. My feet were marked abnormal and the examiner documented bilateral hallux valgus, so I’m aware I can’t really argue that the condition originally started during service.
I was still medically accepted into the military and served in the National Guard. During my service, the physical demands and military footwear caused me more problems with my feet. I currently have pain and my feet sometimes swell, especially with activity/prolonged standing.
VA is currently requesting my National Guard service treatment records, and I have my C&P exam for my feet coming up.
For anyone who had bunions/hallux valgus documented at MEPS before service:
Were you able to get service connection based on aggravation? What did the C&P examiner focus on? What evidence helped demonstrate that the condition became worse during service? And if you were granted, what rating did you receive?

Had my audiology C&P exam today for hearing loss and tinnitus and wanted to hear from anyone who has been through something similar.
I served in the National Guard and was exposed to weapons fire of various calibers. During my exam, the audiologist asked about my noise exposure before, during, and after my service. I told her I was a student before 2019 and later worked in Fire/EMS, where I was exposed to things like sirens. I also told her I currently go to the shooting range about every other week but use hearing protection.
I explained that my tinnitus started around 2020, affects both ears, and discussed my symptoms. She did several tests including the regular tone/beep test, speech testing, and bone-conduction testing. There were definitely some tones I couldn’t hear. At the end she wouldn’t tell me my results, but she said I was “good at following directions” and that she had about 48 hours to submit everything back to VA.
VA is also currently requesting my National Guard service treatment records.
For anyone who has gone through a tinnitus/hearing-loss C&P:
Did your examiner say anything similar? Did you end up getting tinnitus service connected even if your hearing loss wasn’t compensable? And how long after your C&P did you see your DBQ or get a decision?

I recently received a tentative offer for a permanent GS-0085-06 Security Guard position with the Department of the Army. I completed the onboarding forms and returned the Statement of Understanding, and HR confirmed they received it.
My USA Staffing portal still shows background/security clearance, fingerprinting, drug testing, and the physical exam as pending. HR told me I’ll eventually hear from someone in their office regarding the next steps.
For anyone who has gone through the Army civilian security guard/DASG hiring process, how long did it take after your TJO before you received instructions for the background investigation, fingerprints, medical, and drug test? Did those steps happen quickly, or was there a waiting period between the TJO and scheduling?

Hi everyone,
I’m a prior-service Army Soldier and have recently applied to several APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Psy.D. programs. My goal is to become an Army Clinical Psychologist through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).
I’ve already spoken with an AMEDD recruiter, completed the initial qualification questionnaire, and was told that once I’m accepted into an APA-accredited program, I can move forward with the HPSP application.
I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has gone through this process or is currently serving as an Army Clinical Psychologist.
A few questions I have:
How competitive was the Clinical Psychology HPSP when you applied?
Approximately how many applicants and scholarships were there, if you know?
What did the selection board seem to value most?
How long did the process take from acceptance into your Psy.D. program to receiving the scholarship?
Did anyone require waivers for prior service or other issues?
What has your experience been like serving as an Army Clinical Psychologist?
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently during the application process?