New Coast Guard Medical Manual Pending

FYI to all Coasties on a limited duty status or pending a medical board- there is a new Coast Guard Medical Manual pending final authorization that, in its current draft format, eliminates any reference to the chronic use of immunosuppressants as being service-disqualifying.  This development is good news for those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s disease, or other autoimmune disorders.  It has not yet been released in its final version, but this an excellent reason for asking for an additional period of limited duty or putting off a medical board for as long as possible active duty and can perform all the physical requirements demanded by your Coast Guard career field.   More to come, with a copy of the new manual being posted here once it has been officially released.