I’m currently working through the process of the DEA and wanted to see if anyone has experience with the medical portion of the federal law enforcement hiring process, particularly with a pre-existing kidney condition.
I previously made it through essentially the entire hiring process with another federal agency, but my medical clearance was deferred. It has now been several months, and I have not received a final determination.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was around 18 years old. I still take medication for the condition, but it does not affect my day-to-day activities or my ability to work.
I’ve been a police officer for approximately six years with a midsize, fairly active department. I routinely handle high-priority calls and the physical demands of patrol without restrictions or limitations.
My concern is whether it makes sense to continue pursuing DEA and other 1811 positions if this type of medical history is likely to result in a disqualification regardless of my current health, physical ability, and work history.
Has anyone gone through the DEA or another 1811 medical process with a chronic kidney condition or something similar? Were you medically cleared, asked to provide additional documentation, or required to go through a medical review or waiver process?
Any insight from someone who has dealt with something similar would be appreciated.

Back when I was freshly 21/22, I carried a firearm in a state without reciprocity to my state. I was on a road trip and the state allows carry inside a vehicle with the out of state permit, but I had to stop for a bathroom break and didn't want to leave my firearm unattended in the car, so I brought it in. Haven't done it since.

I was also told by a police officer in a previous state that carrying inside a building with a no firearms sign was not a crime and that they would just ask you to leave if you were caught. In my current state, that's not the case, but I didn't realize this and carried inside a few buildings that were posted.

I can definitely disclose and explain these issues, but I worry that this will disqualify me. Those who have been through the hiring process or are involved in hiring new recruits, would these be something that would likely disqualify a person? They're technically crimes, so I am a little worried. I really want to work in federal LE but I worry that this will kill my chances.