Celiac disease is a medical condition characterized by an autoimmune reaction to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. The cases of Celiac disease grows by more than 200,000 every year in the US alone, and there is no cure. The only treatment is to maintain a gluten-free diet. Because this disease affects so many, and because the DoDMERB disqualifies any one with the disease from entering the military, thousands of Americans are turned away from serving their country every year. Celiac disease only requires the gluten is eliminated from a person's diet, and studies have shown that removing glutenous foods like wheat have improved physical and mental function, which could benefit our military. Also, the military already makes accommodations for vegetarian diets.



