Unveiling the Past: Donald Trump's Controversial 1960s Bone Spur Diagnosis and Vietnam War Deferment

Decades before he entered the Oval Office, a pivotal medical diagnosis in 19uld altered the course of Donald Trump's life, granting him an exemption from military service during the tumultuous Vietnam War. This medical finding, specifically bone spurs in his heels, remains a topic of considerable discussion and scrutiny, particularly in light of his subsequent public life and political career.

At the age of 22, as the Vietnam conflict escalated and the draft loomed large for young American men, Trump received five deferments from military service.

His initial deferment was granted on the grounds of student status. However, it was the subsequent four medical deferments, culminating in a definitive diagnosis of bone spurs, that ultimately kept him from active duty. This diagnosis came at a time when hundreds of thousands of Americans were being sent to fight overseas, and exemptions, especially for perceived minor ailments, often drew public and media attention.

The details surrounding his bone spur diagnosis have long been a subject of intrigue.

Notably, a podiatrist named Dr. Larry Braunstein, whose father was a landlord for Trump's father, Fred Trump, reportedly made the diagnosis. Dr. Braunstein's daughters later claimed in 2018 that their father had provided the diagnosis as a 'favor' to Fred Trump, a claim that Dr. Braunstein himself could not confirm or deny before his passing.

This adds a layer of complexity and speculation to what would otherwise be a straightforward medical record.

During the period of his alleged debilitating bone spurs, Trump was actively engaged in various athletic pursuits, including playing squash and football. This contrast between his reported physical activity and the severity implied by a military deferment has fueled ongoing questions about the true nature and impact of his condition.

Critics and political opponents have often highlighted this discrepancy, suggesting the deferment was more a matter of convenience than necessity.

Fast forward to his presidency, Trump's health became a matter of public record through periodic medical examinations. In 2018, White House physician Dr.

Ronny Jackson declared him to be in "excellent health," and subsequent examinations also painted a picture of a robust individual for his age. Yet, the ghost of the 1968 bone spur diagnosis continues to linger, serving as a historical footnote that frequently resurfaces in discussions about his personal history, military service, and perceived trustworthiness.

The narrative of Donald Trump's bone spurs is more than just a medical anecdote; it's a significant chapter in his biography, interwoven with the broader social and political fabric of the late 1960s.

It prompts reflection on the mechanisms of military deferment during wartime and the enduring public fascination with the health and historical records of prominent figures. This single diagnosis, made decades ago, continues to shape perceptions and fuel debate, underscoring the long-reaching impact of personal histories on public life.