Confused about this whole DoDMERB thing..

Falconfan14

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
79
Like I understand its the medical review board thing, but do simple surgeries like getting your wisdom teeth removed disqualify you? Or do they have to be quite major?

Thanks!
-Tyler
 
Like I understand its the medical review board thing, but do simple surgeries like getting your wisdom teeth removed disqualify you? Or do they have to be quite major?

Lot's of posts on this in the past. And just a dad with a new cadet who went through this.

Things like wisdom teeth surgery seem to only matter after you have finished your DODMERB process. And even then you just need to notify them. You'll have to provide updated x-rays, etc if appointed. (At least for USMA)

Having a simple surgery like wisdom tooth removal prior to the DODMERB exam should not be an issue.

But you need to search for some of the earlier responses by Mr Mullin, he answered this question multiple times.
 
Like I understand its the medical review board thing, but do simple surgeries like getting your wisdom teeth removed disqualify you? Or do they have to be quite major?

Thanks!
-Tyler
DS had basic stuff like tonsils taken out (age 3) listed on his form and it was not an issue. DoDMERB qualified first time through!
 
As an outsider, its not always easy to determine what DoDMERB may consider major or not, disqualifying or not. They are looking at things as to how they may affect a future cadet/officer/etc. and the ability for that person to be deployed in all areas of the world. When my son went through it, we were sure that he would be DQ'd for major surgery he had as a newborn. They did ask for documentation of the surgery and followup care, but then was cleared no problem for that. What did almost derail his dream was a simple fall that caused a mild dislocation (with no lingering problems affecting his ability to continue with sports etc). He initially was DQ'd by DoDMERB but ended up getting a waiver from the SA after additional testing, x rays, etc. showed he could handle the rigors of basic and beyond. But the whole process took 4 months from initial DoDMERB exam to receiving the waiver.

So for advice to anyone now going through this process, take the DoDMERB exams as soon as they are made available to you. Especially since it seems to be that this year there is a possibility that the process won't begin until the applicant is deemed a qualified candidate (has a nomination). But while you wait, if there are any things in your medical history that you think could be an issue (broken bones, dislocations, asthma issues, some allergies, etc.) start requesting medical records from the doctors, hospitals, etc. that were involved. At least you'll have it at hand if it is requested by DoDMERB and can quickly send things in.
 
Back
Top