DoDMERB DQ, now what

Davidk6813

5-Year Member
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Apr 10, 2012
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Received the feared DQ today due to mild asthma. Letter says the academies will request waivers if I am competitive, which I have been told I am.

Letter also states that I should provide any additional info that has not been provided.

So, what do I do? Sit and wait? Write a letter? Go to a doctor to get evidence that my condition is mild, well-controlled and there are no restrictions on what I can do? According to these forums the waiver process is a black box and can be very frustrating. I will not give up, but I just want to understand what I can do to keep the process moving forward.

Finally, who do I share this news with and does any of it affect how my applicationa are viewed? I have so many questions. I would appreciate any help from this forum. Thank you!
 
It's Not No Until The SA Says No

Received the feared DQ today due to mild asthma. Letter says the academies will request waivers if I am competitive, which I have been told I am.

Letter also states that I should provide any additional info that has not been provided.

So, what do I do? Sit and wait? Write a letter? Go to a doctor to get evidence that my condition is mild, well-controlled and there are no restrictions on what I can do? According to these forums the waiver process is a black box and can be very frustrating. I will not give up, but I just want to understand what I can do to keep the process moving forward.

Finally, who do I share this news with and does any of it affect how my applicationa are viewed? I have so many questions. I would appreciate any help from this forum. Thank you!
From what my son and I heard during the numerous admissions events we attended, an applicant may get an inital DQ from DoDMERB but the applicant can apply for a waiver from the academy. The basic message was it's not no until the academy says no. Don't be shy about calling DoDMERB and the academy. We spoke with the folks at DoDMERB on more than one occassion and they were very helpful and informative. We had to speak with USNA medical personnel to verify receipt of paperwork and they were the same. I would advise my son if he were in your situation to give each a call, follow their instructions and run with it. Good luck, cheers.
 
. . . Go to a doctor to get evidence that my condition is mild, well-controlled and there are no restrictions on what I can do?

RECOMMEND this option, if don't already have a Methacholine challenge test or something equivalent in your medical record. My RC told me that many candidates are misdiagnosed with asthma based on asthma like syptoms The metchcholine challenge test is a way to find out if you actually have asthma or not. Supposedly, most doctors won't order the test as simple medication or inhaler will treat the symptom and the test is expansive. If West Point believe a candidate with "asthma' is a wavier worthy, they will order a methacholine challenge test.

I say RECOMMEND as my guess is that most health insurance won't cover the test for mild asthma. So it could be a significnat out of pocket cost and no guarantee the test result will help.
 
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The applicant cannot apply for a waiver. ALL waivers are initiated by admissions.
The Methacholine test can be a very dangerous test. It is used to attempt to rule out asthma. If you have asthma then it can induce an asthma attack, which can potentially be dangerous. Sometimes it is requested but not in every case.
Spirometry is a much safer test.

OP:
What do you consider 'mild asthma' and what do you mean by 'well controlled'?
Are you currently taking medication?

Some applicants do get waivers, but I have never heard of a candidate on medication who got a waiver.
You really should call DODMERB. They will look at your physical and talk to you about your history and correctly advise you on your next steps and likelihood of a waiver.
 
JAM is correct the applicant can not apply for a waiver it comes directly from the branch.

The issue to remember is that it is the branch. AF may say no, but Army and Navy may request. Subsequently, Army may say no, but AF and Navy say yes.

DoDMERB DQ's, branches determine to initiate the waiver, and ultimately decide if the candidate will be waived. The candidate has no voice in this decision regarding the next step once DQ'd.
 
JAM is correct the applicant can not apply for a waiver it comes directly from the branch.

The issue to remember is that it is the branch. AF may say no, but Army and Navy may request. Subsequently, Army may say no, but AF and Navy say yes.

DoDMERB DQ's, branches determine to initiate the waiver, and ultimately decide if the candidate will be waived. The candidate has no voice in this decision regarding the next step once DQ'd.

So once something is disqualifying per DoDMERB, how long does it typically take for an academy to initiate the waiver process?
 
Totally depends on the applicant. If they are really competitive based on their application and the academy wants.them, they will review the medical records and decide.soon. if the application is weak or hasn't been mostly completed where the academy can't get a good feel for how competitive they are, they may not review the medical records for a waiver.
 
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