Waiver for eyes question

acourtz

5-Year Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2013
Messages
3
Ok, here's my situation:

I graduated high school in 2010 and was a USMA hopeful. Unfortunately, in the midst of the application process, I found out I have keratoconus, a form of corneal dystrophy. According to DODMERB, as per Disqualification Code D152.10, Keratoconus is automatically disqualifying. This condition degenerates your vision, so its understandable that this disqualifying. I applied for a waiver, but was denied.

Two years ago, I had a procedure to get this condition fixed. The procedure, known colloquially as Collagen Cross-Linking, stabilizes the cornea so that vision does not regress any more than it already has. The procedure was a success, as it not only stopped the regression, but improved the vision in both eyes, something that is extremely rare with this procedure. In my strongest eye, I can see 20/30 uncorrected, 20/40 in the other. Both are correctable to 20/20.

So my question is this: is there any hope for me to get a waiver for DODMERB? I'm not necessarily trying to get into USMA, just trying to find a way to serve, as that has been my dream since I was young. I'm still relatively young (20), and would love to find away into the military. Thanks in advance for any help, sorry this was rather long.
 
I have no idea, but wanted to send a note of encouragement. Your persistence and desire to serve says a lot about you.

To have a setback due to reasons beyond your control is disappointing, but things happen for a reason. Good luck to you in your quest. If I was a betting man I would bet that you will find a way to serve in some way!:thumb:
 
Heck, go for it! You will need a DODMERB sign off for any academy or ROTC or OCS program, anyway; and your file is out of date now. So go for it. Collect all your eye medical records in anticipation of them asking for it.
What have you been doing since HS graduation in 2010?
 
I agree, GO FOR IT!

All you have to lose is time wasted at the Doc's office. DoDMERB is going to pay for the exam.

My only guidance I can offer is do you remember the doc that did your DoDMERB eye exam back in 2010? If you do, and can afford to pay for an eye apptmt with that doc., go to them. They are qualified with DoDMERB and you can discuss if this will be a DQ or a remedial.

~~~If it is, you can start the paperwork for the waiver process by collecting all of your records.

You may not even need an apptmt with the doc, they maybe able to tell you over the phone if it is an automatic DQ, or if it is that there are time requirements between surgery and approval process. Chances are they are going to want to see you, and if they do, I would go. They will than have their own patient medical records on file, and even if DoDMERB says go to another doc., you can call them and ask to take the exam at that Doc. If they are DoDMERB qual. they typically allow it.

It is just as important to understand the system regarding Docs. I.E. We were ADAF when DS1 went through the DoDMERB, they gave us a list of 3 Docs. We called and asked if DS could use the base doc. They said go ahead.

One quick question. Did you only apply for USMA?
~~~ IOTW, did you apply for AROTC? Many times as strange as it may seem, candidates get a waiver for ROTC, but not from the SA.

Look at this thread...it is not an eye issue thread, but just illustrating how an SA said no, ROTC said yes.
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?p=316697#post316697
 
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Heck, go for it! You will need a DODMERB sign off for any academy or ROTC or OCS program, anyway; and your file is out of date now. So go for it. Collect all your eye medical records in anticipation of them asking for it.
What have you been doing since HS graduation in 2010?

Thanks all for your feedback. Since graduating in 2010, I attended Manhattan College and then transferred to Binghamton University
 
Thanks all for your feedback. Since graduating in 2010, I attended Manhattan College and then transferred to Binghamton University

Well, good. You could have been shoveling sh@t in Louisiana.
What is the plan? Are you in ROTC at school? You are a Jr. Are you really wanting to start over at an academy, or do you plan for some other route?
 
I second Prima, ROTC and the academy can give you differing stuff.

Good luck. and congrats on better eyes :eek:!
 
Well, good. You could have been shoveling sh@t in Louisiana.
What is the plan? Are you in ROTC at school? You are a Jr. Are you really wanting to start over at an academy, or do you plan for some other route?

I havent been doing ROTC, and at this point I dont think it would be worth it. Thinking about enlisting and going to OCS or just enlisting.
 
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