I found out that I'm medically disqualified a couple of days ago. They sent me a letter in my portal that said they would request a waiver, but I think the ruling in general shouldn't have happened. I was wondering if there was any way to appeal the decision?
Medically disqualified
- Thread starter Zoomie18
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2013
- Messages
- 148
Agreed. My issue was with ear surgery that I had when I was 4 and 5, and has not had any effect on me at all. I sent in a hearing test that my doctor signed and said that I had no limitations. DODMERB said it was cool that I had sent them the test, but that they would still need the other information they requested.
DODMERB might request more information (remedial) from you in order to allow the waiver authority to make a more informed decision. All you can do is send in the information that they request and hope for the best.
DODMERB might request more information (remedial) from you in order to allow the waiver authority to make a more informed decision. All you can do is send in the information that they request and hope for the best.
USAFA83GradWife
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2013
- Messages
- 1,113
The waiver request is kind of like the appeal. DoDMERB isn't the one that determines severity of the condition, nor does it give waivers. They go down a checklist and DQ (or pass) based on your answers and your medical exam.
If a SA is requesting a waiver, consider that a good sign. They won't request a waiver if they didn't think they wanted you. Once you get all your information together (they will send you a letter telling you what they need), DoDMERB scans it in and sends it to the SA waiver authority. THEY will be the ones to grant a waiver.
It's good that you already have letters that you've sent in, though. It MAY be enough for the WA to grant the waiver. Just watch your DoDMERB portal. That gets updated more quickly than you get the letters.
If a SA is requesting a waiver, consider that a good sign. They won't request a waiver if they didn't think they wanted you. Once you get all your information together (they will send you a letter telling you what they need), DoDMERB scans it in and sends it to the SA waiver authority. THEY will be the ones to grant a waiver.
It's good that you already have letters that you've sent in, though. It MAY be enough for the WA to grant the waiver. Just watch your DoDMERB portal. That gets updated more quickly than you get the letters.
I hope that the problem is them just looking at a checklist. I sent in a personal letter, but I guess that didn't help. So is there no way to appeal, just hope for the waiver?
USAFA83GradWife
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2013
- Messages
- 1,113
Basically that is all they do in this case. They have to follow the regs.
But don't stress. The SA doesn't ask for the WA to review the case if they don't want you. It really is a good sign. To put things into perspective: My DD had to get a waiver for what appears to be more severe injury than your TMJ. I think it was the letters from the doctors and specialists that convinced the doctors in the WA to grant the waiver. They speak the same language. Well, that and the x-ray reports & medical files.
DD has to go through a more thorough exam on I day than most appointees, but she isn't worried. She has no restrictions nor any lingering issues. BTW, that's the key - no restrictions.Ultimately though, it's the WA that makes the final decision, not DoDMERB.
Dad
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2010
- Messages
- 1,132
You might want to:
1. Post this as a question on the DoDMERB forum; or
2. Contact DoDMERB and ask them directly about the DQ
Typically, a personal letter will have no impact. DoDMERB has informed you of the reason. A letter from a MD regarding your issue would be more powerful, but may not change your status. Some conditions are waiverable while others are not. Since 'they' indicated that an interest in pursuing a waiver, things look more positive. Best wishes.
christie_lh
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2013
- Messages
- 11
From my understanding if you have a medical condition on the DQ list in your records DODMERB has to DQ you. It's then up to the waiver board to decide if it's a condition that will prohibit military service. My DS just got his waiver granted. We were frustrated when he was DQd because he had a football injury that left him with no lasting issues. My advice is submit as info from your doctor's as you can stating this condition does not limit you in any way. The waiver board is the ones you need to convince this isn't an issue not DODMERB. But you can request another evaluationl from DODMERB.
Freda'sMom
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2011
- Messages
- 299
Yes, hope for waiver. No, you cannot appeal as you have the DQ condition.
The way it was explained to us by a USNA BGO was:
1. If you do not have the DQ condition, you can "appeal" - the appeal is via DODMERB.
2. If you have the DQ condition you cannot appeal, you can only go the waiver route via that academy's (or that branch's) medical authority, it is not done via DODMERB.
3. If your file is equally qualified with another candidate who doesn't need a waiver, you are at a disadvantage unless race, sex, or athletics set you apart as a better fit for the class profile - all can have an impact on this decision.
Good luck and best wishes as I know this can feel like the end, but it really isn't. Keep fighting!
FWIW...my son was medically DQ'd in 2010 for childhood asthma, USAFA requested a waiver for him. He had to have a pulmonary function test provided by a DODMERB approved facility...he failed that test, but it was because at the time of testing he was recovering from a cold. We were able to get him into a military facility respiratory clinic and have the test redone a few weeks later. He passed with flying (no pun intended) colors. We submitted those results to USAFA review board, he was granted a medical waiver, but given a "non-pilot qualified" medical status.
He will graduate May 28, 2014 and has a pilot slot!
He will graduate May 28, 2014 and has a pilot slot!