DODMERB Physical and what to expect

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PeterK

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Jan 13, 2014
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I am a 2019 hopeful and I wanted to know what the DODMERB would cover and if there were any major disqualifications. I have a very minor (like 6 degree) curve in my spine, which is technically scoliosis, but it hasn't ever affected me before.
 
DoDMERB is a fairly thorough affair. You will report on orthopedic issues including curveture of the spine. Don't sweat it now since you can't change your medical history.

Here is something I found on the link provided below. I can't vouch for its accuracy, but it appears to be legit. I hope this helps.

Current deviation or curvature of spine (737) from normal alignment, structure, or function is disqualifying if:

(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

(2) It interferes with the proper wearing of a uniform or military equipment.

(3) It is symptomatic.

(4) There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or kyphosis and lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb method. d. History of congenital fusion (756.15), involving more than two vertebral bodies is disqualifying. Any surgical fusion of spinal vertebrae (P81.0) is disqualifying.

Link

Keep your focus on things within your control. Start a club, keep/get in shape, take the most challenging academic classes you can, and be a leader in the classroom and on the athletic field. Participate in activities you enjoy, not just because they'll look good.
 
Unless it has been diagnosed by a doctor, do not self-report medical issues.
 
I just finished up with DoDMERB. I had a difficult time. I have dyslexia and the disqualified me for it. However, I was submitted for a medical waiver by admissions because I was considered a competitive candidate. This appeal was my chance to prove my dyslexia wasn't holding me back. They requested a lot of information to better understand my situation and I was finally granted a waiver. From my experience DoDMERB has very black and white standards if you don't meet them they will disqualify you but just remember there is always a chance for a medical waiver and appeal.


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I was disqualified temporarily for having Kawasaki's disease when I was like 4 (look it up; Google is your friend). Westpoint dropped me then and there, but the USAFA put a waiver in and I'm good now. I think it's a very fair system. More than anything it's to help keep YOU safe from any injuries or limitations. As mentioned, if it doesn't really affect your performance you should be good... and again, don't self-report anything!
 
Childhood Asthma

I am a 2019 hopeful and I was wondering how far back does DoDMERB check? I had asthma as a child but it went away in my pre-teen, early teen years. I was diagnosed with allergies and asthma at a very young age but no other doctor has diagnosed me with anything since. I am perfectly healthy and well now. I seem to have pretty much completely outgrew allergies and asthma. Given my situation, should I let them know that I had allergies and asthma? And could that potentially disqualify me?
 
I think ten years. I was disqualified for cholesteatoma that I had when I was three. I put it down on the form and was disqualified and thankfully USAFA requested a waiver for me and I ultimately received an appointment. But when dealing with DoDMERB, they stated that I shouldn't have reported it in the first place, as it happened over ten years ago.

I think both allergies and asthma are grounds for disqualification, I'm not sure exactly cause I don't still have access to the DoDMERB website to check. Remember that if you're disqualified, a waiver can be obtained, it just totally depends on each individual case. Someone else could have the exact same thing and be disqualified while someone else could obtain a waiver. Hopefully someone else can chime in. I'd also recommend posting to the DoDMERB forum on this site. Best of luck, I know that worrying about medical issues is really stressful especially because there's nothing that you can do. Just stay dedicated and put your best effort forward!
 
If you've got a reportable condition, even when a young child, you need to report it. Remember, this is so that YOU and those around you remain safe.

There is a section where you put dates and explainations:

"Every "yes" response in items 7 through 81 must be explained in the space provided. Give specific dates and details including names of physicians and hospitals or clinics and the current status of the condition. If additional space is required, continue on a separate sheet and attach to this form."

DD had a broken arm when she was 10 - reported, not DQ-ed
 
I did some PT to correctly learn how to lift, protect my back. If that is on my medical chart is that disqualifying?


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I am a 2019 hopeful and I was wondering about allergies. My dad was disqualified from pilot training in the army because he had hay fever, and I have it too, really bad. He told me if they ask to just say I don't have it. I was wondering if that would potentially keep me out of the Academy though. For whatever reason, when I don't eat sugar I don't get it as bad, so I was going to stay away from sugar from now until Basic next year, because I'm assuming they aren't going to give you allergy meds... Any insight would be helpful!
 
As a career USAF aviator I can tell you that we never self-report to the flight doc that we have hay-fever. We can however intermittently suffer from "seasonal discomfort." :smile:

Bottom line, unless you have been to an allergist who has actually diagnosed you in writing I would recommend you do not report that you have hay-fever.

In the real Air Force the key is that you will not be able to take meds like Allegra or Zyrtec if you are in the flying business. Likewise, you need to maintain the ability to valsalva. Therefore, if you temporarily have some seasonal discomfort the flight doc will usually DNIF you and prescribe some pseudoephedrine for a few days. If you aren't on flying status you can be prescribed maintenance meds for allergy symptoms without worry of medical disqualification.
 
PeterK said:
I did some PT to correctly learn how to lift, protect my back. If that is on my medical chart is that disqualifying?


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Click to expand...

Not sure why this would be disqualifying. Was it to correct a medical condition?
 
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