AROTC scholarship and new injury

Joined
Nov 12, 2015
Messages
18
My son has received an offer of a 4 year AROTC Scholarship, accepted, and has gone for his medical exams. I don't know the status of the exams; it was only last week. He has since injured his hand. It's likely fractured. He does not want to seek medical attention since he is worried that it will cause him to "fail" the medical. Can someone please explain the procedure for this type of situation? He needs an x-ray.
 
Get treated immediately and keep copies of all of the medical records. Radiology report, ortho consultation, progress notes and release. At discharge, ask the physician for a letter describing the injury, treatment and final outcome.

BTW, I'm no expert, but I do not believe fractures are show stoppers. My DS reported a broken clavicle on his paperwork. Treated by sling, recovered after 10 weeks with no limitations or restrictions. Was qualified by DoDMERB with no remedials.
 
I agree that he needs to get it treated immediately. If he ignores it and it does not heal properly, his military career will be over.
 
My DS had broken two fingers in his freshman year in HS. He brought all the paperwork, a letter from his doctor, and his football coach. The coach's letter addressed his complete recovery by describing the various sports he played throughout HS. He did not even get placed on review.

So, don't delay getting treatment. You want to make a full recovery.
 
Agree with above plus he has plenty of time to heal. His health always comes first.
 
+1 to the above comments about getting it treated first and foremost. You'll need to give an update to the 3rd party company (Concorde?) and give them a status change for your son. They'll notify the DODMERB on his status change. You'll likely go into a "Remedial" status when it's moved over to the DODMERB. Keep all records, X-rays, etc. and be sure once it's healed to have a re-check and sign off from the Dr. that he's good to go and that it does not have an impact on other sports, PT and there are no physical limitations (if that is the case). DS had a Remedial after his ROTC exam for a foot re-check and we made sure to have a re-check and sent all of the paperwork to the DODMERB & kept copies. He's waiting for the final word - but the DODMERB is backed up and the system does not seem to be generating either status or Remedial notifications. It's been this way for the past 2 weeks. It may take awhile, but the sooner you get it treated & the re-check done, the sooner you'll be on a path for a clearance.
 
Thanks for all the advice. He went today and the x-ray was negative. No recheck is necessary. Does he need to advise Concorde with a status change since it is not fractured?
 
The tricky part is that he has not yet been initially cleared by DoDMERB. I would suggest sending an inquiry as to how to report and if you need to, by email to DoDMERB just saying he injured his hand and that xrays were negative and he is participating in activities with no restrictions. Tell them he had his exams, but the qualification results have not been posted yet. Hopefully, they will respond with what to do.
 
Before doing anything, you may want to consult with Dr. Glen Merchant. He was previously the director of DODMERB. Contact information can be found on his website (http://www.dodmerbconsultants.com).

The DD 2492 asks about the following:

#50 "Any bone or joint problem, injuries, surgery or medical treatment".

#77 Consulted, or been treated by clinics, hospitals, physicians, healers, or other practitioners for other than minor illnesses?

#79 Had any injury or illness other than those already noted?

Based on ROTC Mom's email, the outcome was "x-ray was negative. No recheck is necessary". This sounds like a minor issue, but I would check with Dr. Merchant or other forum members may provide guidance.

Personally, I agree with EDelahanty's assessment. There is nothing to report.
 
Last edited:
Aahh yes, the days of bubble wrap, never seems to end.

First came worrying about not getting hurt after receiving the scholarship. Then not getting hurt until commissioning. Basically hoping for both no injuries or nothing stupid that would cause the loss of the scholarship and leaving the program.

Doesn't end there either, once commissioned they still need to finish their service obligation. My older son will hit 4 years active this May, that's when he gets to have that final sigh of relief.

As far as bubble wrap, that idea went out the window fast, both sons never really changed what they enjoyed doing. When I think of the pictures our older son has sent us over the past nearly four years, it's apparent he has not slowed down a bit. Surfing in Hawaii, hiking on trails that would give me acrophobia just looking at them, Scuba diving in Malta, or Trekking around Vietnam, and skiing in Korea.

I guess all we can do is wish them well and trust they are smart and cautious while being adventurous.
 
Doesn't end there either, once commissioned they still need to finish their service obligation.

I know what you mean. I'll keep an eye on him since he reports to his first Duty Station next weekend.

He can talk his way out of a lot of things, but not a charge of Grand Theft Snowcat.
 
He can talk his way out of a lot of things, but not a charge of Grand Theft Snowcat.

Haha, I like that. Where is he going, someplace snowy? Never mind, just realized your taking him skiing. Haven't finished my coffee yet.
 
Where is he going, someplace snowy?

Yes. We're headed to Crested Butte, CO. Filled with my crazy family. Hoping to catch the predicted blizzard. Then he flies to MN to spend a few days with GF and then off to the Middle East. Can't blame him for wanting to roll around in the snow for a while before hitting the dessert.

Sorry to hijack, Mom. You are reading about your future and its terrific!
 
Haha! Exactly Jcleppe! My oldest is at USNA and still is a dangerous boy. Crazy hiking trips for fun. Youngest is ROTC and entertains himself with heavy equipment in the garage. Bravery is as bravery does. We're living on a prayer for the next nine years.
 
Back
Top