Shoulder question

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MamaBear4

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Son was at SLE #1 and injured his shoulder. He is still having intermittent pain. He went to his Sports Med Dr this morning and after an X-ray is being referred for an MRI with 6 weeks of PT. This appears to be an automatic DQ. He has no restrictions and is able to compete in football. Does West Point waiver shoulder injuries? My heart hurts for him as this is his dream!

He has plans B, C, and D but has given up the opportunity to play college football in order to focus on being a student. Academics are his first love and he absolutely loved West Point.

Do shoulder issues get waivered? Dr feels the PT has a great shot to get him to 100%.

Thanks in advance.
 
Search shoulder on here. lots of threads.
From what I have been told shoulder injuries do commonly receive waivers assuming they have healed properly and there is no instability.
Keep a copy of the MRI report as you may need it for the waiver.
Also note a lot depends on the final diagnosis. If it was not dislocated and surgery is not required he may be able answer no to that question.
 
All good ideas! My husband took him this morning as my other son had football practice and needed a driver.

He didn't dislocate it but has had intermittent pain since SLE. Primary care wanted to give it some time as there was no swelling, etc.

Will ask for copies of all records.

Thanks!
 
having a sore shoulder does not mean it was injured in such a way as to be disqualifying. wait for the MRI report.
 
Waiting on the MRI to be approved. His MRI 2 years ago moved along at a snails pace but once it got approved it was quick! Love his Dr and his thorough manner. Just really hate to think of this issue being an obstacle but his plan B,C and D are all positive. A roller coaster ride is beginning! :)
 
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My daughter had a shoulder diagnosis of "left shoulder pain", negative MRI, and 6 weeks PT. Look at the joint issue disqualifying conditions, this is not disqualifying. However, if they use diagnosis code of "shoulder instability (subnuxation)", "dislocation", etc., those are disqualifying and will require waivers. I have no idea about the academies, I honestly don't even know what SLE is LOL, however, just sharing my DD's experience with DODMERB and ROTC. We sent in PT memo, MRI order and report (they just want the report not the actual MRI), and she was qualified with no other documentation needed. The biggest difference is her PT was completed a over a year before her exam. I am in the medical field, it doesn't hurt to ask the doctor what codes he/she is using. diagnosis codes are generally used for how they bill, and they have some flexibility what they call it. Not suggesting you ask for them to call it something it is not, just know that sometimes that can make things go wrong just because they prefer one diagnosis code over another....That ship might of already sailed, but the diagnosis code on the MRI order is what you want to look at.
 
SLE is the summer seminar at West Point. He had this injury at the obstacle course day. Was checked out by the medic and returned to action.

He is scheduled with the PT tomorrow for assessment and the MRI - 3 magnet - Friday. My thoughts are to pursue every avenue but whatever is meant to be will be. He was in PT 2 summers ago for 3 weeks for a back injury being a 15 year old wrestling on concrete and the PT was a miracle healer. He's been working on all the noms and apps this summer patiently (NOT :) )waiting on USMA to open his portal.

He was thrilled to hear he had no restrictions for the football season.

I will ask for the official diagnosis code.

Thanks!
 
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Sometimes a mother's intuition is right. Son received terrible news today from his MRI. Surgery consult Wednesday and out for the football season.

After a sad moment for my son, his response to me was that he will learn to lead from the sideline. Still dedicated to being a cadet.

Proud of his resilience in the moment of losing a sport he loves. Looking to the future for that lemonade people always speak of. :) I need a glass.
 
waiver process cannot start until 6 months after the surgery.
 
Anyone think this is doable? To hurt himself at SLE is ironic. He has great plans B,C,D. He was invited to CVW at USNA already.

I am kicking myself in hindsight as WP medics said he was fine and he finished the obstacle course. His trainer at school said he was fine with some rest. I had a nagging suspicion. It was an orthopedic visit and a second thought MRI that helped us find it out. He still maintains is doesn't hurt and he is fine which hopefully is a good sign.

No one can answer if this is doable. He started the day an All State football captain and ended a sidelined Captain. He is so fortunate to be bright with a huge ACT. Trying not to be a pity party and looking at all he has going for him.
 
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Remember surgeons always recommend surgery. Shoulder injurys that heal completely are often waived. The exact diagnosis is important. DQs of this type hinge on "history of".
 
It's pretty clear surgery is the best avenue. I just can't believe he had mildly decreased strength per the PT compared to the other shoulder, has been fully practicing football, lifting etc and says it's fine. The MRI tells a different tale.

Thanks. It's been a blue day but the sun will still come up tomorrow.
 
I was disqualified (D225) for my shoulder surgery. However with proving that my shoulder was fine after surgery, I was approved for my medical waiver. Be prepared for A LONG process. Don't be discouraged! Also, make sure you have all copies on every piece of paperwork for the shoulder.
 
Did your son successfully complete the CFA while at SLE?

Just wondering if not completed yet, will he have time to recover from surgery and get it completed prior to the deadline which I think was Jan 31 last go around
 
eljefe79 said:
I was disqualified (D225) for my shoulder surgery. However with proving that my shoulder was fine after surgery, I was approved for my medical waiver. Be prepared for A LONG process. Don't be discouraged! Also, make sure you have all copies on every piece of paperwork for the shoulder.
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So glad you had a positive outcome. He is 3 weeks post surgery and still wearing a sling. Doing very well all around. It will be a long process! His so positive and committed. Coaching the defensive ends and contributing to the football team. Dr has been very positive and we have been collecting paper for his shoulder. Dr said he would write a letter after he is rehabilitated.

Thanks for your boost of positive today!
 
Cerberi said:
Did your son successfully complete the CFA while at SLE?

Just wondering if not completed yet, will he have time to recover from surgery and get it completed prior to the deadline which I think was Jan 31 last go around
Click to expand...

He did very well on the CFA at SLE thankfully. He was interested in redoing it as his mile time was slower than he would like it to be. Dr said he will be able to exercise - run - before lifting. So glad he was successful at USMA and completed the obstacle course under adverse conditions but had he not been there, he would be healthier and playing football. Had he not gone to SLE he would not have been as committed most likely. He just loved the whole experience. :)
 
Don't lose all hope. Depending on what the specific injury is and after successful surgery a waiver may be possible. There are 9 months between now and graduation. You may want to make USMA plan C, but if your DS doesn't apply you will never know what could have been.

Everyone applying to college applies to at least one reach school. It is typically grades, SAT scores or EAs that make them a reach. In your DS case USMA is a reach because an additional hurdle, his shoulder.
 
He hasn't lost hope. I've been helping him focus on plans of all varieties and keeping in mind applying next year. ACT scores 99% with the exception of writing which he is retaking on 9/10 on the recommendation of his RC. He will have to take it in the sling but needs to focus on the writing. He has applied to a few schools but is looking at some Ivies. He was being recruited by Cornell and MIT but decided to not play football on college before the injury. Lots of possibilities. Attending CVW at the Naval Academy in September.
 
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