Asthma and Waivers

[James Nappe]

I'm currently an applicant for the USMA class of 2019. I've completed my application along with all required documents. I've also received a nomination from both a Congressman and Senator and am considered a "competitive applicant" due to lots of leadership experiences, high ACT/SAT scores, and great CFA test results.

As a kid, I had mild asthma and was prescribed medication every 2 or 3 years or so. When DoDMERB requested more information about my history of asthma, I sent in all my medical records from birth to present and based on the records, the last time I used an inhaler or any medication was well before my 13th birthday. However, it was recorded in my medical records that I had an asthmatic symptom after the age of 13, roughly when I was 15 and I was disqualified for asthma/reactive airway disease after the age of 13.

I've played sports my whole life and have participated in many conditioning camps throughout high school and never had any problems. Also, I did extremely well on the CFA test.

If anyone can tell me what the chances of receiving a waiver for this condition is that would be much appreciated. Also, any other information regarding asthma and the medical process would be great too.

Thanks

 

[usna1985]

As a general rule, waivers for "adult" asthma (after age 13) are very, very difficult to obtain. The reason is that members of the military are likely to be sent to environments, such as the desert, where there is a lot of dust and/or areas of high humidity. In war time conditions, an asthma attack can have serious consequences for the sufferer as well as his/her comrades, who must come to the rescue. For USNA, it's virtually impossible to get a waiver if you truly have adult asthma. Can't speak for USMA but would expect situation to be similar.

You may want to search on the DODMERB boards. I'm not a doctor but have read that there are tests that can determine whether or not you actually have asthma. If you've not pursued that avenue, you may wish to do so as your best option may be to prove that you don't actually have adult asthma vs. trying to obtain a waiver if you do. However, I'll let someone with experience with USMA/the Army correct me if my comments don't apply to that SA/service.

 

[MemberLG]

I'm currently an applicant for the USMA class of 2019. I've completed my application along with all required documents. I've also received a nomination from both a Congressman and Senator and am considered a "competitive applicant" due to lots of leadership experiences, high ACT/SAT scores, and great CFA test results.

As a kid, I had mild asthma and was prescribed medication every 2 or 3 years or so. When DoDMERB requested more information about my history of asthma, I sent in all my medical records from birth to present and based on the records, the last time I used an inhaler or any medication was well before my 13th birthday. However, it was recorded in my medical records that I had an asthmatic symptom after the age of 13, roughly when I was 15 and I was disqualified for asthma/reactive airway disease after the age of 13.

I've played sports my whole life and have participated in many conditioning camps throughout high school and never had any problems. Also, I did extremely well on the CFA test.

If anyone can tell me what the chances of receiving a waiver for this condition is that would be much appreciated. Also, any other information regarding asthma and the medical process would be great too.

Thanks

Contact your FFR or RC to find out if the Admissions Office will be requesting a wavier or not. Your first huddle is the admissions office requesting a waiver. Typically, if you are a competitive candidate, they will request a waiver. Typically waiver process takes 6 to 8 weeks, so Admissions office might not request a waiver as they might not get the waiver result before the application deadline or they can't wait to hold the vacancy you are competing for.

 

[MO06mom]

Try messaging MullenLE, he is assisting others with wavier question under the DoDMERB discussions

Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app

 

[MO06mom]

I just noticed that the discussions I read from MullenLE are a few years old.

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[Kronk]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation.
My course of action was a spirometry test last summer to test my lung function. My results of that were a clear pass for asthma.
Last week I took a PFT (pulmonary function test), which was a prerequisite to a methocholyne test I have scheduled next Friday.
The methocholyne test is pretty accurate from what I've been able to find, and with the results negative for asthma you should be able to get cleared.
I suggest you look into this COA as well?