Asthma before 13

[geckhardt]

I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, but have had no issues since age 10. Is any history of asthma automatically disqualifying? Or is it only disqualifying after age 13?

 

[Maximus47]

From what I understand, and I am by no means and expert, they will probably request a remedial (more paperwork) and/or order a test such as a speriometry or a methacholine challenge test. Unless you are currently being prescribed medication (which can pose a challenge, even if you never use the medication), I do not see why they would disqualify you, especially if they have you do these tests. However, all exams are considered on a case-by-case basis, which means they still could disqualify you. If they do, do not despair! If the rest of your application to the service academies or ROTC is competitive, then I would say that you will be offered a waiver by the school.

Again I cannot speculate, but if your asthma history completely ended before you were thirteen I believe you will be fine.

Hope this helps and sorry for the long post.

 

[kinnem]

+1 to Maximus (I feel like I'm watching Gladiator) including all the caveats as well.

 

[EDelahanty]

From what I understand, and I am by no means and expert, they will probably request a remedial (more paperwork) and/or order a test such as a speriometry or a methacholine challenge test. Unless you are currently being prescribed medication (which can pose a challenge, even if you never use the medication), I do not see why they would disqualify you, especially if they have you do these tests. However, all exams are considered on a case-by-case basis, which means they still could disqualify you. If they do, do not despair! If the rest of your application to the service academies or ROTC is competitive, then I would say that you will be offered a waiver by the school.

Again I cannot speculate, but if your asthma history completely ended before you were thirteen I believe you will be fine.

Hope this helps and sorry for the long post.

Service academies have their own internal review processes with respect to waivers, but there is no guarantee they will grant a waiver. I've not heard of an ROTC school granting a medical waiver.