asthma DQ

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714

5-Year Member
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Jun 5, 2012
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My son has been decided he really wants to get appointment into the USAFA.
In doing research on qualifications, we ran accross a instant medical DQ.
He was diagnosed with asthma at 15. He may have used the inhaler 1 to 2 times at best. After losing weight and getting in shape he has not had any problems; just meds for sinusites. I never dreamed this would effect his future in such a way. He is sick at the thought of this preventing his appointment.

It seems in everthing I read the cut off for such diagnosis is 12. Is there any hope at all of getting a medical waiver with asthma after that age?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
 
You will just need to go through the process and let it run its course. He would also have to do the exam if he is going to apply for an AFROTC scholarship.

One thing to understand is the way the system works. DoDMERB DQ's and it is up to the branch to grant the waiver.

They will pay for the doctor exams, and you will be given a list of docs you may go to for the exam. Your hometown doc may or may not be on the list, so be prepared to get his records in order JIC they aren't eligible to do the exam.
 
714 said:
My son has been decided he really wants to get appointment into the USAFA.
In doing research on qualifications, we ran accross a instant medical DQ.
He was diagnosed with asthma at 15. He may have used the inhaler 1 to 2 times at best. After losing weight and getting in shape he has not had any problems; just meds for sinusites. I never dreamed this would effect his future in such a way. He is sick at the thought of this preventing his appointment.

It seems in everthing I read the cut off for such diagnosis is 12. Is there any hope at all of getting a medical waiver with asthma after that age?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Don't "self-disqualify" by not applying, thinking that a DQ is the ultimate outcome. Let DODMERB make that determination. Not getting an appointment is 100% if he doesn't apply.

More than likely, he will receive an initial DQ (i.e. does not meet medical standards) for the condition, and that's when the "fun" begins - the waiver process.

At that point, you can submit all relevant medical records, going back as far as birth if necessary. Any current doctors that have treated him can also write letters as to his current condition. he can submit a statement as to how the condition affects (or not affects) him. And of course, he can have a Methacholine Challenge test (at your expense) performed to verify his current spirometry.

All of that may lead to a waiver, and it could also be all for nothing - but let THEM make that call.

Asthma waivers have happened before, and anything is possible - apply, follow through until they say "no" and have a great "Plan B" to fall back on.

:cool:
 
Did your son's doctor conduct a Methacholine Test for Asthma?

A doctor told me that many doctors will just diagnose someone based on asthma like symptoms without the methacholine test, as the test is somewhat expansive. Why do a several thousand dollar test when an inhaler will take care of the symptom.

West Point will order the metchacholine test for competitive candidates, not all candidates.
 
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