Asthma

APThul

5-Year Member
Joined
May 27, 2013
Messages
7
Hi, I'm really interested in joining either the Air Force or Army, and want to join ROTC my sophomore year in college (in going to be a freshman this fall, and am going to try to take some ROTC classes), but I'm well aware of the asthma DQ issues and such. I've read over the DoDMERB standards and understand that 1) if I pass the methacholine challenge, or 2) go without my inhaler for 3 years on I should be eligible...

I found out that I was diagnosed with asthma literally like a week after the cutoff age, and have had an inhaler issued as 'precautionary' (it wasn't clear to me that I didn't have to use it, the doctor told me to so I did). Anyways, I haven't had any problems with my asthma and have stopped using my inhaler since I know it can ruin my chances even more the more I use it. I really, truly believe that I have either grown out of it, or never had it. I've played soccer all my life, go to the gym frequently, consider myself pretty fit, and don't have any issues with breathing.

I'm planning on taking the methacholine challenge at the end of this summer before I report for college soccer pre-season just to eliminate any suspicions.

Basically what I'm asking is, are my two understandings above correct? And if I pass the methacholine challenge test, can I still be DQd? And also, are there other ways around the asthma issue since I'm fairly certain I dont have it?
 
No one knows.

The truth is know one knows for sure. You really need to go through the process. There are many good threads on asthma on the site that can give you more insight. You may want to wait on the methacholine challenge as it is expensive and may not be necessary and if it is it would be paid for on your behalf. The good news is that asthma waivers do happen. The bad news is that the process is unpredictable. Good luck!
 
Thanks! I kind of figured that much, but I just wanted to see. I still might take the methacholine challenge because my doctor had mentioned that it wasn't really expensive (opposite of what most people say).
When I pass though (staying optimistic!), would I have any chance of still being DQd for that issue?
 
A couple of things.
APThul said:
going to be a freshman this fall, and am going to try to take some ROTC classes

If you are taking ROTC classes this fall, it is you will be in ROTC. You will be a 100 for AFROTC. You can't just say I want to take the class, but not do PT until next yr when I am a sophomore. I am pretty sure that is true for AROTC too.


The chances are you may be still DQ'd, or given a remedial because it is in your medical records. It is just the way the process works.

They may just want to see the results that you have (remedial) or DQ and send you to their doc for the test.

That is the thing, when you go for the DoDMERB exam, they give you a list of approved docs that they will allow you to go to; your family doc may not be on that list.

DoDMERB has a flat set of regs to follow regarding the exam results and the procedures for administering the exam. This is why some say just wait because DoDMERB may or may not request it. If financially it is not an issue, I would do it because if they do give you a DQ or a remedial, you have your paperwork ready to go and it can speed up the process. Plus give you piece of mind that you will pass it.

Just remember it is the branch that has the ability to decide if they will waive results not DoDMERB.
 
A couple of things. If you are taking ROTC classes this fall, it is you will be in ROTC. You will be a 100 for AFROTC. You can't just say I want to take the class, but not do PT until next yr when I am a sophomore. I am pretty sure that is true for AROTC too.

Actually it may depend on the college. I know of some schools, if not most or all, which allow students to enroll in the military and naval science classes for academic credit. They do not need to be enrolled in ROTC and do PT. So it's possible for Army and Navy. I agree in that I don't think it's possible for Air Force, but I wouldn't bet my life on that either. OP should inquire at his college.

That being said, I don't think one would mesh well with others without being fully enrolled in the program including all Labs and PT. There will be time to work out the DQ and waiver issues as a college programmer while also demonstrating you can handle it and are determined to do so. That would go a long way towards helping your cause.
 
Kinnem,

On this site you learn something new everyday no matter how long you have been around, and are constantly reminded of what assume really means.

Not to take this off track, I agree with kinnem, check it out with the det. before assuming like I did it is all or nothing. My assumption was PT and LLAB are part of the AFROTC credit. I can be 1 MILLION percent incorrect.

I also would inquire for AFROTC in particular because of SFT if this might become an issue as a 200 on Commander's ranking. Plus, how it works for 200 yr...will you be a 250, or a 200?

Back on topic.

If you are already talking to them, ask them up front how the waiver process will work for you if you have taken the additional exams. The reason why is as you stated you are playing soccer in college. Traditionally, they will request the exam via DoDMERB. DoDMERB will contact you regarding the docs you can take the exam with. You set up the appointment. It must be done within a specific time frame. It can become a scheduling conflict with soccer, and academics, plus if you have no car, it can be an issue on getting to that doc.
~~~~ I.E. Our DS had to get a physical done for SFT (DoDMERB cleared), he had no car. It was a pain in the arse to get it done in the required time period.


Inform them you will be in soccer too, thus the concern.

Good luck. I honestly would think being on a college soccer team, it isn't going to be that hard to get a waiver. JMPO AND THROW IT IN THE CIRCULAR FILING CABINET(garbage can).
 
Thanks!

I really appreciate all of these responses to my dilemma! I'm glad to hear that my soccer might help me get around this as well.

Since I'm not in ROTC my freshman year, when I get on campus for class scheduling and preseason, I'll go talk to them about the waiver process and all. I'm still hoping that my schedule has a free space to take the Basic Marksmanship/Repelling ROTC course (I'm 99% positive my college allows me to take ROTC classes for credit without actually being IN ROTC). And I'm still going to plan on taking the methacholine challenge as well this summer.

Again, thanks to everyone for all of these responses so far! It's really helping me get a clearer idea on what may occur through the process.
 
Does Not Meet Medical Standards

As expected, just got the official info that i 'don't meet the medical standards'. However, I'm a bit frustrated to not only see asthma one there.

It shows:
Code Description
D141.50 Allergic manifestations, history of systemic allergic reaction
D241.30 Asthma/reactive airway disease/exercise induced bronchospasm after age 13
D211.50 History of head injury

First, my 'head injury' was a concussion that I have no symptoms from. I'm perfectly fine, if not better than before. I guess me just having the symptoms during the actual concussion screwed me over there.
Second, my allergies aren't bad either. Actually, as with my asthma, I'm pretty sure I grew out of them as well. I thought I was pretty clear about this when the doctor asked about them in my exam, but apparently not. The only thing I even think they got me for was a bee sting freshman year.

I'm sure one might be able to sense my frustration in this, but what do I do now?
 
D211.50 History of head injury

First, my 'head injury' was a concussion that I have no symptoms from. I'm perfectly fine, if not better than before. I guess me just having the symptoms during the actual concussion screwed me over there.

Yeah, so head injuries are tricky. Essentially, I'm going to make some assumptions and you can tell me if/how I'm off based. If your head injury occurred in the past 3 years OR your PCM prescribed you meds for the head injury (aspirin, Tylenol, etc), then you do not meet standards.

The military is huge on TBIs (yes a concussion is a mild TBI). The asthma is per history (verbal or med records), same for your allergy. I honestly don't see you rebutting all 3 successfully.

Best of luck in your endeavors.

-Dr. G.
 
The only thing I even think they got me for was a bee sting freshman year.

Not sure what you mean about the bee sting, but if you had a bad reaction to a sting, I think that would be a 'red flag' to DODMERB and the branches.
 
D141.50 Allergic manifestations, history of systemic allergic reaction

I am guessing this is the bee sting. Did you need an epi for the sting or any kind of meds? If so, I agree this might be the biggie issue when it comes to a waiver.
 
I got stung freshman year one my way to first bell, went to the doctor around fifth bell because it was itching, and the doctor gave me an epipen to carry around after that. They said I probably would never need it but 'just in case'. I never have used or needed the epipen.
 
I am guessing you placed that in your DoDMERB...the epi med prescription.

Like the inhaler, there is no proof you didn't use it, only the fact that it was prescribed, so the flag was raised. It is on your records.

Just get your medical records in order because either way you want to go in this situation, they are DQs not remedials.
 
I got stung freshman year one my way to first bell, went to the doctor around fifth bell because it was itching, and the doctor gave me an epipen to carry around after that. They said I probably would never need it but 'just in case'. I never have used or needed the epipen.
You get stung and 4 hours later it is itching and the doctor gives you an epipen? This sounds ridiculous to me. CYA medicine at it finest. I hope you are able to resolve this with DoDMERB as most bee stings itch a bit on most people. If this is the whole story, you received a big headache as a side effect of CYA doctoring in my personal non-medical opinion. I wish you good luck.
 
I am really confused right now.
APThul said:
Hi, I'm really interested in joining either the Air Force or Army, and want to join ROTC my sophomore year in college (in going to be a freshman this fall, and am going to try to take some ROTC classes), but I'm well aware of the asthma DQ issues and such. I've read over the DoDMERB standards and understand that 1) if I pass the methacholine challenge, or 2) go without my inhaler for 3 years on I should be eligible...

This was posted May 27, 2013...6 weeks ago.

APThul said:
Since I'm not in ROTC my freshman year, when I get on campus for class scheduling and preseason, I'll go talk to them about the waiver process and all. I'm still hoping that my schedule has a free space to take the Basic Marksmanship/Repelling ROTC course (I'm 99% positive my college allows me to take ROTC classes for credit without actually being IN ROTC). And I'm still going to plan on taking the methacholine challenge as well this summer.
This was June 3rd.

Two plus two does not equal 4. It is a 180.

How did you get a DoDMERB exam already if you didn't have a scholarship in hand? Plus, the response for DQs? That is a quick turn around time from your 1st post to the latest post. No offense, just trying to understand where you are coming from and what I know regarding the system. It is just confusing to me...you weren't intending to join until a soph 6 weeks ago, but now you have gone through the process and have a DQ list. For AFROTC non-scholarship cadets do not get a DoDMERB exam as incoming freshman.

Were you on an alt. list for scholarship?

If so, the question needs to be pinpointed even more. DoDMERB DQs, branches waive. You have 3 DQs. AFROTC might not waive any of them, but it wouldn't matter in any case if the scholarship is AROTC because the Army would waive it.

DoDMERB DQs, branches waive.

I am not trying to be rude, but like I said, your original post stated no intention of doing ROTC in any branch come Sept., but now you have gone through DoDMERB and I am not getting how that happened unless you are suppose to contract this Sept. OBTW, if you are intending to contract in Sept., you need to make this priority number 1. No waiver = no contracting = no tuition, no stipend, or book allowance until they get the waiver. If it takes 5 months...and it is Dec. talk to the det to see if they will pay fall semester tuition and books. My bet is probably NO.

I could be mis-reading all of your other posts, and you could have had a last minute scholarship offer, however the best replies you will ever get comes from every aspect stated. Right now, IMPO you are missing a big chunk! How did you get an exam done and response in @ 4 weeks?? Why did they pay for it if you are not contracting this Sept.? I don't follow that the exam was authorized if not contracting this yr. The SAs are playing chicken with their sister services and not sending students until they are competitive candidates. It costs too much and is only valid for 2 yrs.

Did you get a 3 yr ROTC scholarship since June 3rd?
 
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You get stung and 4 hours later it is itching and the doctor gives you an epipen? This sounds ridiculous to me. CYA medicine at it finest. I hope you are able to resolve this with DoDMERB as most bee stings itch a bit on most people. If this is the whole story, you received a big headache as a side effect of CYA doctoring in my personal non-medical opinion. I wish you good luck.

Medical "CYA" occurs when a doc feels the condition or patient is a danger to themselves or others (anaphylaxis). Essentially, itching doesn't fall into that category. We HATE paperwork. We're not going to generate more paperwork unless we need to document how the patient was treated or CYA. I doubt "itching" led to the prescription of a epinephrine.
 
Medical "CYA" occurs when a doc feels the condition or patient is a danger to themselves or others (anaphylaxis). Essentially, itching doesn't fall into that category. We HATE paperwork. We're not going to generate more paperwork unless we need to document how the patient was treated or CYA. I doubt "itching" led to the prescription of a epinephrine.


Hey, as a health care provider I really don't like this characterization of how professionals practice:thumbdown: I dislike paperwork when it keeps me from patients but I understand how important it is to accurately document what I see and what I do. I don't practice to cover myself. I take pride in taking excellent care of the people that I have the privilege of working with. I realize that some people might practice as you describe, but I would argue that they are in the minority:wink:

And how is anaphylaxis a danger to others?
 
Hey, as a health care provider I really don't like this characterization of how professionals practice:thumbdown: I dislike paperwork when it keeps me from patients but I understand how important it is to accurately document what I see and what I do. I don't practice to cover myself. I take pride in taking excellent care of the people that I have the privilege of working with. I realize that some people might practice as you describe, but I would argue that they are in the minority:wink:

And how is anaphylaxis a danger to others?

I concur with the paperwork aspect. It gets in the way of patient care (sometimes). I said "danger to themselves or others"; in this case the patient would be in danger (emphasis on the OR).

-Dr. G.
 
Pima,

I completely understand why you are confused. As of six weeks ago, everything that was posted was true. I was not in ROTC, nor expecting to be until sophomore year. I was fully planning on going in, playing soccer and dealing with tuition on my own. However, I had my orientation the first week of June, and was actually able to have a one-on-one with the AROTC program. I was able to explain my interest, my predicament, and my other involvements (soccer). I was surprised to hear that he thought I would be a very good candidate for scholarships due to my involvements, GPA, major, etc., and he said that there were still ones that I could get for this coming school year. With that, I came in the following week to get more information, and they set me up with DoDMERB exams, paperwork, and everything then to get the process going. So, yes, two weeks after that, I had my exams completed, and as of a few days ago, got my DQ info. I'm actually going into the office this week to discuss the waiver possibilities.

I hope that clears everything, or mostly everything up! Sorry for the confusion. This was a quick process for me as well!
 
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