Baffled by Late Medical Waiver

[dormansoccermom]

My son was a candidate for USAFA class of 2011 and was recruited to play soccer at the academy. He was medically disqualified for an ankle injury and asthma symptoms. So, we had his orthopedic surgeon examine him and write a letter saying his ankle was sound. That was accepted by the academy. The asthma symptoms were the problem. He doesn't have asthma, but over 2 years ago went to our family doctor with seasonal allergies and the doctor wrote down "asthma symptoms." The doctor later wrote that asthma was a misdiagnosis and said it was a one time case of bronchitis. We submitted our doctor's letter, but the academy wasn't convinced, so we had a methacholine challenge test performed by a pulmonary specialist which showed up negative for asthma. Still, my son was left hanging waiting for a waiver. Well, he got his waiver in the mail today (8/13/07) and here's what DoDMERB web site says:

Agency: US Air Force Academy Sub Agency:
Current Medical Status: Commission Qualified - Medical Waiver granted

D224.60 - Disease/chronic pain: lower extremity(ies) hindering active lifestyle
D241.30 - Asthma/reactive airway disease/exercise induced bronchospasm after age 13
D252.10 - Non-rebuttal code
D259.42 - Waiver Approved - USAFA CQ

The letter he received from DoDMERB today states: "Medical waiver is approved for potential admission to the US Air Force Academy."

My son moves into a university in 5 days! The 2011 cadets reported on June28th. Why would a waiver be granted in August? We needed to receive this news months ago since the pulmonary function tests were performed in mid December!

 

[RetNavyHM]

This is a new one for me. I'm wondering if he was put into the system for the new class that goes in next year. I would give DoDMERB a call and find out exactly what happened with your son's file.

 

[1mom]

I am curious to know if having a waiver approved means that the USAFA is intending to offer an appointment. My son received a waiver in November, but haven't heard anything else since.

 

[NavyHoops]

It generally means they are competitive for an appointment. There are plenty of kids who get appointments with waivers and others with waivers who don't.

 

[1mom]

Thank you. He has asked his ALO about the status of his application review twice. Each time, he was told that, "everything looks good and ready." We are hoping for the best.

 

[Padre101]

It generally means they are competitive for an appointment. There are plenty of kids who get appointments with waivers and others with waivers who don't.

@NavyHoops - This seems like an old thread, but can you explain (if possible) how the original poster's DS' "asthma symptoms" were discovered. If it was a misdiagnosis, how did DODMERB find out the doctor's incorrect letter?

 

[NavyHoops]

It's very old. I responded because 1mom asked a general question, not one specific to the case. Honestly no clue Padre. First time I have ever seen that since I have been on this board. The good news is DODMERB is good for 2 years, so if reapplying then they would be good. I could only speculate on the piece from 2007.