Bummer

S

Swiper

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2009
Messages
22
"You do not meet the DoD medical standards"

^A candidate's nightmare.

Personally, I feel that I was disqualified for something very insignificant and hopefully waiver-worthy.

I'm applying to West Point; has anyone received a waiver from them yet? If I'm deemed competitive for appointment, when should I expect the waiver process to begin?
 
Do you have to remedial or been disqualified completely? I believe the waiver proccess is automatic but you should email Mr. Mullen with your problem. He works at DoDMERB and is very helpful. You were very vague in your post about what standard you failed so meet so I can't really give my input on how hard/easy it is to get a waiver on it. Just remember all cases are different. Here's his email.

Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil
 
At first it was remedial, but after further evaluation I received a letter of disqualification. It's classified under "Miscellanceous disqualifier- chronic pancreatic insufficiency".

That sounds so much worse than it actually is, and my only treatment is a daily vitamin. (A vitamin that is by no means essential to my survival, just important for my long-term health) I would not be limited in any way during my service.

What do you think?
 
What do you think?
Click to expand...

I think you should email Larry Mullen. What any -- or all -- of us think really doesn't matter. What matters is what DODMERB and your SA think about YOUR INDIVIDUAL CASE. Larry can help you with that. We can't.
 
I understand that. I have actually already e-mailed Mr. Mullen, and I posted mainly to find out about the waiver process. Thanks though.
 
Hopefully Mr Mullen will explain this to you but briefly, the process for a Medical waiver at West Point is:
Admissions will determine you are competitive for admissions and then decide whether or not to seek a medical waiver.
When they decide to seek a waiver your dodmerb status should change. Not sure if they still mail out letters but if they do they will send you a notice.
The process is "automatic" - in other words you don't request it.
If/when admissions seeks a medical waiver they basically send your case to the physicians at Keller Army Hospital. They will review your file, perhaps as for a remedial and make a determination. This process can take from a matter of days to weeks or months. Your Regional Commander may be able to explain to you what is going on but can't really influence the determination by the physicians.
Definitely speak to Mr Mullen.
One thing my daughter did was write a letter - to DoDMERB- but it was sent to West Point. She put in the letter what she was dq'd for, when/how she was diagnosed, what treatment and how it affected her/or didn't affect her. Mr Mullen can give you guidance here.

You can't really base your own experience on anyone else's experience. It is all different and depends on your particular medical condition.
Good Luck
 
That really is a bummer. I'm in the same boat as you are: "do not meet DoD qualifications" because of a "history of congenital bleeding disorder." (And I haven't had the disorder for almost 15 years!)

I was disqualified for the main three service academies on October 6th. In the beginning of November, West Point sent me two letters: one notifying me of the waiver process, and the other a letter of assurance.

In the first letter, I was informed that West Point has a "90-day waiver process," and to send all requested information to DoDMERB immediately, or I would not be considered for a waiver any longer. The letter emphasized that waivers are not given out to just anyone, because it takes away the opportunity for a medically qualified candidate.

So, basically, the waiver authorities at each respective academy will review your file. If they deem you admissible, you will be automatically considered for a waiver.

After that, though, I don't know... it's been two weeks and I haven't received any further requests for medical information.... :confused:
 
Just A Mom, that was very helpful! Thank you very much.

Armybrat, good luck! Keep us posted.

That cleared up a lot for me.
 
If U sent me an email, I will reply tomorrow:thumb:
 
Swiper, you are welcome but email Mr Mullen!
armybrat - you should email Mr Mullen as well, he can help you navigate the process.
 
I am going to my email now to answer any emails I haven't answered during the day due to high volume:thumb:
 
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