Elective Surgery

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platypus1618

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How would DoDMERB react if I get non-medically necessary, elective surgery after getting medically qualified for an AROTC scholarship? Would this be grounds for disqualification, or would they just need to make sure it didn't have any adverse effects, and, if this is the case, would I have to wait a certain period of time after the surgery to be "re-qualified"?
 
Well it really depends on what kind of surgery you're talking about. There's a huge difference between something such as LASIK and something such as getting a mole removed.
 
As a scholarship recipient somewhere in that paperwork is a little blurb regarding change of medical status, and getting an operation, even non-elective is a change in your medical status.

I would contact your det., and inform them that you are thinking about it, what will be your next step?

I would do nothing without notifying them 1st.
 
I would be VERY careful. Several years ago, a colleague had a "nose job" and it went horribly wrong. To make a long story short, she needed multiple (think nearly 10) additional surgeries to "repair" the damage. Tissue grafts, skin grafts, a ruptured artery in her nose (that almost killed her) . . . and she never will be able to breathe properly out of one side of her nose -- along with some other problems. And, yes, the surgeon was reputable.

I realize this is the exception, not the rule, and I'm not trying to start a debate about the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery. What I AM saying is that, had this person been ready to start at a SA or on an ROTC scholarship, it likely would not have gone well for her from a medical standpoint because her medical condition today is not the same as it was pre-surgery.

If you want cosmetic surgery, wait until you're in the military and figure out how to do it within those confines. Or take a risk (albeit a small one) on losing your scholarship/appointment.
 
I would assume they would request a remedial.

It may be you will not be allowed to contract until the remedial is done. That becomes a question of how long it cold take. If it takes months to get through the process, you are not going to get your tuition paid, books an stipend until you contract.

Additionally, I would ask the cadre if they back pay it if you need to get a remedial. They may say, NO, we only pay from the moment you contract. What if they contract you in Nov.? Will they pay for fall semester tuition or not?

There are a lot of IFs in my post, but that is what I would be looking at.

When they waive, they accept all of your pre-existing conditions. As USNA stated, I would wait until AD.

Our DS wanted to get PRK done believing he needed it to get UPT. He was on the cusp, so it would have been elective. We told him flat out, you don't risk a surgery, any surgery unless you have to have the surgery. In the end his eyes were fine according to the AF. He has a pilot slot. Later on if he needs it, the AF will pay for it.

I don't know if you are having a nose job for looks, or because it is causing minor medical issues, but JMPO. I wouldn't risk it at all. Than again, I tend to lean on the conservative side when it comes to medical issues.
 
I personally would elect to NOT have any unnecessary surgery done prior to contracting. I would also advise DS to NOT have it done as well. I have to ask why in the world would you want to jepordize a potential $100K scholarship for a cosmetic precedure? My advice is to wait. Best of luck moving forward. :thumb:
 
sheriff3 said:
I personally would elect to NOT have any unnecessary surgery done prior to contracting. I would also advise DS to NOT have it done as well. I have to ask why in the world would you want to jepordize a potential $100K scholarship for a cosmetic precedure? My advice is to wait. Best of luck moving forward. :thumb:
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+1000!
 
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