Is Asthma Disqualifying?

insect124

insect124

5-Year Member
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Jan 22, 2011
Messages
2
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was three years old... I'm now older, and the symptoms have died down, but I still have it. Is asthma a disqualifying condition, or can it be waived? I was told it could, but to go to these forums to double cheak.
Thanks in advanced,
Connor
 
I believe MullenLE just announced he is retiring from this site and that DodMerb has just set up a site to answer questions like this. Go to the DodMerb thread for verification and directions on how to navigate it.
 
insect124 said:
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was three years old... I'm now older, and the symptoms have died down, but I still have it. Is asthma a disqualifying condition, or can it be waived? I was told it could, but to go to these forums to double cheak.
Thanks in advanced,
Connor
Click to expand...

Yes - asthma, reliably diagnosed and/or treated after age 13 is a disqualifying condition.

Use of an inhaler after age 13 is also a disqualification.

Yes, they can issue a waiver for it if they want you badly enough.

Using all the anecdotal evidence I can, I can tell you that it is rarely waivered, although I can probably name 2 or 3 people here on this site who have received a waiver for asthma.

It's really not important if other people got a waiver for asthma, the only thing that matters is whether or not you will get one.

My advice - don't ever let the fear of a possible DODMERB DQ keep you from pursuing an appointment to any academy. Let them make the decision.

If you don't apply, the chance of appointment is 0%.
 
This is just my specific situation, but I was diagnosed with asthma when i was 10ish. I used an inhaler for about a year, then just abandoned everything asthma related and told myself it was just because i was out of shape that i was breathing so hard, mine was very mild. Gave me a good reason to start getting into better shape.

But anyways, I passed Dodmerb with no issues and I am medically pilot qualified. The kicker is if you still use an inhaler or if it is in your medical records after the specific age. If that is your situation, then you might hit some snags. Best of luck.
 
Thank you all for the advice and information, I truly appreciate it!
I don't think I could be with out my inhailer, I'm in fairly good shape, and after running a 5K, find I need my inhailer (on some occations).

Blackbird - thanks for the name, I will get ahold of him, and ask further questions.

Pima - I thank you too for the name.

Luigi59 - I won't let this condition get in my way, and keep persuing the dream.

Nateman15 - I'm glad to hear your a pilot, (that being my dream), it good to hear you didn't let asthma get in your way. Thanks for the advice!

Thank you all again.
Connor:thumb:
 
waiver

I was under a similar situation, I was diagnosed with asthma at a young age and used an inhaler for a year or two. Then I stopped using the inhaler and never had problems with asthma again. I was initially DQ'd, but I did recieve a waiver and haven't had any breathing problems at USAFA. However, the waiver did stipulate that I would be unable to perfom any flying duties, (pilot, navigator, etc.) But I did get the waiver, and that's all I needed.
 
I have replied to Insect214.

Luigi59 - Be careful...you're dating yourself:thumb: Your information is not entirely accurate...http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf para 11 are the standards....depending on the Academy and/or ROTC program and the individual situations involved...there have been more than 2 or 3 waivers granted...the Forums is a very limited population.:thumb:
 
Thanks for taking the time to be here Doc. I know your a busy man. I have used your posts for a long time to answer questions from my students. You are a blessing!
 
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