Mild Childhood Asthma

[Fabulous Jewfro]

Hey everyone, I'm an 18 year old high school senior and I've been offered both an AF 3 year scholarship and an army 3 year scholarship, but I'm leaning towards the AF. I've wanted to be a pilot all my life, and I've worked really hard to get this far. Unfortunately, when I was 7, I was diagnosed with asthma because I had a persistent cough, and my parents weren't sure what was wrong. The cough went away some months later and I had a spirometry test last year that said I was fine. To clarify, I've NEVER had an asthma attack or other common asthma problems, and I've been in Karate and exercise regularly, I even almost maxed both the Army's and Af's PT test. I can't stress enough the fact that I've had no problems for years.

The problem is is that my inhaler kept getting refilled until I was 14, even though I only used it until I was 11, and even then very rarely.

Does everyone here think I'd need a waiver, and if so, how would I proceed? I've wanted this to work so much and I really hope this won't be the end of the road.

Thanks,

Fabulous Jewfro

 

[Wilco]

A lot of threads on DODMERB forum on asthma. Type in asthma to check them out. Military regs on asthma are reliably diagnosed asthma and symptoms after age 13. If you have had no symptoms your main problem will be the fact you had inhaler prescribed after age 13. PIMA can speak more on AFROTC.
Can only offer you perspective from Army ROTC. If you were scholarship offer 1st or 2nd round, and you filled out your DODMERB forms, and had your exams, you should have your DODMERB status; were you marked qualified, remedial, or DQd? If remedial, then get them all your information, including spirometry report, and your pulmonologist or doctor's recent reports. That may be enough or they may send you for further testing, evaluation. If you were DQd each branch handles own waiver procedure, not DODMERB. However you may want to reach out to DODMERB help desk. Make sure you speak with your parents at length you may want to be proactive on your behalf. If you were just offered AROTC in 3rd round follow through with DODMERB and get your medicals all in order.

 

[Fabulous Jewfro]

Hi Wilco, I was offered a scholarship just a couple weeks ago, so the 3rd round. I'm working on getting my exam scheduled, and while what you said is helpful, I kind of want to know what my chances are that this will even be a problem.

Also, I've looked through the forum for info, and I haven't learned more than I already know. I really want info for my specific situation.

Thanks!

Fabulous

 

[Wilco]

Understand you wanting some clarity but as others have said no one on this forum will be able to, nor should they, give you a yes-no answer, or even percentage of probability of DQ or waiver. Every case is different as are the DODMERB contractors. USMAROTCFamily, Dec 14, 2014 was on a thread with applicants who had "similar" problem. Worked out for them. The real red flag is the inhaler prescription after age 13. (Parents are very protective do not be mad at them.) BUT you indicated you have a good spirometry; and have had no symtoms since age 7. To repeat, have your medical papers ready to submit. Explain your situation in the remarks section of DODMERB form. Even with remedial may not be done by May 1st, and waiver can take months. And to be safe, if you cannot afford your college without ROTC, make sure you have a plan B college plan in place as backup. Good luck, it is a stressful trip.

 

[Fabulous Jewfro]

Thanks Wilco, I really hope everything works out. Just had my optometrist exam today, so if nothing else I have perfect vision haha.

 

[shellz]

Can't speak for ROTC, but my oldest was in your shoes with USCGA five years back. Me, being an overprotective mom had his inhaler refilled after his 13th bday...he never used it and was a competitive swimmer. He got the waiver after 2 methocholine challenge tests. Why 2? The first came back "too good".

Good luck. Hopefully you won't need the waiver, but if you do, they'll likely have you do the methocholine challenge. If you are truly non-asthmatic this test shoukd verify this.