Report concussion?

[revival]

DS suffered from a minor concussion DODMERB qualification & we have been told by RC that qualification lasts for 2 years. DS will not be attending an SA this year but will reapply after a year of self-prep. Obviously, we don't want to have to do the whole process again, and he has fully recovered. No hospitalization, no medication. Do we tell DODMERB?

 

[USMAROTCFamily]

DS suffered from a minor concussion DODMERB qualification & we have been told by RC that qualification lasts for 2 years. DS will not be attending an SA this year but will reapply after a year of self-prep. Obviously, we don't want to have to do the whole process again, and he has fully recovered. No hospitalization, no medication. Do we tell DODMERB?

You must notify any reportable events that occur after qualification. A concussion would need to be reported. However, if your DS will not be attending his college on an ROTC Scholarship this upcoming year, then I'm not sure that you have to report it now, or would wait until he reapplies for the academy next fall.

 

[Capt MJ]

DS suffered from a minor concussion DODMERB qualification & we have been told by RC that qualification lasts for 2 years. DS will not be attending an SA this year but will reapply after a year of self-prep. Obviously, we don't want to have to do the whole process again, and he has fully recovered. No hospitalization, no medication. Do we tell DODMERB?

Yes, the DODMERB qual is good for 2 years - if nothing has changed. Something has changed. I’m glad it was minor.

Whether your DS is headed to self-prep, or was heading off to join 2022 this year, there is an obligation to report, if he intends to re-apply. This will likely mean another round of documentation. There will be many occasions in your DS’ future, in the military or not, where a medical history will ask about history of concussion. Best to be consistent.

I copied this from USAFA’s site:
“Note that the medical qualification for Academy entrance is based on the assumption that your DODMERB medical examination reflects your true medical status. You can ensure this by IMMEDIATELY reporting any change in your medical status (injury, physical or mental illness or diagnosis of a new condition) to DODMERB at 1-719-333-3562, after you have finished your examination.” I am sure all SAs are similar.
https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/medical-evaluation/

At the heart of this, it’s the military making sure they know everything that might put an officer accession candidate’s health in jeopardy in an unforgiving, physical environment, where he could serve far from advanced medical care. They want to make an informed decision that is in the best interests of the readiness of operational forces as well as take into account risks posed to those they accept for military service. This is why the accession standards are so stringent.

There is also a saying in the military: “Sins of omission are usually worse than sins of commission.”

I recommend calling DODMERB and seeing what they advise, whether they want anything now, or they say wait until your DS is again an active candidate, or after x period of follow-up time has passed, and you can provide fuller documentation.

 

[GoCubbies]

Your DS may still be qualified at the DODMERB level but the documentation and note from the physician must be good and detailed.

When you report, I'd have the physician report the following:

1) date and circumstances of the event
2) treatment rendered (ER visit, hospital stay, outpatient eval, etc)
3) results of imaging studies, if done
4) any loss of consciousness. if so, then how long
5) any amnesia or disorientation. if so, then how long
6) what activity restrictions were given. if so, then how long
7) any symptoms of post-concussive syndrome
8) discuss any symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns, decrease in focus/concentration, headache (especially this one), and impaired memory.
9) full neurological exam that is completely normal

I'd do a full-court press and have the doctor mention, if true, his continued excellent grades after the event.