Rheumatoid Arthritis

Shum

5-Year Member
Joined
May 1, 2014
Messages
6
Hello, this is my first post ever, and I'm excited to join the community! Now for a downer...Is it possible to get a waiver for rheumatoid arthritis? I can't find the answer online. It is a very mild case that is easy to push through.
 
Last edited:
Also, I want to mention that my DS already has an NROTC scholarship. The symptoms started after he had already passed the DoDMERB.
 
Sorry I do not know the answer to your question. However, speaking as someone who has dealt with RA for many years, and as a nurse, I want to tell you to make sure this is an accurate diagnosis. I would suggest taking him to a rheumatologist if you have not already done so. They would be much better equipped to give you a definite diagnosis and advise on treatment.
 
Thank you. It is a definite diagnosis, for he tested positive for the rheumtoid factor and experiences morning stiffness and joint pain.
 
My daughter tested positive for an RA marker in her blood but was diagnosed with hypermobility instead. She is a freshmen and is interested in USCGA and my research suggested that RA was a DQ. You can research all the DQ diagnoses on the DoDMerb site.
 
The best thing to do from both a health perspective and a ROTC perspective is to make absolutely certain this is a correct diagnosis. I too would suggest seeing a specialist to be certain. One wouldn't want to lose a scholarship because a diagnosis is incorrect... or even fight through the extra paperwork to correct a misdiagnosis.
 
The rheumatoid factor can give false positives sometimes. And there are newer more accurate blood tests specific to RA.
 
Hmmm, his rheumatologist told me that false positives happen all the time, but because he has all the symptoms (swelling, pain, morning stiffness) every day since July and he has tested positive, she has no doubt that he has RA. He has been prescribed medicine for it.
 
And I did see that it is disqualifying, but I don't know if there is a possibility for a waiver.
 
I expect the rheumatologist is correct. Nevertheless we're potentially talking about the rest of your son's life here. Certainly continue his treatment but it couldn't hurt to get a second opinion before you even have to hope for a waiver. I do not know if it's waiverable but if I were a betting man I would bet on 'No'. JMPO.

EDIT: You could try contacting the DoDMERB help desk directly regarding waiverable/non-waiverable. I've seen it mentioned on some recent threads with contact info.
 
Thank you for your advice Kinnem! He was aware of his limited options after diagnosis day, and came up with a plan B, but the disappointment on his face was all too evident. He had perfect health until the DoDMERB, had no issues whatsoever, but then the pain started all of a sudden.
 
Back
Top