Waiver Denied... Appeal process? HELP

U

USCGAmichiguy

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2013
Messages
15
Hello everyone,

I was initially disqualified medically for the USCGA for asthma after the age of 13. I took the Complete PFT and Methacholine challenge and all the results came back looking great and perfectly normal. We sent this information in with a letter from my doctor, my basketball coach, and myself.

Today I was sent this email,
"Following a thorough review of your Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) exam results and medical history, our Chief Medical Officer has recommended that you not be granted a medical waiver to attend the Coast Guard Academy. The Superintendent agrees with this recommendation and has informed my staff to withdraw your conditional appointment to the Class of 2017 unless you intend to appeal her decision.
If you wish to appeal the Superintendent’s decision, please notify me as soon as possible. Your request will be forwarded to the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center (PSC) who will review your DoDMERB exam results, medical history, our Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation, and your appeal letter. The Coast Guard PSC is our service’s waiver granting authority and their final decision cannot be appealed further.
Please let me know if you wish to appeal and I will help you with the process."

I know very little about the appeal process and there are only 2 months left until R-Day! I have already spoken with William Anderson, the man who sent the email, and told him of my wish to appeal. I need help on answering these questions:

What could have been on my appeal material that led to the denial of a waiver?
How can I make the best appeal possible?
How can I make an appeal when I have already passed the Complete PFT and Methacholine challenge with flying colors?
What more do they want exactly?

Thank you for whatever information you have,
USCGAmichiguy
 
Gosh man, that's like, a nightmare. I can't imagine what you're going through, and I really can't believe the government wastes its best and brightest by stupid regulations like this. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, best of luck with the waiver.
 
Nick0726 said:
Gosh man, that's like, a nightmare. I can't imagine what you're going through, and I really can't believe the government wastes its best and brightest by stupid regulations like this. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers, best of luck with the waiver.
Click to expand...

The regs regarding medical issues aren't stupid, they are there to keep people safe.

I don't have any advice to offer you, other than I wish you good fortune in your appeals.
 
Went through the same problem for an asthma DQ, but eventually resolved it.

What could have been on my appeal material that led to the denial of a waiver?
Sometimes doctors give more information than necessary or don't phrase things well enough which can lead to some doubt for the person reading it. The challenge test also (i've been told) doesn't rule out asthma completely, but rather proves you don't have any flare up at that moment in time. If you have medications on record for asthma or asthma attacks that can also influence their decision (even years ago.) You, overall, want to prove that for years you have not had problems. The time period makes a big difference.

How can I make the best appeal possible?
Talk to your doctors. Get their opinion on the situation. Try to get some more letters that better explain your (i'm assuming) resolved condition. Keep in contact with the person you were assigned for appeals. The person I talked to helped out a ton. Ask them exactly what you need to prove your case. Be persistent.

Best of luck! Send me a PM if you need more info.
 
USCGAmichiguy said:
Hello everyone,

I was initially disqualified medically for the USCGA for asthma after the age of 13. I took the Complete PFT and Methacholine challenge and all the results came back looking great and perfectly normal. We sent this information in with a letter from my doctor, my basketball coach, and myself.

Today I was sent this email,
"Following a thorough review of your Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) exam results and medical history, our Chief Medical Officer has recommended that you not be granted a medical waiver to attend the Coast Guard Academy. The Superintendent agrees with this recommendation and has informed my staff to withdraw your conditional appointment to the Class of 2017 unless you intend to appeal her decision.
If you wish to appeal the Superintendent’s decision, please notify me as soon as possible. Your request will be forwarded to the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center (PSC) who will review your DoDMERB exam results, medical history, our Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation, and your appeal letter. The Coast Guard PSC is our service’s waiver granting authority and their final decision cannot be appealed further.
Please let me know if you wish to appeal and I will help you with the process."

I know very little about the appeal process and there are only 2 months left until R-Day! I have already spoken with William Anderson, the man who sent the email, and told him of my wish to appeal. I need help on answering these questions:

What could have been on my appeal material that led to the denial of a waiver?
How can I make the best appeal possible?
How can I make an appeal when I have already passed the Complete PFT and Methacholine challenge with flying colors?
What more do they want exactly?

Thank you for whatever information you have,
USCGAmichiguy
Click to expand...

I am not a doctor, so I can't comment on the medical aspect.

Is there a chance the Coast Guard didn't get your "Complete PFT and Methacholine challenge." I could see it scenario where you sent your test results to DoMERB, but the DoDMERB didn't forward it to the Coast Guard or somehow the Coast Guard Medical Officer never show the PFT and Methacholine challenge?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top