Waiver likelihood

[sheriff3]

I am posting this on the ROTC site since DoDMerb has no function in the waiver process. DS was awarded a 4 yr AROTC scholarship, has taken his physical but was DQ'd for "allergic history...". DoDMERB DQ'd him last week for AROTC so I doubt they have even started looking at his file at CC.

Background info:

DS had mild allergic reactions to dairy and soy products when he was 4-5 years old. Was treated/outgrew allergies. Has been allergy free for 13 years with no treatments or medicine of any sort. Family MD drafted a letter attesting to his lack of allergies. Letter was sent to DoDMERB but I assume since the standard says "history of..." they had no choice but to DQ him.
I wanted to ask those with previous experience about the likelihood DS has of getting a waiver for previous food allergies. I have seen numerous posts on peanut allergies but nothing of any depth on other food allergies.
My questions are:
1) What is the likelihood of a candidate getting a waiver for this from AROTC?
2) Should I schedule an appointment with an allergist to have him tested for these foods and forward the results to DoDMERB so the waiver authority will have to review?
3) In the event of a decline on the waiver is there an appeals process?
4) Does anybody have any personal experience with this type of waiver?
5) There is a lot riding on the outcome but am I being overly concerned and making too big a deal of this type of waiver?

I have posted everything I can find on the internet about waivers. The medical waiver fact sheet I posted last week looks encouraging for those of us seeking waivers. Per the author who was the previous command surgeon over 90% of the waivers reviewed were approved. That Dr. is no longer there so I'm not sure this is still the case.

Bottom line is this. Like all of the kids receiving ROTC scholarships and SA appointments my son has worked his tail off to get this opportunity. I would hate for him lose it due to a medical condition that he has not had for over 13 years. He is an incredible young man, fantastic son and will be successful no matter the waiver outcome. I guess I am looking to folks on this forum for some sort of reassurance for a slightly obsessive father (me)
I appreciate any information, guidance or reassurances you can offer. Please feel free to PM me if you like. Thanks

 

[Storm]

I'm not an expert in any sense on the issue, but I did have a similar DoDMERB dilemma though mine concerned my Asthma that I had not any trouble with for 15+ years. I was told that I simply needed to go through the waiver process by either visiting my personal physician and having them clear me with their own documentation or going through remedial testing at one of Concorde's clinics. I opted for the remedial and went through a running and breathing test and though I was told I passed, I was granted a waiver anyway which made me think that I had to have not passed to need one. But that's not the point, the point is that your DS has a condition kind of like asthma that isn't a huge Army concern, definitely when compared to ACL tears or bone fractures and what have you. So I personally feel that a waiver is a pretty likely result.

I'm not sure that there's an appeals process since the waiver in itself is kind of like an appeals process to the initial DQ, but I may be wrong. Someone might want to clarify.

Besides going through the necessary testing and requirements they have of you, don't worry about it too much because it won't help the waiver board help you, but rather create stress and frustration.

Overall, just take care of anything that comes your way and good luck to your DS in this lengthy process!

 

[Jcleppe]

I opted for the remedial and went through a running and breathing test and though I was told I passed, I was granted a waiver anyway which made me think that I had to have not passed to need one. But that's not the point, the point is that your DS has a condition kind of like asthma that isn't a huge Army concern, definitely when compared to ACL tears or bone fractures and what have you. So I personally feel that a waiver is a pretty likely result.

You need to be a little careful giving advice regarding medical issues, Not really sure what you were talking about in your comment about your waiver process.

Telling anyone on this forum that certain medical conditions are not a huge concern in the Army is not a good idea.

Allergies can be a big issue, depending on the individual, waivers can be granted but are far from guaranteed.

You met the required parameters for obtaining a waiver for your Asthma, not everyone does.

To be honest an ACL injury can sometimes be waived easier then some allergies and asthma.