Waivers & USNA

[Melitzank]

I`m a sophomore and working on achieving my dream to go to USNA. I`m pretty sure I`ll require two waivers:

1. I have some tics...I`ve had them since I was 6, and they have decreased GREATLY since then, and are just some eye twitches. I`m hoping that they`ll disappear soon. Never taken any meds, and I used to see a neurologist, and the last time I`ve been was in the 5th grade, about 5 years ago or so. I`m thinking if I can prove that they`ve been barely anything for the past few years, and if they completely go away somewhat soon then I have a shot (no matter how big or small) at getting a waiver? Some automatically assume Tourette`s Syndrome, but this is NOT what I have...Tourette`s include vocal tics, and I just have a couple facial ones.

2. I have feet that overpronate due to shoes worn that had no support...I`ve always had low arches, and that didn`t help. So I was given some orthotics to wear. I`ve had them for about three years, and haven`t been wearing them for a while, but have restarted wearing them and am planning on wearing them until my feet are OK again. The doc said that if I wear them enough before my bones permanently set, my feet would be OK. But I was stupid and didn`t really wear them for the past year. Big difference when I wear them, so I`m going to be wearing them every day now in hopes that it`s not to late. IF my feet turn out to be OK by the time I apply, would I need a waiver because of wearing orthotics? Are these waivers easily granted? I know that I wouldn`t be able to wear the orthotics while at USNA.

So, yes, I have two issues...and I know 1 waiver is hard to get these days let alone two... I`m sure people have gotten 2 (or maybe even more) waivers before, but what about recently? And would these be "minor" or "major" waivers...types of problems that aren`t that big of a deal, or are they?

Secondly, would it help (with the overpronation problem) by me maxing out on the CFA? I plan to do my best anyhow, but would a really high score help? I also run track, and it doesn`t hamper me in any way...I`m not a star athlete, but I plan on running even better for the next three seasons. So would this help show how I can still do well?

Thanks for reading this long and drawn out question, and I know all of you can`t exactly answer it, as you`re not DODMERB, but any ideas? I appreciate it!

 

[Pima]

Fact is the answer you are looking for nobody here will give. You need to apply and move forward. If it is a remedial or DQ, that's what it will be.

Every candidate is a case by case. Nobody here is a DoDMERB doc.

Your CFA score is not the issue, your medical records are the issue. If you don't meet the parameters, than it goes to the next level.

DoDMERB DQ's, branches waive, in your case USNA.

You are ahead of the game because you know there are issues, do great in school, have a competitive application, and get your medical records in order.

Honestly that is all you can do now.

 

[Melitzank]

Thank you. I`ll do my best in school, and what happens, happens.

 

[Pima]

One thing you need to understand is that they look to see if your condition impacts the mission.

The other thing to understand is that they are on the hook medically for the rest of your life when they waive your condition. They accepted a pre-existing condition.

You state it is a facial condition, but does it cause you to slow down your speech? IOTW does it impact the mission? I.E. you are concentrating on the tic, and not the information which impacts the mission.

 

[Melitzank]

Right, I understand. No, it doesn`t slow my speech, and I wouldn`t think it would affect my academics, ability to lead, learn, become an officer, etc, but of course, the Academy could always decide otherwise. Than you for all the insight. I understand that it`s on a case-by-case basis, which could be good.