Will DoDMERB disqualify me for scoliosis?

I

invoker83

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A few months ago I was enlisting in the Air Force. On my ship date and during my inspect physical I was sent to have X-rays taken of my back because the chief medical officer believed I had kyphosis (hunch back). Prior to that date if you had asked me if I had any back issues/pain whatsoever I would have given a confident answer of no, but unfortunately the x-rays were taken and in the opinion of the CMO I was medically disqualified.

So I was disqualified from MEPS but will I be disqualified from DoDMERB also? I would be applying for a waiver and/or for a rebuttal of the DQ since as I said I have NEVER had any sort of back pain or issues in my life.


Here are the numbers from the report:

Clinical data: Asymptomatic thoracic kyphosis

Comparison: None

Findings: Scoliosis is present. The thoracic curvatures measure 3 degrees and 7 degrees. The lumbar spine curve measures 3 degrees.

The thoracic kyphosis measures 36 degrees and lumbar lordosis measures 35 degrees.

Vertebral anomalies are present with compression of vertebral bodies as follows:

T11 approx 20 percent
T12 approx 30 percent
L1 approx 30 percent
L2 approx 15 percent

Endplates are normal on these vertebrae.
 
invoker83 said:
A few months ago I was enlisting in the Air Force. On my ship date and during my inspect physical I was sent to have X-rays taken of my back because the chief medical officer believed I had kyphosis (hunch back). Prior to that date if you had asked me if I had any back issues/pain whatsoever I would have given a confident answer of no, but unfortunately the x-rays were taken and in the opinion of the CMO I was medically disqualified.

So I was disqualified from MEPS but will I be disqualified from DoDMERB also? I would be applying for a waiver and/or for a rebuttal of the DQ since as I said I have NEVER had any sort of back pain or issues in my life.


Here are the numbers from the report:

Clinical data: Asymptomatic thoracic kyphosis

Comparison: None

Findings: Scoliosis is present. The thoracic curvatures measure 3 degrees and 7 degrees. The lumbar spine curve measures 3 degrees.

The thoracic kyphosis measures 36 degrees and lumbar lordosis measures 35 degrees.

Vertebral anomalies are present with compression of vertebral bodies as follows:

T11 approx 20 percent
T12 approx 30 percent
L1 approx 30 percent
L2 approx 15 percent

Endplates are normal on these vertebrae.
Click to expand...

Well, commissioning standards are higher than enlistment standards (for whatever reason). If you were medically disqualified from enlisting, logic dictates you would be disqualified from commissioning.

The military is rough on backs (especially lower backs). It sounds like
MEPS caught an undiagnosed condition. Feel free to apply. The worst they could say is "no".
 
Your degree of kyphosis meets the standard; however, compression of more than one vertebra does not. It's an uphill battle, but go for it. The only way to know for sure is to go through the process.
 
I have never been in a sort of traumatic accident to cause compression or fractures. Could chiropractic treatment help to reduce the compressions to some degree?

I also recently saw my physician and got a referral for an ortho specialist. I am not sure if I am able to request new x-rays or not, but I don't really trust the x-rays that the MEPS-contracted radiologists took. Besides a request for new x-rays, what will I basically need from the ortho specialist for the eventual DoDMERB waiver application? I presume he/she will conduct an evaluation of my back and either confirm or rule out the diagnosis of kyphosis.
 
Got DQ'd and waiver for similar back issues

My son was DQ for similar back issues. We first went to recommended clinic, and believed did not take X-RAY correctly. Was then DQ’d. After returning to Ortho. Dr. who treated son, and showing criteria for DQ from DoDMERB, Dr. said my son is fit, and should have no issue with any physical requirement of military service, and gave us a second option letter, along with new x-rays. Sent 2nd opinion letter to DoDMERB, and USAFA was first to grant waiver, but no other SA's did. USAFA gave appointment a week later. Son is now at USAFA CO 2017 C4C (just had 'A' day).
Good Luck ! GO FALCONS!!
 
After having undergone new x-rays and a CT scan, my back shows no abnormalities and/or fractures. An orthopaedic specialist reviewed the films and wrote a letter stating that the diagnosis given at MEPS was incorrect and that my back is healthy, so I'm good to go.

:thumb:
 
invoker83 said:
After having undergone new x-rays and a CT scan, my back shows no abnormalities and/or fractures. An orthopaedic specialist reviewed the films and wrote a letter stating that the diagnosis given at MEPS was incorrect and that my back is healthy, so I'm good to go.

:thumb:
Click to expand...

That's great news, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Unless I misread your post, DoDMERB hasn't said your good to go yet... and ya ain't good to go until DoDMERB says your good to go. That being said, is does sound like great news and should resolve itself your way. :thumb:
 
Scoliosis

Will you get DQ'd for any form of scoliosis, or is it based on how bad it is? I've had minor scoliosis for the past couple years, but found out at my annual physical a week ago that I grew out of it, and my back's fine. How strict is DoDMERB on having a history with scoliosis?

I haven't looked into it, and wanted to see if anyone knew anything here before getting worried.
 
Sir,

I have a similar condition (L5-S1) Spinal discectomy over a year ago, I enlisted into the ARNG with the surgery under my belt. No waiver was required, and I was fully cleared for duty. Enlisted same day.

My problem now is I am an ROTC Cadet applying for a seat, not looking for a scholarship, but I do want a commissioning contract. I have to go for a DoDMERB, what are the similarities and chances? I know it is a long shot asking, but any information would help! Thank you Sir.
 
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