Limits on spine curvature? Scoliosis limitations?

abeastlybeast

USMA Class of 2015
5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
307
I recently got an x-ray of my spine and I was informed I have a 17 degree curve (I think?) in my spine. Will this limit me in the physical examination I have to take? Will the service academies turn down candidates that have scoliosis, even if it's only slight and not serious? It does not affect me physically at all. Thanks.
 
Your best bet is to contact Mr. Larry Mullen by email. He is the deputy director of DODMERB and his contact info is in the DodMERB board.
 
I recently got an x-ray of my spine and I was informed I have a 17 degree curve (I think?) in my spine. Will this limit me in the physical examination I have to take? Will the service academies turn down candidates that have scoliosis, even if it's only slight and not serious? It does not affect me physically at all. Thanks.

Hey-how did your physical turn out? I too have a 17 thoracic (upper) curve. Doesn't affect ability at all.
 
Hey-how did your physical turn out? I too have a 17 thoracic (upper) curve. Doesn't affect ability at all.

I was qualified at my medical exams despite the curve, so it shouldn't be a problem for you. However, I wasn't entirely sure what my degree of curvature was when I posted this. If your spine's curvature is not severe it probably won't pose a problem.
 
I believe that most people have curvature of the spine to small degrees. But then again, contact Mr. Larry Mullen to double check.
 
I was qualified at my medical exams despite the curve, so it shouldn't be a problem for you. However, I wasn't entirely sure what my degree of curvature was when I posted this. If your spine's curvature is not severe it probably won't pose a problem.

Wow. Thanks for posting. This is really encouraging. My curve has some twisting so I have a little rib cage deformity. An Army doctor at Shriner's called it within normal range (it was a total fluke that I saw an Army guy). I won't be concerned about it until I have my medical next summer.
Congrats, Beastly, on your appointment!
 
Wow. Thanks for posting. This is really encouraging. My curve has some twisting so I have a little rib cage deformity. An Army doctor at Shriner's called it within normal range (it was a total fluke that I saw an Army guy). I won't be concerned about it until I have my medical next summer.
Congrats, Beastly, on your appointment!

If an Army doctor classified your curvature as normal, don't fret over being disqualified. If the DoDMERB forms require information, mention your condition but be brief about it. Too much detail usually raises unnecessary questions from doctors. If you're not limited physically by your curvature, then don't convey a concerned attitude about your condition. Good luck with your medical exams. And thank you! Hope you are as lucky as I am when you are finished applying.
 
If an Army doctor classified your curvature as normal, don't fret over being disqualified. If the DoDMERB forms require information, mention your condition but be brief about it. Too much detail usually raises unnecessary questions from doctors. If you're not limited physically by your curvature, then don't convey a concerned attitude about your condition. Good luck with your medical exams. And thank you! Hope you are as lucky as I am when you are finished applying.

This is spot on for how one should approach filling out the dodmerb forms. Nice job abeastlybeast!
 
Actually, "spot on advice" is to be given by me and me alone when it comes to DoDMERB. As I've been the Deputy Director for 19 years, folks would be better served to avoid opinions and contact me directly. Solon will be doing that. Thx:thumb:
 
Mr. Mullen--

You are an invaluable resource to this community. I personally recieved great help from you while going through the DODMERB process. Thank you for taking the time to help out us candidates.

I will make sure to refer any DODMERB-related questions I see towards your direction in the future:thumb:
 
I agree with Jake. Thank you Mr. Mullen for your prompt assistance. You also helped me immensely with the DoDMERB process; I appreciate all you do for candidates.
 
Actually, "spot on advice" is to be given by me and me alone when it comes to DoDMERB. As I've been the Deputy Director for 19 years, folks would be better served to avoid opinions and contact me directly. Solon will be doing that. Thx:thumb:
Our DS has been offered a West Point appointment for Class of 2021. He passed the DODMERBs exam without issue. He has a slight (7*) scoliosis that has been stable for years. Our research indicates that is well below any threshold. Is it possible he could be disqualified for that once he takes another physical after R-Day?
 
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