Scoliosis-how can I be proactive?

solon

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2010
Messages
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This is day one of the application process for me. I opened a file at USMA-West Point to apply for Summer Leadership Seminar, 2011. I am going to research VMI and ROTC programs, too. I want to be proactive with my medical stuff.

At 14 I was diagnosed with adolescent scoliosis. Now that I'm 17 and mostly done growing (6'1"-hooah) the curve has stopped curving and I'm just under 20 degrees on the uppper and no lumbar curve. I have some rib cage deformity. None of the above stops me from being athletic. I've been working out with a trainer at the Y on the CFA. I'm doing pretty well on this.

I have two years of x-ray records, taken every 6 months, from my ortho and Shriner's to show no progression. My OCD mother has copies of each one. :thumb: What can I do to be proactive for my medical exam and file?
 
Mullen will be the one to answer this in the best manner.

From an outsider POV, you have done everything right because you have the records to fight if it comes to a waiver. That is the important thing...complete records to prove.
 
Mullen will be the one to answer this in the best manner.

From an outsider POV, you have done everything right because you have the records to fight if it comes to a waiver. That is the important thing...complete records to prove.

I agree that the better the documentation, the quicker and easier it will be for a correct determination of qualification. You can ask your medical providers what format (paper, electronic)their test results are available in so you can know how to transmit them when the time comes.

One other piece of advice, if you have an early 18th birthday, you need to know that you will be the one that has to request records from a doctor after you turn 18 (HIPPA laws) unless you get few copies of record release forms so your parents can follow up (often helpful when discussing medical records from your early childhood - things you may not remember).

Good job taking the initiative to prepare your medical records!

Mr. Mullen should be chiming in soon.
 
Definitely agree-get the paperwork ready now, along with doctors statements, coaches opinions, etc. Get together anything and anything that might help you out.

Also, when you get the letter to schedule this stuff, GET IT DONE. The sooner everything is in, the sooner DODMERB will review your application. This will give you more time to get things straightened out with them before you start at an academy or ROTC.
 
Solon - cut and paste your posting; provide complete name and last 4 SSN; send to me in an email at Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. I will reply this weekend. I can assist U better from there:thumb:
 
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