DoDMerb Blues

Hello everyone. Long time lurker and academy hopeful here.

When I got my medical testing done this year, I was supposedly found to have a slightly less than average hearing range in my right ear. DoDMERB asked me to get it tested again and forward the results to them. My online application currently lists my medical testing as incomplete.

My question to the forum is, what does this mean for me? If I test again and am still found to have slight hearing issues, am I out of the running? If I have a regular, competitive nomination and an exceptional application, what happens with waivers and what not? (I really do not understand the waiver process as well as I would like too). If my hearing is found to be slightly worse than average, is there a chance it still might be found acceptable to the academy? What if my application is not exceptional?

Sorry for the block of question, but this issue I think is understandably alarming. I have heard that medical dates and failures are the biggest reason for someone to not make it to the Academies and I thought I was going to be able to dodge that bullet.

Thank you very much for anyone who can help point me in the right direction and good luck to everyone applying this year!

Stelmack said:

Hello everyone. Long time lurker and academy hopeful here.

When I got my medical testing done this year, I was supposedly found to have a slightly less than average hearing range in my right ear. DoDMERB asked me to get it tested again and forward the results to them. My online application currently lists my medical testing as incomplete.

My question to the forum is, what does this mean for me? If I test again and am still found to have slight hearing issues, am I out of the running? If I have a regular, competitive nomination and an exceptional application, what happens with waivers and what not? (I really do not understand the waiver process as well as I would like too). If my hearing is found to be slightly worse than average, is there a chance it still might be found acceptable to the academy? What if my application is not exceptional?

Sorry for the block of question, but this issue I think is understandably alarming. I have heard that medical dates and failures are the biggest reason for someone to not make it to the Academies and I thought I was going to be able to dodge that bullet.

Thank you very much for anyone who can help point me in the right direction and good luck to everyone applying this year!

Click to expand...

First off, DoDMERB simply states whether or not you meet qualification regulations. They will work with you in order to get you qualified as soon as possible if your situation falls within the parameters of the regulations.

The waivers are asked for by the sources (USAFA, USMA, USNA, ROTC, etc.). What DoDMERB is asking you is to follow-up with another test which can possibly make you qualified. Your file will remain incomplete until you comply with their instructions.

If your 2nd hearing screening is still out of regulations, you will be DQ'd. It would then be up to USAFA (or wherever you're applying to) to initiate the waiver process. They would determine if your situation warrants an exception to the regulation. Remember that the regs are in place for your safety and for those serving with you. You may be granted a waiver or you may not.

I understand your concern, but if you do nothing, your application will be incomplete and you will be offered nothing. If you complete the 2nd exam and fail, it is up to the source to initiate the waiver process. If you complete the 2nd test and pass, then you'll continue along the journey towards a possible appointment.

My suggestion is to follow the instructions from DoDMERB and then go from there. Doing nothing will end your process here. Best wishes.

Thank you very much for your response!

So I should assume that the results of the first then would DQ me if they were final?

And I certainly want to say that I had no intention of not taking the second test.
I also know that the qualifications are there for safety; I just got a loss of hearing result when I have never had hearing problems nor have had any reason to have them, so the first result confused me a bit.


Do you know how long the waiver process takes? And, if it takes longer then the Jan 31 deadline for the app (assuming I have completed my app and the second test fails me) do I get pretty much DQ'ed anyway?

Thank you again!

I believe the waiver process takes a different amount of time for each case, the best thing to do is get everything they ask for submitted ASAP! Also, I think that the Jan. 31 deadline does not apply to the DoDMERB physical, from the USAFA app. website.. "In order to be considered for an appointment, you must complete the following forms by January 31; data record, activities, CFA, etc." and then, "Additionally, ensure that you have completed (or at least scheduled) your DoDMERB physical and your ALO interview by the deadline" This leads me to believe that you should be able to complete the waiver process after Jan. 31. Hope this helps!

thx for the info

Stelmack said:

Thank you very much for your response!

So I should assume that the results of the first then would DQ me if they were final?

And I certainly want to say that I had no intention of not taking the second test.
I also know that the qualifications are there for safety; I just got a loss of hearing result when I have never had hearing problems nor have had any reason to have them, so the first result confused me a bit.


Do you know how long the waiver process takes? And, if it takes longer then the Jan 31 deadline for the app (assuming I have completed my app and the second test fails me) do I get pretty much DQ'ed anyway?

Thank you again!

Click to expand...

No, do not assume that you will be DQ'd. It sounds like they want a 2nd test to try and QUALIFY you. Otherwise, they would have DQ'd you already. It may have been an anomaly in the exam and they want to be sure that you PASS.

Regarding the waiver, there have been posters who received a waiver as late as April (to the best of my recollection) to secure an appointment. Just follow DoDMERB and USAFA instructions in a timely manner. If you have any questions at all concerning the qualifying process, contact DoDMERB directly at HELPDESK@DODMERB.TMA.OSD.MIL and provide your full name and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number or at 800-841-2706. They were very helpful with us regarding a remedial requested for my son.

"I just got a loss of hearing result when I have never had hearing problems nor have had any reason to have them, so the first result confused me a bit."

Not only am I responding as a Mother but also as a health care provider.. If you have no prior history of any hearing loss then I would recommend that you see your physician. Having a cold, sinus issues, ear infection or even fluid in the ear canal can alter your tests. Certainly rule out anything else that may be a contributing factor. After all - you want to pass that test!!
Good luck!

The waiver process can be quite frustrating. Speaking from experience, my son is a C4C at USAFA this year. He received a "conditional" acceptance letter on February 9th. His medical waiver was not approved until the last week of May. With that being said, there is no time frame for the waiver process. My recommendation to you would be to preserve and don't give up. I think they like to see that in the candidate also. It shows them what kind of person you are under stress. Do not be afraid to make telephone calls to DODMERB either. My son dealt with a very helpful person last spring. Good Luck to you and don't worry, these struggles will help you out in life.

Sportsmom10, that is very nice to hear and good for him! It also brings me hope that in the case that I do have some sort of unsatisfactory mark, that I can still get around it.

Thank you everyone for your responses!