More Asthma

Ex.BT.USN

5-Year Member
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Jan 6, 2013
Messages
582
Thoughts...

My son would like to get into the US Naval Academy and compete with his sport which is D1 at the Academy.

When he turned 8 he had a bad cold and like any parents we took him to be looked at. In short He was diagnosed with asthma. From that time right up until now nothing has ever occurred in regard to outbreaks.

I have head of the name Larry M. as a strong source to get information of asthma and my sons odds on getting in. Out of respect I did not want to spell his name on a forum, I hope you will all understand.

Can anyone PM me or give some feedback on what I have written above.

Thank you.
 
Asthma

There is a ton of info on asthma and waivers. Use the search function and you will find it. The diagnosis will make it an uphill battle, but it is possible.
 
Pm

By the way, you can't send pm's until you post 15 messages. Also Larry M. is no longer in the role you may have hear about so his help won't be an option, but many people on this site will be very helpful, but the best start is to search the site.
 
Thank you...

Thank you for the reply... I'll start searching. You noted that it would be an uphill battle. When would the battle start? Does it start at the application process or would it come later at the medical review?
 
You don't start the waiver process, if he is given a DQ USNA must request it. DoDMERB only DQs, branches waive.
 
When he turned 8 he had a bad cold and like any parents we took him to be looked at. In short He was diagnosed with asthma. From that time right up until now nothing has ever occurred in regard to outbreaks.

The official DQ from DODMERB is:

D241.30 - Asthma, including reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm, or asthmatic bronchitis after the 13th birthday
If what you post is accurate (cursory diagnosis at age 8 and nothing since) it should be a non-issue.
 
The Feedback is very encouraging...

Pima, Luigi59,

This information is very encouraging, thank you so very much.

Pima, so you know we have posted to each other in the past. I fell off the radar because the oldest is now off to college.

If it helps to recall, I have the black lab!!

As I digress back to start of DS No.2. Yes, he was 8 years old when diagnosed by his primary care Dr. but no history of occurrence since. I can only assume a history of occurance is him having asthma attacks which have never happened. I told the bride way back then that it was an allergy, the Dr. said asthma. I'm not the Dr. so I lost that battle.

My DS completely understands that the asthma thing may be an issue and show stopper which kills me but we both understand the value of maintaining honesty and reporting it.

Pima, you noted that if DQ USNA must request a waiver. If he is wanted by the coach of one of the D1 selected sports (which is what he wants to be recruited for) would the USNA request the waiver if DQ'ed? Or just what exactly would prompt the USNA to request the waiver? I guess my last question would be: When does he disclose the asthma? Is it in the initial application or does he disclose after a letter of offer?

I can tell you my DS has the Academy as his No.1 choice. I did tell him to make a plan B, C, D. He has made it clear he will go through the process, will understand if he does not get in and is ready for other options.

It's his journey I can't take it away. In the end if he didn't go for it then he would never know.

Thank you again for any feedback you may have to offer.
 
My DS completely understands that the asthma thing may be an issue and show stopper which kills me but we both understand the value of maintaining honesty and reporting it.

The honest answer on DODMERB Form DD2492 REPORT OF MEDICAL HISTORY - Question 32:

HAVE YOU EVER HAD OR DO YOU NOW HAVE:

(32) Asthma or wheezing
is "no." :thumb:

A physician writing "asthma" in a report at age 8, without any spirometry or other testing, is not a reliable diagnosis.

Non issue.
 
WOW!!!

Luigi59,

I think you may have just made my sons day... To the best of what I can recall the physician only wrote asthma in the report and never ran a test. I'm calling to get copies of his record to be certain. If what I recall is true what you have indicated would be very good news. You would think I could rem.; however, it was almost 9 years ago.

Thank you....
 
Luigi59,

I think you may have just made my sons day... To the best of what I can recall the physician only wrote asthma in the report and never ran a test. I'm calling to get copies of his record to be certain. If what I recall is true what you have indicated would be very good news. You would think I could rem.; however, it was almost 9 years ago.

Thank you....

ExBT,
Don't jump for joy just yet. Is your child using or has your child used Asthma medication since 13? You will have to disclose this.

Question 14 on the DD2492 is:
Take any medications regularly

If your child has been taking Asthma medication, regardless of the lack of testing at age 8, than he might be disqualified and require a waiver from USNA to be admitted (waiver consideration is initiated and evaluated by the service academy after DoDMERB disqualification). I just want you to be prepared.
 
Crash & Burn

Well I have received both the good and bad and after looking through some information I have at the house the balloon is in burst mode.

10 days after my son turned 14 he got a prescription, my bride believes it was for bronchitis. It looks like the prescription before that was two years prior. Just one prescription too many!! We are now left with waiting to look at what his actual medical records and doctor says. I’m now thinking that the odds are poorly in his favor and it may now be a broken deal.

I discussed this with him again but he is very head strong. He let me know that no matter what information I find it will need to be the DOD that has to tell him, thanks but you have been DQ’ed. He let me know that it’s not my findings he didn’t trust, he just needs to push through and have no regrets. There is no way that I have the right to take away a dream he wants to follow, that would be mean. I’ll be there for him and hope like he hopes.

PAGE – 2

My other son who is now in his 1st year of college has been in on our discussions (the boys are very close). He applied for the NROTC and on the last day of notification he was denied. It hurt him but he felt good that he was in it until the very end. His recruiter had a reason and made it clear that it was not him or any lack of qualifications. In fact they said they were quite surprised at him being denied at all. I saw the write up from the 07 select that did his review. Very, very colorful. The recruiter wanted him to reapply he was sure he would get in if he did. My DS No.1 wanted to step back and do a semester and then think about it.

He only applied for the NROTC and never looked at the Academy, it's not what he wanted. After hearing everything about the Academy he is now going to apply with his brother. He knows he would need to start all over but in his words “it’s only a two year difference, I’m not missing much by starting over”. Yes, he would be well within the age requirement. So I now have both units (sons) going for the Academy. DS No.1 has solid grades from his first semester and is driven to do well; he also attends one of our top 25 nationally ranked public colleges and is in the electrical engineering path of study.

If they are to both apply it would now place them in the same incoming class. Is there a conflict having brothers in the same class?
 
No, in fact there are twins at the SAs and I know several yrs back there were a set of triplets at the AFA.

Good luck on the medicals.
 
He let me know that no matter what information I find it will need to be the DOD that has to tell him, thanks but you have been DQ’ed. He let me know that it’s not my findings he didn’t trust, he just needs to push through and have no regrets.

Exactly. Never "self-disqualify" -- let them make that decision.
 
10 days after my son turned 14 he got a prescription, my bride believes it was for bronchitis. It looks like the prescription before that was two years prior. Just one prescription too many!! We are now left with waiting to look at what his actual medical records and doctor says. I’m now thinking that the odds are poorly in his favor and it may now be a broken deal.

Please do not regret your getting those prescriptions. You were trying to mitigate risk, which is also what the services are trying to do. Follow your own and Luigi's advice and follow through. Have everything in order and start to analyze whether you are interested (based on a doctor's advice) in your child taking testing to rule out Asthma. These tests have risks, so ensure you only act on the advice/guidance of a medical professional.

No issue at all with your other son applying as well. I recommend that he start testing on the ACT and SAT (yes, even though he is already in college). College work should help his performance.

Good luck!
 
Feeling Better

You are all very encouraging...just when my heart breaks for what I would most certainly assume to be doom and gloom the replies come back with a positive gain.

Thank you all so very much for the information you have provided. I’ll stand with both boys and do what I can to help them along and just let the pieces fall where they may.

I guess in the end all things happen for good reason.:smile:
 
Crazy Dr. Information

I'm confused.... I have my sons medical record and it leaves me confused. His primary Dr. diagnosed my DS with the asthma and refereed him to an allergy / asthma Dr. The allergy / asthma Dr. gave him the spirometery test and indicated in his report that he passed.

The allergy Dr. tested him and found he was allergic to dust. From that he went into a series of shots to increase him immune system

In a letter from the allergy Dr. to my DS primary Dr. it states:

"Rhinoconjunctivitis is well controlled on regimen of immunotherapy." His asthma has also been well controlled with no need for albuterol. He has no excercise induced bronchospasm and is an excellent runner. Paitents allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and mild intermittent asthma are under excellent control. He will continue immunotherapy, keep PRN medication available."


Adding to the letter and medical record info there was another entry that said "no weeing".

I'm confused because from the way it appears my DS primary care Dr. diagnosed the asthma without a test. He was then refereed to another Dr. who gave the test (passed it) but did not diagnose asthma, that Dr. only went with the opinion of the other. All this prior to 13...

There was on prescription of albuterol in his record post 13 but there is no information as to why it was given. My bride said it was because she asked for it just so he would have it.

So I'm left with thinking that this is not good and all may be lost. We are now left with wondering about both rhinoconjunctivitis and mild intermittent asthma.

Thoughts please...
 
I Can Be Clueless...

Luigi59,

I think I have a good idea what this may mean;however, I can be clueless...

Does this mean he does not even have to disclose. I'm really big on taking the tough right over the easy wrong and doing the right thing. The code of a military officer is near and dear to my heart. Although I was enlisted myself my respect for the military goes deep.

As much as I love my son I want to be sure he does the right thing and takes the tough right over the easy wrong.

Thank you again for your feedback...
 
Luigi59,

I think I have a good idea what this may mean;however, I can be clueless...

Does this mean he does not even have to disclose.

I believe the question will begin with "Have you ever had.......?"

Therefore, if the form asks about reactive airway disease, asthma, wheezing, or use of an inhaler .....his answer will be "yes" because "ever" is a long time and includes things before age 13. :wink:

It will most likely trigger a remedial - an investigation as to the circumstances of the RAD using the doctor's records from that time, as well as any current records.

If what you have posted is accurately reflected in the physician's notes and records, the remedial SHOULD be cleared without difficulty.

HOWEVER - I am not privy to DODMERB or Academy waiver authority decisions, and my post here (and everyone else's as well) should be taken as "advice from some guy on the internet." :wink:

One thing that I think helps is a letter from his doctor reflecting his current medical condition as pertaining to the ailment, and the doctor's explanation of how/why he "diagnosed" it long ago, as well as a personal statement from your son that explains exactly how the 'condition" does or does not affect him. (These should be submitted with the remedial paperwork, if/when it is requested).

:cool:
 
Outstanding...

This is all back to being "a little" better...

Looking at different posts my DS may now be back in better shape. I feel he will be DQ'ed; however, his wavier options become real.

There is more information in his records but it all appears as if the asthma was even an issue to begin with. More to come, his Dr. would like to discuss all this with me to see what they might be able to do to organize his paperwork in advance. I thought that was a very nice offer.

Thank you very much for the input.
 
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