I'm applying to USAFA for the class of 2017 and I've completed my application. I have a top notch ACT, GPA, PFA scores, and I have a nomination from both my congresswoman and my senator. The only obstacle I've got now is getting a medical waiver. I've been denied twice because of childhood asthma and Raynuads syndrome. (Raynaud's is this condition where your blood vessels constrict when you get cold) The only thing is that neither condition effects me at all. The asthma hasn't bothered me because of exercise since before I was 10. On my medical records it shows it effecting me when I was 14, but that was only because I had terrible bronchitis that caused "asthmatic like" symptoms. Furthermore, the Raynaud's has never effected me, but my mom has it and because of that it got written down on my medical files. I've sent in letters from my doctors stating that neither condition effects me any longer and that I'm totally healthy. I've also sent in a spirometry report that shows my lungs as completely healthy. Yet, I still got denied. Does anybody have any advice to get this medical waiver dealt with or another test to prove my health? Right now I'm just drifting so if anybody has anything it would be much appreciated. Sorry for the long post, but I wanted the situation to be as clear as possible. Thanks
Help getting a waiver
- Thread starter cadet42
- Start date
Cadet 42,
Have you been officially diagnosed with Raynaud's? It is important if the diagnosis for Raynaud's was determined to be either primary or secondary. Primary is usually idiopathic, meaning that you have no other symptoms. Secondary is usually related to other connective tissue disorders that you may not currently have symptoms for (they usually show up later in life). This is really important determination. There is no "perfect" test. Do you know what triggered your primary care physcian to add this to your medical file?
As for the asthma, a lot of people may only have triggers when they get sick, meaning asthma is controlled without medications. They sometimes need help with medications when triggers, such as an URI, exacerbates it. Have you had a methacholine challenge test?
(Yes, I am a physician)
Have you been officially diagnosed with Raynaud's? It is important if the diagnosis for Raynaud's was determined to be either primary or secondary. Primary is usually idiopathic, meaning that you have no other symptoms. Secondary is usually related to other connective tissue disorders that you may not currently have symptoms for (they usually show up later in life). This is really important determination. There is no "perfect" test. Do you know what triggered your primary care physcian to add this to your medical file?
As for the asthma, a lot of people may only have triggers when they get sick, meaning asthma is controlled without medications. They sometimes need help with medications when triggers, such as an URI, exacerbates it. Have you had a methacholine challenge test?
(Yes, I am a physician)
Grad2013,
I don't think that I was officially diagnosed with Raynaud's. My medical records show it as a "problem", but when I asked about it they didn't describe it as being primary or secondary. It's on my records, but I'm not sure why as I've never shown drastic symptoms. I have not had the methacholine test done though I did do a spirometry test. The spirometry came back as normal and my lung function looked totally healthy. What kind of tests or paperwork do you recommend I get in order to argue my case more effectively?
I don't think that I was officially diagnosed with Raynaud's. My medical records show it as a "problem", but when I asked about it they didn't describe it as being primary or secondary. It's on my records, but I'm not sure why as I've never shown drastic symptoms. I have not had the methacholine test done though I did do a spirometry test. The spirometry came back as normal and my lung function looked totally healthy. What kind of tests or paperwork do you recommend I get in order to argue my case more effectively?
Ex.BT.USN
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Guidance, Insight, Feedback
Grad2013,
I can do some research on methacholine challenge test but will need some...guidance, insight, and feedback. My DS had the same asthma issues; however, his records tell a story that makes me question.
Respectful to any doctor we all make errors, you all have it tough in that area. That being said the record is the record my DS reported as he should have when he applied to the NASS.
I have all of his records and long story short. Was told at age 8 about asthma. But at the same time that found he was allergic to dust and grass. He cycled through immune shots long ago and success. As he went through the shots they also tracked the asthma and the records show as I see it. From mild asthma...to intermittent asthma and all the whils the Dr. only "suggesting" to have meds available.
To add there was never an incident of an asthma attack. He also took the spirometry test and passed. We were going to set up an appoitment with the pulmonologist to run the spirometry. The methacholine challenge test is something new. Do you know if any of this would work when my DS is ready to submit all his medical records?
Grad2013,
I can do some research on methacholine challenge test but will need some...guidance, insight, and feedback. My DS had the same asthma issues; however, his records tell a story that makes me question.
Respectful to any doctor we all make errors, you all have it tough in that area. That being said the record is the record my DS reported as he should have when he applied to the NASS.
I have all of his records and long story short. Was told at age 8 about asthma. But at the same time that found he was allergic to dust and grass. He cycled through immune shots long ago and success. As he went through the shots they also tracked the asthma and the records show as I see it. From mild asthma...to intermittent asthma and all the whils the Dr. only "suggesting" to have meds available.
To add there was never an incident of an asthma attack. He also took the spirometry test and passed. We were going to set up an appoitment with the pulmonologist to run the spirometry. The methacholine challenge test is something new. Do you know if any of this would work when my DS is ready to submit all his medical records?
I would like to clarify my status here on the forum. I am an applicant and my mother is the physician. She was only trying to help clarify a disease process, as we were looking through the forum together.
She does not know why the DoDMERB has chosen to disqualify some of the applicants for the various medical conditions. She is not on the medical boards. She can only speculate on why someone was disqualified.
We think that any questions should be directed to the particular service academy or medical boards.
Sorry, she was only trying to answer a posting and offer some guidance. Her apologies.
She does not know why the DoDMERB has chosen to disqualify some of the applicants for the various medical conditions. She is not on the medical boards. She can only speculate on why someone was disqualified.
We think that any questions should be directed to the particular service academy or medical boards.
Sorry, she was only trying to answer a posting and offer some guidance. Her apologies.
Markwellfam
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Markwellfam
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Did you make it back in at the end?
My son is in the process of applying for a medical waiver for the AFROTC pertaining to ADD. The TSgt has requested a letter from his physician that she can send up. His Doctor is requesting guidance on the format of how this letter should written. Does anyone have an example of one that they would share?
My son is in the process of applying for a medical waiver for the AFROTC pertaining to ADD. The TSgt has requested a letter from his physician that she can send up. His Doctor is requesting guidance on the format of how this letter should written. Does anyone have an example of one that they would share?
Markwellfam
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It's All Good
No worries...
Thank you for the reply. I was still able to dig up some infromation so in the end it was helpful. Please tell her I said thank you. Most are here to help.
My son is in the process of applying for a medical waiver for the AFROTC pertaining to ADD. The TSgt has requested a letter from his physician that she can send up. His Doctor is requesting guidance on the format of how this letter should written. Does anyone have an example of one that they would share?