Administrative Remedial Question

Future2LtMom

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My DS is currently going through an administrative remedial for a few things. My question specifically pertains to information DoDMERB wants about orthopedic issues (knee problems, shoulder injury, broken wrist). In addition to requiring medical records about these issues, they want DS to provide DoDMERB "information regarding the extent of your participation in athletics/recreational activities during the past year. List and explain in detail if there were any restrictions imposed by the above condition or if any external supports or braces were required." Are they just asking for something as simple as a statement from DS typed on a piece of paper (i.e. "Full and complete participation in any and all athletic/recreational activities during the past year with no restrictions, external supports, or braces required.")? Or, is this something that needs to come from a healthcare professional on their letterhead?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Our son dealt with this last year after his knee surgery. In addition to sending the ortho reports and PT reports (which stated he was back 100% with no limitations), he included a letter detailing the injury (torn meniscus during swim race), treatment (surgery followed by PT), and his past and current levels of activity (able to swim 6000-8000 meters six days a week and run 3+ miles with no issues). Things were processed quickly and easily and he is fully qualified.
 
My DS is currently going through an administrative remedial for a few things. My question specifically pertains to information DoDMERB wants about orthopedic issues (knee problems, shoulder injury, broken wrist). In addition to requiring medical records about these issues, they want DS to provide DoDMERB "information regarding the extent of your participation in athletics/recreational activities during the past year. List and explain in detail if there were any restrictions imposed by the above condition or if any external supports or braces were required." Are they just asking for something as simple as a statement from DS typed on a piece of paper (i.e. "Full and complete participation in any and all athletic/recreational activities during the past year with no restrictions, external supports, or braces required.")? Or, is this something that needs to come from a healthcare professional on their letterhead?

Thanks in advance for your help!

I am a total novice on this, so take it with a grain of salt. WHile I don't think this is a big deal, it should also not be taken lightly. I would do the following:

1. Medical records, of course, along with a letter from doctors summarizing the injuries, any restrictions, and authorized activities.
2. Letters from coaches with observed levels of activity.
3. As icing on the cake, a letter from your son stating his levels of activites and any difficulties he might be having (probably none).

I'm sure this is probably overkill, but I think you want to think of it as putting your best possible case forward from authoritative sources. You never know what might come out the other end if you don't make the most authoritative case possible.

Must my $.02.
 
Our son dealt with this last year after his knee surgery. In addition to sending the ortho reports and PT reports (which stated he was back 100% with no limitations), he included a letter detailing the injury (torn meniscus during swim race), treatment (surgery followed by PT), and his past and current levels of activity (able to swim 6000-8000 meters six days a week and run 3+ miles with no issues). Things were processed quickly and easily and he is fully qualified.

I noticed that you stated that you provided PT reports. The letter he received from DoDMERB specifically stated to NOT include anything from physical therapists. I personally think it's odd that they wouldn't want that. However, in our case, I have the records from the medical doctor stating that he was referring our son to a PT for a month, and then there are records from the doctor about a month later when he had a follow-up appt. with DS that stated that therapy was successful. I was initially tempted to include the PT's records with everything else, but I didn't want to tick them off by sending something they specifically said to NOT send. Did your letter request the PT records?
 
My DS is currently going through an administrative remedial for a few things. My question specifically pertains to information DoDMERB wants about orthopedic issues (knee problems, shoulder injury, broken wrist). In addition to requiring medical records about these issues, they want DS to provide DoDMERB "information regarding the extent of your participation in athletics/recreational activities during the past year. List and explain in detail if there were any restrictions imposed by the above condition or if any external supports or braces were required." Are they just asking for something as simple as a statement from DS typed on a piece of paper (i.e. "Full and complete participation in any and all athletic/recreational activities during the past year with no restrictions, external supports, or braces required.")? Or, is this something that needs to come from a healthcare professional on their letterhead?

Thanks in advance for your help!

With a remedial, your son should follow the directions as written. DoDMERB is really good at asking for specific information. For the ortho issues, send the records from the Dr.'s office. They are typically very good about that. Regarding the activity response, your son should list how often, far, and fast he swims/bikes/runs or whatever ever he does. If you are still unclear, have your son contact the DoDMERB helpdesk by email or phone to clear up any confusion. Best wishes.:thumb:
 
If memory serves, it asked for all records pertaining to his knee injury. If it had said not to include PT, I'm quite sure we would have followed directions.
 
Back in 2010 when my son filled out the Dodmerb Medical History form he had to list that he had a Hip Avulsion Fracture in spring of 2009 caused by running track.

Not sure if the forms look the same as they did then, when he checked the box for fractures he was sent to a page to give a detailed explanation. Part of the form asked him to list what activities he had done since treatment.

Son listed everything in detail, what sports he had participated in, how far he runs, how many miles he had run, backpacking trips, snow skiing, water skiing, even jet skiing, he listed every activity he could think of including scuba diving. He was very detailed and it was a long list.

We were still sure he would be asked for a remedial or even require a waiver, but we were surprised when his Dodmerb came back as Qualified the first shot. We were not really sure if the detailed list helped but it sure didn't hurt.

Make sure your son lists all his activities since his injuries, not just sport and school related, it all helps to show he is at 100%.

Best of luck to your son.
 
Back in 2010 when my son filled out the Dodmerb Medical History form he had to list that he had a Hip Avulsion Fracture in spring of 2009 caused by running track.

Not sure if the forms look the same as they did then, when he checked the box for fractures he was sent to a page to give a detailed explanation. Part of the form asked him to list what activities he had done since treatment.

Son listed everything in detail, what sports he had participated in, how far he runs, how many miles he had run, backpacking trips, snow skiing, water skiing, even jet skiing, he listed every activity he could think of including scuba diving. He was very detailed and it was a long list.

We were still sure he would be asked for a remedial or even require a waiver, but we were surprised when his Dodmerb came back as Qualified the first shot. We were not really sure if the detailed list helped but it sure didn't hurt.

Make sure your son lists all his activities since his injuries, not just sport and school related, it all helps to show he is at 100%.

Best of luck to your son.

The forms DS had to fill out also asked additional questions about the orthopedic issues. However, he didn't get specific in his answer. He just said something to the effect that he is fully recovered and that there are no limits on his activities. He's planning on writing the statement tonight so we can get the packet in the mail tomorrow. I'll make sure he gets really detailed. Thanks for the input!
 
Received Final Determination

Well, we sent the paperwork for the administrative remedial to DoDMERB via overnight mail on 5/13/14. They should have received it on 5/14/14. DS received a letter in the mail today (5/19/14) postmarked 5/16/14 stating that he had been QUALIFIED effective 5/15/14! Woo hoo! I can't tell you how happy we are that that is behind us! :yllol:

I have to say, that kind of turn-around really surprised me. I figured we'd hear something in about a month. (But I'm NOT complaining!)
 
That is great news! When my DS started his journey down this road, I had no idea of stressors that would pop up along the way.
 
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