USNA Waiver Process?

kent2015

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I received an email today from my BGO saying that I am 2Q (board and cfa). In August/September I failed dodmerb because of cat allergies that were misdiagnosed as childhood asthma. I have two nominations (MOC, senator). He mentioned in his email that I should initiate my Waiver process.

It was my understanding that the only way to get a waiver is if USNA initiates the process-- and that they only do so if you are in line for an appointment.

Just looking for clarification on this if I'm wrong.

Is there anything I can do? I sent in a note from my doctor in the fall attached with spirometry results. Is it just a waiting game from here or should I be actively pursuing a waiver somehow?


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My DD needed a waiver as well. She didn't do anything. USNA initiates the waiver process.
It popped up on her DoDMERB site that the waiver process was started. She then received a letter requesting all doctors records, etc. You may not need to do that since you've already sent a letter from the doctor, BUT every case is different and individualized. I'd give DoDMERB a call and ask if there's anything else you need to do (just to get the ball rolling more quickly.)
 
What does it say on DoDMERB website to show that waiver process was started? I am just curious as I am also waiting for a waiver.

Also, are waivers only initiated for those who USNA is going to appoint if their waiver is approved?
 
I received an email today from my BGO saying that I am 2Q (board and cfa). In August/September I failed dodmerb because of cat allergies that were misdiagnosed as childhood asthma. I have two nominations (MOC, senator). He mentioned in his email that I should initiate my Waiver process.

It was my understanding that the only way to get a waiver is if USNA initiates the process-- and that they only do so if you are in line for an appointment.

Just looking for clarification on this if I'm wrong.

Is there anything I can do? I sent in a note from my doctor in the fall attached with spirometry results. Is it just a waiting game from here or should I be actively pursuing a waiver somehow?


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This is a little frustrating.... Why do the mods on this forum keep telling us that the BGO's should not disclose whether or not a candidate is board qualified when clearly some (or most) disclose this to the candidates? My niece has not asked her BGO (per the info here!!) whether or not she has that last Q. She already knows that she passed the CFA (at NASS), and she is medically qualified per DODMERB, but I told her not to ask her BGO whether or not she has that last "q" because I told her that her BGO may know, but should not tell her per the "rules of being a BGO". And then people post here that their BGO's are giving out this info..... The OP stated that they received an email from their BGO giving the info that they are in fact board qualified. WHY can't all candidates get this info from their BGO's??
 
This is a little frustrating.... Why do the mods on this forum keep telling us that the BGO's should not disclose whether or not a candidate is board qualified when clearly some (or most) disclose this to the candidates? My niece has not asked her BGO (per the info here!!) whether or not she has that last Q. She already knows that she passed the CFA (at NASS), and she is medically qualified per DODMERB, but I told her not to ask her BGO whether or not she has that last "q" because I told her that her BGO may know, but should not tell her per the "rules of being a BGO". And then people post here that their BGO's are giving out this info..... The OP stated that they received an email from their BGO giving the info that they are in fact board qualified. WHY can't all candidates get this info from their BGO's??

I asked my BGO to see if my file had been reviewed and he said I was board Q'd but not evaluated for an offer yet.


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The "mods" aren't telling you this. The BGOs are telling you this b/c this is what USNA tells the BGOs (I'm a mod but also a BGO). I understand that some BGOs disclose this info -- probably in a misguided effort to help/support their candidates. The fact is that USNA makes VERY clear over and over again that BGOs are not permitted to disclose this info. The more often that BGOs violate this directive -- and the more that candidates/parents on sites such as this one post that BGOs are releasing this info -- the more likely it is that USNA will stop giving this info to BGOs. And then the issue will be moot.

As for the OP's question, candidates do not need to initiate the waiver process. If there is a medical DQ from DODMERB, USNA (or other accession source) automatically initiates the waiver process. However, USNA will not make a waiver determination unless the candidate is likely to be offered an appointment. This is a resource issue. The medical staff is not going to spend their time making this decision if the candidate is not likely to receive an appointment.

So, the OP's BGO is wrong -- there is nothing you need to do at this time. AND, BGOs are also not supposed to involve themselves in medical issues due to privacy (HIPAA) concerns. If you have questions about your medical status, you should contact your RD and/or the medical representative in Admissions. They are in the best position to advise you as to your medical status and/or if any additional information is needed. That said, if add'l info is needed, you will almost certainly be contacted.
 
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The "mods" aren't telling you this. The BGOs are telling you this b/c this is what USNA tells the BGOs (I'm a mod but also a BGO). I understand that some BGOs disclose this info -- probably in a misguided effort to help/support their candidates. The fact is that USNA makes VERY clear over and over again that BGOs are not permitted to disclose this info. The more often that BGOs violate this directive -- and the more that candidates/parents on sites such as this one post that BGOs are releasing this info -- the more likely it is that USNA will stop giving this info to BGOs. And then the issue will be moot.
Actually the "mods" ARE telling us this!! NOT the BGOs!! Please go back and read your own posts usna1985!!
 
What does it say on DoDMERB website to show that waiver process was started? I am just curious as I am also waiting for a waiver.

Also, are waivers only initiated for those who USNA is going to appoint if their waiver is approved?

If I remember correctly, it was something very obvious like: USNA waiver requested. I don't remember the exact wording, but you'll know it when you see it.

In answer to your second question - yes, that's my understanding. They usually don't go through the pain and expense of requesting and reviewing a waiver (and all supporting documentation) if they don't have any interest in you.

My DD was DQed by both USNA and USAFA. Both requested a waiver. Both offered her an appointment.
 
Actually the "mods" ARE telling us this!! NOT the BGOs!! Please go back and read your own posts usna1985!!

You are correct that at some point a moderator on this site has said that; however, as USNA1985 notes they are posting as a BGO in regards to this topic.

yes, at least one moderator on the site is a BGO; however, I don't think I would qualify that as 'the mods are telling us'
 
Some mods also happen to be BGOs. As KP2001 said, when we provide this info, we are relaying what USNA tells us as BGOs. BGOs who are not mods say the same thing. This is USNA directive and has nothing to do with this site or this forum other than BGOs use these as vehicles to explain USNA directives/policies.
 
Some mods also happen to be BGOs. As KP2001 said, when we provide this info, we are relaying what USNA tells us as BGOs. BGOs who are not mods say the same thing. This is USNA directive and has nothing to do with this site or this forum other than BGOs use these as vehicles to explain USNA directives/policies.
So maybe our BGO may be willing to release that info, and had I not read anything here, that would be A.OK. Just frustrated that I depended upon the guidance here on this forum, as opposed to letting her ask her BGO.....
 
So maybe our BGO may be willing to release that info, and had I not read anything here, that would be A.OK. Just frustrated that I depended upon the guidance here on this forum, as opposed to letting her ask her BGO.....

Let me get this straight....you are frustrated at BGOs on this forum for telling you what the RIGHT way of doing business is? And this is simply because OTHERS have not done it the right away (albeit, it wasn't the candidate's fault)? And, if others are getting this information from their BGOs (or, rather their BGOs are passing it to them), it now makes it right for you or your DD to do so?

Honor and Integrity. "Midshipmen are persons of integrity, they stand for that which is right."

Sometimes you have to take the high ground, even if it isn't "fair" or popular.
 
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So maybe our BGO may be willing to release that info, and had I not read anything here, that would be A.OK. Just frustrated that I depended upon the guidance here on this forum, as opposed to letting her ask her BGO.....

You will put your BGO in a difficult position if you ask him/her if your daughter is board qualified. We are clearly (and repeatedly) directed not to reveal that information. Last year I had a candidate who showed "rejected" for the board qual. A month later he received a NAPS offer. Telling the candidate he wasn't board qualified would have served no purpose and potentially caused harm. Until all the BFEs and TWEs go out, the situation is always fluid. Being frustrated with the BGOs who are following USNA's policies is not logical. The frustration should be with the BGOs who are violating policy.
 
Didn't mean to cause so much trouble, I didn't really know that BGO's weren't supposed to relay that information


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Is there somewhat of an advantage for candidate who are medically qualified compared to those who need medical waivers?
 
A bgo would better answer this question but DS experience is no, a waiver doesn't necessarily hurt you if you are a strong candidate otherwise. DS received his appt in mid Dec. His waiver was received the next day in the mail. We did nothing other than send in a letter from his dr when we were informed he failed DoDMerb several weeks prior.
 
Is there somewhat of an advantage for candidate who are medically qualified compared to those who need medical waivers?

My DD received an LOA (non-athlete) before getting a waiver. From what I learned about the process last year, it doesn't hurt you.
 
What does it say on DoDMERB website to show that waiver process was started? I am just curious as I am also waiting for a waiver.

Also, are waivers only initiated for those who USNA is going to appoint if their waiver is approved?
Copied directly from the DoDMERB page: Medical Status: Pending Waiver Submission/Review. It also indicated the date the exam was reviewed. This status remained until the waiver was approved, then it changed to: Current Medical Status: Medical waiver granted. DS was told by the USNA Medical Technician that the waiver process is only initiated if they think you are competitive. My DS received an LOA for a direct admit. My DS saw the change in DoDMERB before receiving the notification from USNA.

Is there somewhat of an advantage for candidate who are medically qualified compared to those who need medical waivers?
Most applicants will likely have no advantage issues with medical waivers, unless there is a lengthy delay in submitting the required medical documents that could slow things down. But be advised that if you are trying for a color vision deficiency (color blind) waiver, IMHO you are at a slight disadvantage. The Superintendent makes the decision on those waivers. He waits until Apr 15 to review all the color vision deficient waivers at one time, so be prepared to be patient because you won't know until after that. He typically only approves approximately 3 per year and the incoming class makeup and dynamics can impact this (recruited athletes, priors, etc). My DS was granted his waiver, but the direct admit LOA was changed to NAPS "due to an extremely limited number of medical waivers permitted for color vision deficiency" (per his waiver approval letter). Just wanted anyone else trying for one of those long shot color blind waivers to be aware they will need to put their patient pants on (borrowing a recent phrase that made me smile).
 
Is there somewhat of an advantage for candidate who are medically qualified compared to those who need medical waivers?

The answer is both, yes and no.

Scholastic qualifications and appointment/LOA offers (presuming the candidate WOULD HAVE been medically qualified) are independent of the medical qualification. Meaning, they aren't going to look at the medical qualification and see a DQ or a waiver is needed and then completely decline someone just because of that. As mentioned, if you are competitive, the waiver process will be initiated by USNA. So in that respect, there is no "advantage," as everyone is reviewed the same way regardless of their medical status.
HOWEVER...
Being medically qualified is another hurdle that a candidate has to "get over." So, if a candidate is DQ'd and/or needs a waiver, it is one more area that could potentially stop a candidate from being eligible for an appointment. In other words, if the waiver is shot down, then there is practically 0 chance of appointment. Whereas, someone who is medically qualified won't have that same risk and has less extra work to do.

Make sense?
 
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