Shoulder separation & DoDMERB exam

Son is applying to a military academy. All signs are positive for acceptance pending nomination and DoDMERB exam. DoDMERB exam is scheduled for the end of the month. Today, he separate his shoulder during a hockey game. He's yet to see a doctor - will do so during work week. Does he go forward with the DodMERB exam or try to push it back a few weeks? Obviously he'll disclose any diagnosis, but I can't see him passing a physical in two weeks.

I don't think it will really matter if he pushes it back or not. Any history of shoulder instability is an automatic DQ from what I've seen. There was a poster on here tha dislocated their shoulder in their freshman year, fully recovered quite quickly, and was still DQ'd. I partially dislocated(it came out and went back in immediately) my shoulder last year in October and fully recovered but I was still DQ'd. I don't mean to be the bringer of bad news, but I find it extremely unlikely that your son will not be DQ'd whether he takes the exam in 2 weeks or 2 years. If he fully recovers he might be able to get a waiver though. That is what I am currently hoping for.

This is the most promising thread I have seen regarding waivers for shoulder instability.

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/help-with-medical-waiver-review-please.19520/

The person in that thread suffered a fairly serious shoulder separation but received a waiver just 2 months afterwards. However, just because that person received a waiver doesn't mean your son or I will.

That's what I figured. Might was well send him to the exam and get the ball rolling. Thanks for posting the other thread.

My DS received a medical code D225.00. History of any dislocation, subluxation, or instability of the shoulder. Current status is Disqualified, pending waiver submission/review. The pending part means they may or may not decide to even look at it for a waiver. Continue with nomination process and updating portal. If he looks like he is competitive enough for an appointment, they will look at it then. If there are candidates in his district who are just as good with no medical issues, they will more than likely offer them and not review for a waiver. At least that is how I understand it.

abcdad26 said:

Son is applying to a military academy. All signs are positive for acceptance pending nomination and DoDMERB exam. DoDMERB exam is scheduled for the end of the month. Today, he separate his shoulder during a hockey game. He's yet to see a doctor - will do so during work week. Does he go forward with the DodMERB exam or try to push it back a few weeks? Obviously he'll disclose any diagnosis, but I can't see him passing a physical in two weeks.

Click to expand...

If he never seez a doctor he might not have to report it because he hasn't been diagnosed with anything. Something similar happened to me but I never saw a doctor and yesterday I emailed DoDMERB trying to find out if I have to report it since I haven't been diagnosed, I'm still waiting for them to respond.

minnesota20 said:

abcdad26 said:

Son is applying to a military academy. All signs are positive for acceptance pending nomination and DoDMERB exam. DoDMERB exam is scheduled for the end of the month. Today, he separate his shoulder during a hockey game. He's yet to see a doctor - will do so during work week. Does he go forward with the DodMERB exam or try to push it back a few weeks? Obviously he'll disclose any diagnosis, but I can't see him passing a physical in two weeks.

Click to expand...

If he never seez a doctor he might not have to report it because he hasn't been diagnosed with anything. Something similar happened to me but I never saw a doctor and yesterday I emailed DoDMERB trying to find out if I have to report it since I haven't been diagnosed, I'm still waiting for them to respond.

Click to expand...

Minnesota...not a good idea to send someone down that path...You should not discourage someone from seeing a Dr for an injury. No Dr, no injury????

Hello all. I posted this on another forum today as well...
Went to my medical appointments almost 2 weeks ago and about to receive my letter from dodmerb any day now. Turns out I didn't get disqualified w/ my past football shoulder injury. Instead, I was put under remidal R220.00 Provide copies of all medical and surgical records regarding shoulder surgery. I disclosed that I had a dislocation which tore my laburnum and part of my rotator cuff. The orthopedic specialist I saw recommended surgery. Now... This injury happened 2 years ago, and I just went to see another orthopedic specialist not less than 3 weeks ago to get a full test done and to take x-rays. I can do anything with my shoulder and nothing limits me. The doctor understood my situation and wrote me a great note to clear me and that contains all results from the tests done. I am prepared to send this note in along with all other records on my shoulder. If I can advise anyone in the similar situation as me, don't automatically assume you'll get disqualified. Never get discouraged, just know that it will raise some red flags, so have that information all ready to go to send out asap. I am very thankful and fortunate that it was only a remedial and hopefully dodmerb sees me results on my successful surgery and qualifies me. Oh, AND MAKE COPIES!! From what I've heard they receive thousands of papers daily so don't be surprised if your info gets lost. Just call in once in a while and check on your status. Any questions PM me please.

P.S.- Does anyone know how long it will take to hear back from dodmerb once I send in my info? Thanks

Great news for you! But you still have to have surgery even though it is doing so well? Darn. Well, you are young and I'm sure also healthy so you should recover quickly.