Another allergy / asthma question

gill0610

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Apr 22, 2016
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My son has allergies and was diagnosed with asthma when he was younger. According to his doctor Looks like last medication documented for asthma was 12/11/13--that was both an inhaled steroid and rescue inhaler... Not necessarily prescribed but documented that he has at one time in his history used those medications... That was a couple of months after his 13th birthday. However he does take singulair to help with his allergies (dust/mold). This medication can also be used for asthma. His overall fitness is excellent. How concerned should we be? Should we proactively get a spirometry test so that would be in his records? Anybody know the target score for that test?
Thanks!
 
My son is currently going through the waiver process for this DQ. Based on my experience so far, if they want you, they will start the waiver process. The outcome hard to say. You do not have to spend your money doing this, but if you want to, you can get tests using your dime.
The most common required test is the Spirometry test before and after inhaler. They used to ask for the Methacholine test, looks like they no longer ask for it, so do not spend the money to get, if they want it they will order it and pay for it.
So when you get DQ'd or even when you submit your medical documentation, you can include the spirometry test so they can review it. Still outcome is any body's guess.
Good Luck.
 
Thanks. Would love to know how you make out. Is his medical history similar to what I stated? My son hasn't used an inhaler in many years but does take daily oral allergy meds
 
DS was similar to your situation. Had not used inhaler for just a year by his senior year. But continued to take singulaire for allergy symptoms. He was DQ'd -due to asthma diagnosis. We had a spirometry test performed and he had normal (no asthma) results. Turns out his early asthma diagnosis was due to severe, sustained reaction to cat allergies (we had cats during the time he was thought to have asthma). The Dr. (DS's allergist since age of 3) wrote up the earlier misdiagnosis in a letter along with the positive spirometry results. DS submitted letter and spirometry results to DODMERB to be added to his file. USAFA later initiated waiver which was granted. Months later he received appointment.
 
If you can try a medicine that is not used for asthma rather than the singular and still control symptoms, you might have fewer questions to answer. You should, of course, consult with your personal md
 
If you can try a medicine that is not used for asthma rather than the singular and still control symptoms, you might have fewer questions to answer. You should, of course, consult with your personal md

If you go to the DoDMERB site, there is a FAQs section. They make it clear, in fact I think they put it in all caps that it is not the medication that will disqualify someone, but what it is used for. Singular has 3 indications, asthma, exercise induced Bronchosmpasms, and allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies). It matters what the medical records say, not what the medication is.
 
Thanks for all the info. How would I "prove" that his medication is prescribed for allergies? Would a letter from his primary care physician suffice?
 
Thanks for all the info. How would I "prove" that his medication is prescribed for allergies? Would a letter from his primary care physician suffice?
I am sure they will ask for medical records. I know there are different opinions on here, so take this with a grain of salt, word everything carefully, but of course honestly, they will verify and as long as it matches up it is all good!
 
My DS went through this as well with AROTC. He had seen an allergist once when he was 9 years old. First we sent records, then they requested Spirometry test, then they sent a remedial for a methocholine challenge test, then FOUR MONTHS LATER he received his waiver. What an ordeal.....six months in all.

Be patient and keep the faith. The Command Surgeon knows the difference between allergies and asthma. As long as it won't interfere with their ability to perform their mission you should be ok. HOWEVER, every waiver is unique and one persons experience may differ from yours. It even varies between branches where one will grant the waiver and another won't.

We obsessed over this for months and researched the heck out of the process. What helped the most was taking with Larry Mullins who is the head of DODMERB. He was extremely helpful and will tell you all about the process. Send him an email if you have a waiver question. He is the best.

Good luck
 
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