Screws in foot

Corbin23

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2017
Messages
12
Hi. I am a senior in high school and I would like to join AROTC coming up in the fall. I am by no means trying to count my chickens before the eggs hatch, but I am merely trying to plan ahead. I have not received a scholarship yet, but I know DODMERB does all medical clearances to students receiving a scholarship.

In August of this year, I broke my foot. I broke my fifth metatarsal (a jones fracture) and was advised by my doctor to have surgery to prevent future issues. I guess my question is, will this cause me issues with DODMERBs? I know what their website says regarding “easy trauma”, but does anyone with personal experience have any information? Anyone have a surgery like this on a bone and still get into the program?

Thank you in advance for your help!
 
Hi. I am a senior in high school and I would like to join AROTC coming up in the fall. I am by no means trying to count my chickens before the eggs hatch, but I am merely trying to plan ahead. I have not received a scholarship yet, but I know DODMERB does all medical clearances to students receiving a scholarship.

In August of this year, I broke my foot. I broke my fifth metatarsal (a jones fracture) and was advised by my doctor to have surgery to prevent future issues. I guess my question is, will this cause me issues with DODMERBs? I know what their website says regarding “easy trauma”, but does anyone with personal experience have any information? Anyone have a surgery like this on a bone and still get into the program?

Thank you in advance for your help!

You had the surgery already right? Your post is not clear.

Many are qualified with and without a waiver for retained hardware after orthopedic surgery. Some are not. Though our experience is 'aged', it applies to AROTC, and ankle surgery with retained hardware. Medically qualified 6 months after surgery.

Gather the surgical notes (if possible) and medical records related to this surgery and subsequent therapy. Ensure you have documentation of the date you were released back to full unlimited activity by your physician. My, then cadet, got a letter on the doctors letterhead indicating date of surgery, summary of surgery, and date of release to fully activity. This included range of motion metrics indicating the joint was not compromised. If you have successfully participated in athletics or training after the surgery document those activities... participated in xxx varsity sport, two 5K races, able to rehearse for and perform 3 ballet productions of Nutcracker Suite... you get the idea.

Every case is reviewed individually but providing objective evidence of your full recovery helps when completing the Orthopedic Questionnaire for the DoDMERB physical. Answer the questions asked.

Good Luck
 
You had the surgery already right? Your post is not clear.

Many are qualified with and without a waiver for retained hardware after orthopedic surgery. Some are not. Though our experience is 'aged', it applies to AROTC, and ankle surgery with retained hardware. Medically qualified 6 months after surgery.

Gather the surgical notes (if possible) and medical records related to this surgery and subsequent therapy. Ensure you have documentation of the date you were released back to full unlimited activity by your physician. My, then cadet, got a letter on the doctors letterhead indicating date of surgery, summary of surgery, and date of release to fully activity. This included range of motion metrics indicating the joint was not compromised. If you have successfully participated in athletics or training after the surgery document those activities... participated in xxx varsity sport, two 5K races, able to rehearse for and perform 3 ballet productions of Nutcracker Suite... you get the idea.

Every case is reviewed individually but providing objective evidence of your full recovery helps when completing the Orthopedic Questionnaire for the DoDMERB physical. Answer the questions asked.

Good Luck
 
My son passed DoDMERB in July 2017 for USNA. Then broke hand in August during football game. He was then dq’d for surgery in preceding 6 months. Hoping for waiver but nothing yet. He can petition to have dq removed in February. If you can wait to apply you might save yourself some heartache.
 
As AROTC parent said, get a letter from your Dr stating you have no restrictions and are cleared for any and all activities.
DS had screws and plate for collarbone and we got just such a letter prior to DODMERB, and brought it along to that exam. Never was discussed by them, passed with no questions asked, he's now USMA 2021, and he had received 4 yr AROTC scholarship as well. Be proactive and that hopefully will be no problem for you either.
Best of luck to you!!
 
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