Stress fractures?

Alameda -- I am NOT a doctor.

Here is a link to the document DoDMERB will use to determine whether you are "Qualified" or "DQ".

http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf?ver=2018-04-09-114201-123

The term "stress fracture" is only to be found in section 5.18 on page 32 associated with "lower extremities"; however, conditions of the spine are contained in section 5.16 starting on page 28. While the term "stress fracture" is not found in that section, symptoms perhaps associated with stress fractures are listed.

The only way to know for sure is to apply and go through the DoDMERB process. Even if found "DQ" it may be possible to get a medical waiver from the SA or ROTC medical waiver authority.

You should also use the search tool in the upper right corner on this page. By typing in "stress fractures" or "spine" you should get several threads on the topic describing what others have gone through with this condition.

Best wishes.
 
Is a history of stress fractures, particularly in the back, immediately disqualifying?

There’s a good chance of it being DQ at the DODMERB level depending on the info your doc provides to the DODMERB reviewers.

In general, “stress fracture” of the spine could be spondylolysis. As you can see in the link provided by Falcon, history of spondylolysis is DQ.

You probably have a chance for a waiver though. You will need to provide results of imaging studies to ensure no current boney pathology in the spine. An x-ray may suffice. If the reviewers want to ensure no disc pathology, then you will probably need to provide results of an MRI. X-ray isn’t the study to look for disc pathology.

You will also probably have to provide some type of documentation that you have no issues with strenuous activity. Did you play football or basketball? If you did and you had no issues, then that’s a good sign the stress fracture has resolved and you have no sequela.

Finally, time is your friend. The further away in the past your stress fracture, the better your chances. If it’s within the past 1-2 years, then you may have a problem getting qualified or a waiver approved.

Good luck.
 
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