Could my accident prevent entrance into the USNA?

3 years ago, May 15th 2006, I was struck by a car while crossing the street on my bicycle. The incident resulted in compound fractures (bones through the skin and visible) of my right tibia and fibula and a compound fracture of my right elbow. I originally spent 10 days in the hospital and underwent corrective surgeries and removing of debris. In total I had 9 surgeries over the span of a year. I am hardware-free; however I had a plate in my right leg and screws and wires in my right elbow for a period of time. I now have almost full range of motion in my right arm, leg is completely healed but aches on occasion or with super-strenuous activity. I play lacrosse for my high school with no problems.

Could any of this inhibit my acceptance or entrance into the Academy?

Thank you in advance.

-Daniel

Go to the DODMERB forum. Look up the contact info for Larry Mullen at DODMERB (it's in a sticky). Email him and ask. No one else can give you an answer that's worth anything.

I actually am already in contact with him and have an appointment with the doctor who did most of my surgery set up.

I just wanted to see what the people here thought.

Thanks for your reply.

You have already done the right course of action by contacting Larry Mullen...

That said if you want this bad enough and want some inspiration, check out www.speedangles.com Listen to the story of the pilot "faceshot" He was accedentally shot in the face shortly before his I-day. Almost died and fought medical for over 3 years to get admitted to the Academy. Not only did he make it into the Academy but also into flight school and is flying F18's for the Navy. Talk about a guy who would not take no for an answer from medical.

His story shows it's never over until you stop trying.

Best of luck to you!

I just wanted to see what the people here thought.

Click to expand...

Honestly, no one here can tell you -- we're not MDs, we don't have your records, we don't know what USNA is or isn't looking for. Nor does it matter what we think. Every case is different -- the fact that we know 15 people who got waivers under similar circumstances or 0 who did doesn't have anything to do with whether you will or not. Sorry, but it's true.

d.sherer said:

....I now have almost full range of motion in my right arm,

Click to expand...

d.sherer said:

I just wanted to see what the people here thought.

Thanks for your reply.

Click to expand...

IMHO, a limited range of motion in your elbow will disqualify you (D221.10).

However waivers are possible for almost anything, don't let the chance of a DQ stop you from applying.

usna1985 said:

Go to the DODMERB forum. Look up the contact info for Larry Mullen at DODMERB (it's in a sticky). Email him and ask. No one else can give you an answer that's worth anything.

Click to expand...

usna1985 said:

Honestly, no one here can tell you -- we're not MDs, we don't have your records, we don't know what USNA is or isn't looking for. Nor does it matter what we think. Every case is different -- the fact that we know 15 people who got waivers under similar circumstances or 0 who did doesn't have anything to do with whether you will or not. Sorry, but it's true.

Click to expand...

Listen to this woman. She speaks much Truth.