medical disqualification question- urgent

Qpjulia

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2012
Messages
9
I am very confused about this whole DoDMerb thing and getting a waiver. I took my medical and eye exams a while back and they went fine- I am pretty healthy, no asthma, no broken bones ever etc. But, I kept hearing "be completely honest" so I was honest in the questions.

I put down that I do get dizzy when I exercise without properly eating before, like ANY normal person!! It's true, I'll either puke or get light headed and have to sit if I haven't eaten enough before serious exercise.

Easily correctable, right? Yes. I just eat right and have to pay attention to eat at a specific time before I know I will work out. I have a weak stomach, but so?

I am a pretty strong candidate for the USNA, I am a girl, 32 act, helicopter private pilot.

Just checked my status on the DoDMerb website, and they say "Date letter sent - Disqualification" (they sent the letter today actually, so I have not received any info from the mail).

Here's the description: D212.30 Miscellaneous condition of the nervous system Recurrent pre-syncope episodes post-exercise within the preceding 2 years.


I've never actually felt my heart so far below my stomach until reading that.

So does the fact that I get dizzy on an empty stomach crush my dreams of being a navy pilot? Do I have to give up the Naval Academy? And my back up plan of NROTC?

The doctor asked me if I've ever fainted because of this. My answer? No.

So will I be receiving a waiver or am I doomed to a life of being a civilian?

Please help. Thank you so much for reading and answering this question.
 
I am very confused about this whole DoDMerb thing and getting a waiver. I took my medical and eye exams a while back and they went fine- I am pretty healthy, no asthma, no broken bones ever etc. But, I kept hearing "be completely honest" so I was honest in the questions.

I put down that I do get dizzy when I exercise without properly eating before, like ANY normal person!! It's true, I'll either puke or get light headed and have to sit if I haven't eaten enough before serious exercise.

Easily correctable, right? Yes. I just eat right and have to pay attention to eat at a specific time before I know I will work out. I have a weak stomach, but so?

I am a pretty strong candidate for the USNA, I am a girl, 32 act, helicopter private pilot.

Just checked my status on the DoDMerb website, and they say "Date letter sent - Disqualification" (they sent the letter today actually, so I have not received any info from the mail).

Here's the description: D212.30 Miscellaneous condition of the nervous system Recurrent pre-syncope episodes post-exercise within the preceding 2 years.


I've never actually felt my heart so far below my stomach until reading that.

So does the fact that I get dizzy on an empty stomach crush my dreams of being a navy pilot? Do I have to give up the Naval Academy? And my back up plan of NROTC?

The doctor asked me if I've ever fainted because of this. My answer? No.

So will I be receiving a waiver or am I doomed to a life of being a civilian?

Please help. Thank you so much for reading and answering this question.

I'm sorry about your DQ. I don't know what to tell you other than to talk to DoDMERB directly at helpdesk@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil. Include your last name and last 4 digits of your SSN. They are not looking to DQ you, but rather to make sure you are up to their high standards. You will need to convince them that "Miscellaneous condition of the nervous system Recurrent pre-syncope episodes post-exercise within the preceding 2 years." does not really exist.

The next question would be to get a waiver. Waivers would be issued by ROTC or USNA. Best wishes for a quick turn around. :thumb:
 
thank you for the advice. I emailed them a very strong letter about my dreams and how this "disqualifying" factor is totally ridiculous. Of course, I was respectful. Cross your fingers for me
 
thank you for the advice. I emailed them a very strong letter about my dreams and how this "disqualifying" factor is totally ridiculous. Of course, I was respectful. Cross your fingers for me

Unfortunately you are now in the "more information needed" pool. In the letter they have sent they will identify what you need to do. No matter what you think getting dizzy like that just because you "don't eat right" is not a normal reaction.

Let me play devil's advocate as to why this is more serious than you may realize. You are in the middle of the desert and you are now on your 3rd day of bad food and working hard to keep the enemy from overtaking your base or possibly continuing to press the fight to the enemy. You haven't been able to "eat at the right time" and so now you are a medial liability because you are vomiting and dizzy. Or how about if you are a pilot (which you are) and you are flying combat missions that last 10-12 hours and at the end of your flight you end up with an emergency that requires all your mental strength?

I have a feeling you will probably be fine in the end, you just need to do whatever it says in the remedial letter which is likely to have an exam performed by a physician paying particular attention to this symptom.

All the best! Remember, DoDMERB is simply trying to keep you and your aircrew, squadmates, etc safe.
 
+1 to kp2001's post.

Qpjulia,
Have to say WOW regarding this:
Qpjulia said:
I emailed them a very strong letter about my dreams and how this "disqualifying" factor is totally ridiculous.

Curious, but what was your expectations regarding this email? On top of that to send this letter to docs at DoDMERB as a 17/18 yr old just starting the process is amazing. Hence the WOW! Also will say you illustrated that you don't know the system with the very strong letter.

DoDMERB DQs. Branches waive! Your email to DoDMERB about dreams and your belief is not going to get you anywhere, except..the circular filing cabinet You should have let it played out and sent the very strong letter about your dreams to USNA. They decide if that DQ is totally ridiuclous.

It allowed you to vent, but nothing more. You aren't a doc, you don't know the standards. Basically, you got it off your chest, but had no impact in their decision, and most likely it went into the circular filing cabinet as soon as they read the last sentence of your very strong letter about their ridiculous position.

OBTW let's take kp2001's post out a tad further.
kp2001 said:
Or how about if you are a pilot (which you are) and you are flying combat missions that last 10-12 hours and at the end of your flight you end up with an emergency that requires all your mental strength?

You are going Navy. My DH was an F15E WSO for 20 yrs. That scenario kp illustrated was just you, your life, your choice. Now how about when you are the pilot in a 2 seater fighter, a heavy? Now it is about someone else too, that has a love one depending on you to land that plane.

Same with combat missions.

I get this is about you, and I agree with kp regrading you will be fine. Just remember this is not just about your life in the eyes of the Navy, it is about everyone else's life too.

Sorry if I seem antagonistic, testy or harsh. I have a child that is reporting tomorrow morning for ADAF O1 with a UPT slot. I see it differently. I see kp's opinion as an ability to succeed/complete their military mission.
 
Last edited:
PIMA,
did you not happen to see that right after what you copied I said "of course, i was respeful".

what i meant by strong letter is very to the point. nobody ever got what they wanted by saying "well maybe you could reconsider". instead I say "I am requesting that you reconsider..". nothing wrong with persistence and drive.

why would I ever let one letter tell me what I can and can't do? why would I ever let one letter decide my future?

I will be in the Navy. I will fly for the Navy.

Why would I ever let one letter crush my dreams? do you really think I won't fight that letter respectfully (as i said before) until the very end? Like i said and you highlighted, I am a novice when it comes to dodmerb and their process. I didn't know that a letter to them would be stuck in the filing cabinet. I took the advice of the person who responded back to me first.

absolutely everybody will become dizzy if they haven't eaten or had anything to drink while preforming strenuous activities. I hadn't eaten for hours, like 12-24. It's not like I didn't get to have my cliff bar an hour before I go to the gym.

I'm not trying to kill anyone or get anyone injured. I know my body and my limitations.



Now for kp2001.
thank you very very much for your response. I do see the logic behind what you are saying. In the letter there was no information about remedials. However I have been doing research and got some tips. I am going to send a letter that includes a note from my doctor, a second opinion from a different doctor, a letter from a school official or nurse that says I have never missed school for this issue, and a letter from my tennis coach saying that it has never affected my athletic performance. My goal is to get their decision rescinded. what do you think? is that even possible? again, your help is very much appreciated.
 
Last edited:
also PIMA,

you have this idea that I sent a letter whining and venting about how dodmerb doctors must be stupid to have dq'd me. wrong. Don't just think that I sent something rude and unplanned. I had both of my parents read it and approve it.

I am not disrespectful to adults. I am not disrespectful to doctors. my father is a doctor.

the letter outlined my concerns in a mature and adult fashion. the usna doesn't want kids. they want respectful and respectABLE young adults.

thank you.
 
The better person in me says let this thread die.

Qpjulia,

I am sorry you don't get what I am saying.

I respect your father as a doctor, but is he DoDMERB qualified? I get your parents read what were you wrote.

However, you wrote a letter to DoDMERB, and it was IMPO a waste of energy. DoDMERB DQ's, branches waive. I will assume I am correct the letter was sent to DoDMERB, not USNA.

I get your frustration and anger. I get you want this dream. I get it.

This is a hard, hard yr. Hearts will be broken. I am only trying to illustrate not only the system for DQs, but maybe why branches won't waive.

It isn't personal, it is business. You need to accept that fact.

For my defense these are your posts.
Qbjulia said:
I emailed them a very strong letter about my dreams and how this "disqualifying" factor is totally ridiculous.

Qbjulia said:
you have this idea that I sent a letter whining and venting about how dodmerb doctors must be stupid to have dq'd me. wrong

I apologize you were correct, you never said they were stupid. I also didn't say you said they were stupid. I won't put words in your mouth, don't place them in mine. You sent a very strong letter/email that I responded to regarding your situation.

You think I am against you, but the reality is I am not. I get your fears medically and all I am trying to do is illustrate why they may DQ you.

This is just a DQ, you can get a waiver. It isn't over, it is just a hurdle.

Honestly, don't waste your time fighting with me , waste your time getting your getting your med. records and fighting this DQ if you are going to get a waiver.

I am the ant you crush when you walk. 30 minutes of crushing me is 30 minutes you aren't studying to get a better PAR, 30 minutes of training to get a better CFA, 30 minutes of not volunteering for your ECs. 30 minutes of getting your med records in order.

Seriously, I am on your side.
 
Last edited:
This thread was fine before you wrote in it. So no need to "let it die" because I would still like to talk to others about this.

And The time I spent responding to you was time well spent because I was sticking up for myself. I'm always going to make time to protect myself and not let an adult walk over me.

So thank you,
Good bye.
 
Oh man.....

OP check you attitude at the door next time, making enemies here or in the military is going to hurt you in the long run. No one is malicious here.

I understand you are just a kid, but its time to start acting like an adult.
 
Allow me to second that, only "officially" this time.

This thread is decent, but quickly taking a turn that is NOT decent.

Check the attitude at the door, it's not helpful to you or anyone else here. We understand the concerns, the goals and desires. That's why we're here.

Understand nobody here is writing something to "torture/hurt/anger" anyone else and to take it that way is to miss their meaning.

Everyone relax.

Steve
 
Sure.

I do apologize for saying "totally ridiculous". It's kind of teenage girl lingo, and I'm sorry you took it literal. But I did outline several times that I was nothing but respectful.

I really truly honestly and sincerely want to stress that I am NOT arguing with the last two posters!! I just want to say, in my defense, that if you read the original post, that my attitude is that of a stressed out girl who is trying to find answers and nothing more!

I forwarded this page to my mom to review to see if I was being moody or disrespectful, and she thought that I just just standing up for myself after Pima sent that dare I say it? Not so nice response.


Maybe I'm missing it, and I'm guessing my words are being interpreted differently than intended. And for that! I am truly sorry!!
 
Your email to DoDMERB about dreams and your belief is not going to get you anywhere, except..the circular filing cabinet You should have let it played out and sent the very strong letter about your dreams to USNA. They decide if that DQ is totally ridiuclous.

Not TRUE!!!

She took the appropriate steps in writing a REBUTTAL to DODMERB. ( I will not comment on the content since the OP did not post it).
This REBUTTAL becomes a part of her DODMERB record and if/when a waiver is requested will be forwarded to the proper waiver authorities.

This is the procedure and candidates should NOT be writing to the Academies/ROTC any rebuttal relating to their medical. This protocol was given to my daughter years ago - she used it and I have been advising candidates to follow this procedure for years.

Bottom line - Folks, if you receive a DQ which you would like to challenge then write a rebuttal to the DQ and send it to DODMERB.
 
Back
Top