Food Allergy USMA - How to be proactive

Hi all,

I am hoping that I can find some guidance/advice on how to be proactive with the DoDMERB waiver/rebuttal process.

I have an allergy to Brazil Nuts. I've only ever had one reaction (when I was 5) and have not had any issues since. The reaction, however, was deemed to be anaphylactic. I do carry an Epi-Pen but I have never used it.

My first DoDMERB physical will be in early November (kinda late I know, I've been waiting to submit my CAR form until the paperwork for my Eagle Scout rank clears). I'm pretty certain that a DQ will be in the cards for me and I want to start preparing for that process as soon as I can.

I understand that my prospects aren't great with my food allergy but I'm hoping that the relative rarity of Brazil Nuts in food will work in my favor. I'm a strong candidate for USMA as well as within my district - I have also received an LOE. I would really appreciate any advice on the rebuttal/waiver process.

Thank you!

You will most likely need to undergo an oral food challenge of said nut. If you can find an allergist that is former military to administer the test that is helpful. Do not wait to pursue this. It can take a long time to get through the medical process.

DS has DQ for nut allergy. His RAST (bloodwork) showed that he was allergic to nuts but was deemed safe to take oral nut challenge which he did pass. A nut allergy is an automatic DQ and you have to prove you are no longer allergic to nuts. According to our allergist about 50% of kids who are diagnosed with a nut allergy as a young child will outgrow the allergy.

orbornmom said:

You will most likely need to undergo an oral food challenge of said nut. If you can find an allergist that is former military to administer the test that is helpful. Do not wait to pursue this. It can take a long time to get through the medical process.

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You are correct. My DS was DQ for nut allergy but passed nut challenge. The process is long and took about 3 months to work through the issue.

@18Hopeful @orbornmom
Thank you for your insight!

You are welcome! But as I said, medical requests can be slow from DoDMERB and the academies themselves. Best to get this going on your own. Do not wait for them to ask you to do it because that could take months and then you might run out of time on the back end.