Hello, I am hoping that someone will be able to provide some insight/advice on a situation I am currently dealing with. Background - a freshman with a 4 year Army ROTC scholarship. A month ago I had a reaction to something in an MRE. I reported the issue to my squad leader who instructed me to report the issue to my senior officer. I was sent for an allergy test. The blood test just came back and it turns out I am allergic to nuts. I have never had an issue before. I have never liked nuts, so really don't eat them. I am totally stressed that I am going to be medically discharged. I want to serve and am wondering if I should drop out of ROTC and enlist in the Reserves after college. Any thoughts on whether or not a waiver will be given. Thanks for your assistance.
Army ROTC medical waiver - recently found out allergic to peanuts
- Thread starter Kaye4
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Just let it play out. You may be medically discharged but why rush to conclusions and take action when you don't even know the outcome yet? If you are discharged then ask if the standards for enlistment would be any different as you wold like to serve in that way instead.
It's out of your control. Just do some Zen meditation and let go of it. Focus on your studies and ROTC responsibilities. Keep doing your absolute best in all things.
It's out of your control. Just do some Zen meditation and let go of it. Focus on your studies and ROTC responsibilities. Keep doing your absolute best in all things.
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OK — first, I am NOT a doctor.
I think you should continue to work with your AROTC cadre. Get with your AROTC Detachment person that deals with medical waivers. Probably the senior HRA. Medical waivers for nut allergies are possible. Tell this person your story and map out a plan for additional testing/waiver justification.
I think you should continue to work with your AROTC cadre. Get with your AROTC Detachment person that deals with medical waivers. Probably the senior HRA. Medical waivers for nut allergies are possible. Tell this person your story and map out a plan for additional testing/waiver justification.
GoCubbies
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One thing you need is a copy of ALL the tests and notes from the allergist/immunologist. You'll need to send for waiver consideration.
Key is what exactly you're allergic to and your reaction to consuming the allergen. If you get anaphylaxis, then the chances of waiver are lower than if you just have mild reactions. Were you given an epi pen?
I agree with @Falcon A Waivers are possible. Lots of factors go into the Cadet Command surgeon recommending one to the waiver authority.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I was not prescribed an epi pen. Doctor recommended I avoid peanuts. I guess my next step will be to meet with the medical officer and start the waiver process. I am very concerned about the length of the process. My contract is unclear re: medical release. If I participate sophomore year will I be on the hook for the scholarship if I am released. Does anyone have any experience with a medical discharge. My research hasn't lead me to a definitive answer. Looks like decision is on a case by case basis. Any thoughts on whether a medical release due to an unknown allergy will requires a cadet to pay back their scholarhip?
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What did your cadre say?
In my experience medical separations do not require payback unless it's determined it's something that was hidden on enrollment. However, I'm not familiar with all the fine print so best to ask the officers at your unit.
In my experience medical separations do not require payback unless it's determined it's something that was hidden on enrollment. However, I'm not familiar with all the fine print so best to ask the officers at your unit.
They excused me from our FTX this month and want me to bring them a copy of the allergy report once I have the results. I had a test done by an allergist when I was home for break, but they want me to go to an Army approved allergist near our battalion. That appointment was scheduled for last week, but the dr cancelled due to an emergency. I called to reschedule twice still waiting for a new appointment date. In the meantime I shared the results from my allergist and will follow up tomorrow to see if I can start the process based on those results.
So the good news is that about 50-60% of positives on skin and blood allergy tests are false positives.
There is a difference between "clinical sensitivity" and a true allergy. It's good you went to an actual allergist, but absent failing an oral challenge (i.e. eating a number of peanuts in the clinic until a reaction occurs), I wouldn't get too worried just yet.
A negative allergy test means you are almost assuredly negative. A positive test means you may be allergic.
Although many are allergic to nuts and peanuts, that is not always the case. You said you had a positive blood test to nuts, but the allergist said to avoid peanuts. Did you have a positive result for peanut as well?
You could've reacted to anything in that MRE. It's also pollen allergy season, so you could also be looking at Oral Allergy Syndrome (which is waiverable)-- not a true allergy, but a cross-reaction to something else (like the tree that produces the nut). Don't panic yet.
There is a difference between "clinical sensitivity" and a true allergy. It's good you went to an actual allergist, but absent failing an oral challenge (i.e. eating a number of peanuts in the clinic until a reaction occurs), I wouldn't get too worried just yet.
A negative allergy test means you are almost assuredly negative. A positive test means you may be allergic.
Although many are allergic to nuts and peanuts, that is not always the case. You said you had a positive blood test to nuts, but the allergist said to avoid peanuts. Did you have a positive result for peanut as well?
You could've reacted to anything in that MRE. It's also pollen allergy season, so you could also be looking at Oral Allergy Syndrome (which is waiverable)-- not a true allergy, but a cross-reaction to something else (like the tree that produces the nut). Don't panic yet.
So the good news is that about 50-60% of positives on skin and blood allergy tests are false positives.
There is a difference between "clinical sensitivity" and a true allergy. It's good you went to an actual allergist, but absent failing an oral challenge (i.e. eating a number of peanuts in the clinic until a reaction occurs), I wouldn't get too worried just yet.
A negative allergy test means you are almost assuredly negative. A positive test means you may be allergic.
Although many are allergic to nuts and peanuts, that is not always the case. You said you had a positive blood test to nuts, but the allergist said to avoid peanuts. Did you have a positive result for peanut as well?
You could've reacted to anything in that MRE. It's also pollen allergy season, so you could also be looking at Oral Allergy Syndrome (which is waiverable)-- not a true allergy, but a cross-reaction to something else (like the tree that produces the nut). Don't panic yet.
Thank you for your response. The blood test showed positive for peanuts, other nuts were fine with a slight positive to almonds and some allergies to certain trees like birch and oak. I am still waiting for my appointment with the Army doctor, but the "unknown" is really stressing me out. I am trying to remain positive and stay focused on finishing the semester. Will keep you posted if anything changes. Thanks again
Thanks for your reply. I have been hesitant to speak with my officers, I don't want to bother them and be a nuisance. Do you think it is best to speak to them now or wait until I have the results from the doctor the Army assigns? They seem annoyed whenever you have an issue, so I don't want to be labeled a "problem" cadet.
Thank for your reply. No update, trying to take your advise and stay focused.