Medical Waiver

20avva

Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2019
Messages
165
Allow me to start off by saying that this is not a "chance me" post.

I was DQ'd by DoDMERB on four counts. My DoDMERB portal says my Current Medical Status for the Air Force Academy is "Under Waiver Review." I am assuming that this means USAFA waiver authorities are pursuing a waiver on my behalf.

If I get a waiver approval, that means I am medically qualified, right? If the waiver is denied, that means I can no longer pursue an appointment to USAFA, right?
 
I am assuming that this means USAFA waiver authorities are pursuing a waiver on my behalf.
Yes.

I I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)

I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
 
I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
That's interesting. I, too, am not done and would love to know the answer to this as well. Regardless, I am still working hard on my app in hopes of receiving a waiver.
 
I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
That's interesting. I, too, am not done and would love to know the answer to this as well. Regardless, I am still working hard on my app in hopes of receiving a waiver.
Did you also already submit a lot of supporting documents to fight your case? When did you get DQ’d? This IS super interesting! I hope the veteran posters chime in. ;)
 
I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
That's interesting. I, too, am not done and would love to know the answer to this as well. Regardless, I am still working hard on my app in hopes of receiving a waiver.
Did you also already submit a lot of supporting documents to fight your case? When did you get DQ’d? This IS super interesting! I hope the veteran posters chime in. ;)
USAFA DQ came in 23 AUG. USNA also DQ'd (for the same exact things) 29 AUG. The status for both changed to "Under waiver review" on 29 AUG. Haven't gave them any supporting docs except for some for a remedial (which was requested 1 AUG and which I fulfilled 22 AUG.
 
I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
That's interesting. I, too, am not done and would love to know the answer to this as well. Regardless, I am still working hard on my app in hopes of receiving a waiver.
Did you also already submit a lot of supporting documents to fight your case? When did you get DQ’d? This IS super interesting! I hope the veteran posters chime in. ;)
USAFA DQ came in 23 AUG. USNA also DQ'd (for the same exact things) 29 AUG. The status for both changed to "Under waiver review" on 29 AUG. Haven't gave them any supporting docs except for some for a remedial (which was requested 1 AUG and which I fulfilled 22 AUG.
Have USAFA or USNA written to you or changed your portal to alert you that a waiver has been requested? Negative for both for my DS.
 
I have a twist on this. My DS is also applying to USAFA and also was DQ’d on 8-19 inspite of frontloading a lot of supporting documentation in an attempt to ward-off the DQ. We looked back on DODMERB website today and were surprised to see “Under Waiver Review” instead of “Pending...” as it had read before. So, DS reached out to Mr. Mullen, aka Man-Who-Walks-on-Water; The Myth, the Man, the Legend. HE said that Under Waiver Review meant that the file is available to USAFA should they choose to request a waiver. Anyone heard of that? He cc’d admissions and DS regional person, so I’m hoping it’s been reviewed and just is awaiting the waiver request. Or maybe it has been requested and the portal hasn’t been updated? Does anyone have any insights? But DS have to complete his app 100% before the waiver is requested, as the applicant packet says? (DS isn’t done.)
That's interesting. I, too, am not done and would love to know the answer to this as well. Regardless, I am still working hard on my app in hopes of receiving a waiver.
Did you also already submit a lot of supporting documents to fight your case? When did you get DQ’d? This IS super interesting! I hope the veteran posters chime in. ;)
USAFA DQ came in 23 AUG. USNA also DQ'd (for the same exact things) 29 AUG. The status for both changed to "Under waiver review" on 29 AUG. Haven't gave them any supporting docs except for some for a remedial (which was requested 1 AUG and which I fulfilled 22 AUG.
Have USAFA or USNA written to you or changed your portal to alert you that a waiver has been requested? Negative for both for my DS.
USNA portal remains unchanged. USAFA portal reflects the medical disqualification, but there isn't any mention of a waiver
 
Folks,

In a nutshell - DODMERB does the initial review, and determines whether the Candidate meets the proscribed standards. If DODMERB identifies a disqualifying or potentially disqualifying condition, they may ask for additional information (remedials). However, once they have all relevant information, and have made the DQ determination, it is really out of DODMERB's hands and the waiver process is managed by each Service Academy.

FOR USNA ( I don't know what USAFA or other do), a Candidate would automatically be considered for a waiver if/when he /she appears to be in line for an offer of appointment. (That is a direct quote from the BGO Handbook). There is no need to request a waiver, and there is no change in status on the BGO Candidate system. (BGO's do not get involved in the process).

One caveat , there are some conditions which are simply not waiverable and others that are pretty straightforward -- be realistic in your expectations about what can be waived or not. Also, don't read too much into the stories on this Forum, i.e. " DS had XX, but got a waiver and is now the CNO..." Every medical condition and candidate is different.
 
I believe @Old Navy BGO is correct in that your DoDMERB screen will upon a DQ, shortly thereafter show "under waiver review". This does not indicate a waiver has been initiated by your Commissioning source (an academy, OCS/OTS, or ROTC program), it means the DoDMERB part of your review is complete and DoDMERB is waiting for requests for records by the particular Commissioning Source(s). It is up to the Commissioning Source to conduct any waiver action, but I do not believe it shows up on DoDMERB as "undergoing waiver process by X". My understanding, and someone who has been at this a lot longer please correct or add to, is that at least for the academies you need to complete your application including letters of recommendation, and at least one nomination, but most importantly "Be a Highly Competitive Candidate", and likely someone who will, except for lack of medical qualification receive an offer of appointment, BEFORE the Commissioning source will begin the actual waiver process. (they usually do not spend their time with waivers for every candidate, it is likely beyond their individual capabilities)

The other important thing to remember is there are numerous "unwaiverable" conditions particular to each Commissioning source. If you search these forums you should be able to find the pertinent documents particular to each Commissioning source listing those conditions that are NOT waiverable. Posters have been nice enough to include the documents here for others to use. Also review DoDINST 6130.03, it is the "bible" for understanding what the DoDMERB and waiver processes are.

Caveat: Apply to EVERY Commissioning source that interests you as one SA may not waive, but an ROTC program may, and vice versa. DO NOT put all your eggs in one basket! And ALWAYS have a civilian Plan B, nothing in the military is a given!
 
My sons Army waiver was disapproved but the waiver states he can reapply June 2020 after showing the next 7 months of a consistent job or College with a specific GPA. Does anyone have any input on this or experience/ examples
 
My sons Army waiver was disapproved but the waiver states he can reapply June 2020 after showing the next 7 months of a consistent job or College with a specific GPA. Does anyone have any input on this or experience/ examples

Does he have some history of ADHD or was given meds in the past that is typically given to someone with ADHD?
 
My sons Army waiver was disapproved but the waiver states he can reapply June 2020 after showing the next 7 months of a consistent job or College with a specific GPA. Does anyone have any input on this or experience/ examples
No one here knows the reason for Son's DQ, or his specific situation. It appears to be something that can resolve with passage of time. Don't try to read into it what they tell you...
 
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