Allergic rhinitis DQ?

Seaglass

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2014
Messages
4
Hello! So happy to have found this forum! It seems like a great resource. My son is a sophomore in high school and has always wanted to be a pilot. We are starting the research process on the avenues to get there:smile:. He has shown a definite interest in joining the military. We noticed allergies (hay fever) listed as a possible DQ. He was diagnosed with airborne allergies at a young age, but is well controlled on nasal steroid spray and occasional Claritin. He also had his adenoids removed when he was 5. Will this likely DQ him? If not, what is the waiver process like and what info would likely be needed? Thanks so much for any info provided!
 
Allergies will always create a red flag if it requires prescriptions or shots, it imaybe waiverable. DoDMERB dqs, the commissioning source waives. USNA may say yes and AFA may say no.

Now for the downside from the AF rated perspective. The meds he is taking would be considered a no-no as a pilot! Fliers can take nothing more than aspirin for self medicating. Afrin will place them into DNIF (Duties Not Including Flying). Afrin esprcially is seen as a big no no since it can become addictive.
 
Thanks for your quick reply. Is there anyone at DoDMERB that could address the question if I give more specific info to? I see a Larry Mullen replying in older posts....do you know if he is still active and worth an email?
 
Larry Mullen left a long time ago.

Honestly,just move forward with life. Keep on top of all medical records.
They are going to look back as far back as when he was 13. Do not change meds or prescriptions without discussing with your doc first.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
my son is learning to fly the c130J and has some nasal allergies. No decongestants, no nasal sprays, no zinc supplements, nothing.

He is doing fine now but they did look into it with some detail when he was applying.
 
So I looked at the USAF Waiver Guide and the USN Waiver guide online. If I understand correctly, the Air Force looks at allergy control by 1 approved medicine OK, (as long as there are no adverse side effects) without a waiver. More than 1 would need a waiver. Both meds he takes now are 'approved' so it looks optimistic. Navy seems to run the same as far as approved meds, but appears to weigh control of symptoms/ lack of side effects more, not so much the number of meds he may need for control. With all that said, I realize my son would be DQ initially. But there appears to be a good chance for a waiver. I know nothing is guaranteed and it would be totally up to the commissioning source, as well as the need and competition for slots when the time comes. I totally understand the military's position when it comes to this condition and flying.
Fencersmother... How exciting!! We live near Pease and see the C130s flying around all the time.
Pima...Thanks for pointing me in the direction of DoDMERB Consultants! Will definitely be contacting them closer to application time. Great resource!
A big THANK YOU to ALL who are giving their time and commitment to serving our country and keep us safe!!!!
 
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