Allergies (Peanut)

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Black_Knights05

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Jun 21, 2015
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What are the tests for allergies in order to be admitted into West Point USMA? What is the deal about desensitization or a way to prove that you are not allergic to peanuts? What and how do you deal with waivers? What are the chances? I can eat 15 peanuts, but I am still considered "allergic". Is there a way to say that I am allergic, but explain that I am not really allergic or show physical signs of being allergic on the DoDMERB? Thanks.
 
I don't know the whole process, but a peanut allergy is an immediate DQ. I would suggest you get tested again before you submit all your paperwork to see if you still present as allergic. I don't know if that would be waiver-able.

Good luck!
 
Before you jump to the waiver process, you need to understand DoDMERB

DoDMERB in essence is the medical clearinghouse for the military. It is not just DQ and Q, but also they may request a remedial.

Remedial just means we need more medical information before we decide if we will send to the commissioning source a Q or DQ.

The fact is you have a nut allergy. You must answer yes to that question. They can come back and ask for records from your allergist. Those records can move you into a Q, or into a DQ.

Once that decision has been made, it is the commissioning source to decide to waive the DQ. USMA may say yes, USNA may say no.
~ DoDMERB has no voice in this decision. It is the branches doctors that decide.

You cannot request a waiver. Commissioning sources request it.
~ AROTC may request the waiver because you were offered a scholarship. USMA may decide not to request it.

Good Luck.

My best advice is to get your medical records in order. Go to your allergist and see if they can write something in your favor. Your opinion that you can eat 15 nuts with no effect is not the same as your doctor saying it in medical terms. Take that with you for your intake exam with the DoDMERB doctor. Hope they will Q you, but expect that they will annotate to the Army's medical standards, you are not qualified without further investigation.

OBTW, as far as it goes with how long, it depends. It can be very fast if you are sent for the exam early on, but it could take 6-9 months if your waiver is in the bulk.
 
Lockey

Pima's advice is right on . . . I would also add that West Point has to decide that they want you before they will request a medical waiver.

Waivers for peanut and tree nut allergies have been given by West Point and by Army ROTC Cadet Command in the past, but it is not a "sure thing" . . . Each case is different.
 
Lockey

The best thing you can do is make your USMA application as strong as possible and apply. Once you complete enough of the application, USMA will put you forward for the DoDMERB exam. IMO, you want to get that done in the Fall to maximize the time you have to complete any remedials, additional testing, and waiver reviews.

The reason to want to go to West Point is to become an Army officer, thus you should also have a "Plan B" school in mind and apply for an Army ROTC Scholarship. Getting a 4-year AROTC Scholarship requires a record similar to get into West Point. AROTC won't put you forward for DoDMERB until AFTER you've been selected for an AROTC scholarship which usually means NET November and maybe February or March.

It would be good to have a letter written by your allergist about your condition. It is also not a bad idea to write your own letter giving context on your allergy about has or has not affected your life so far and submit both to DoDMERB. The allergist letter may make a difference for DoDMERB. Your letter will probably not influence DoDMERB in their "qualified" vs "DQ" determination but it could help the waiver authority (USMA or AROTC) in making their judgement. I would submit your allergist letter with your initial DoDMERB forms. Submit your letter only if DoDMERB DQs you.

DoDMERB will most likely want to see the test results and medical records from any blood tests and/or skin tests you've done with your allergist. Don't submit the paper work with your initial DoDMERB forms. Just get the paperwork ready and submit it when and if DoDMERB or a the waiver authority asks for it.

It is possible you will be asked to perform a supervised food challenge with your allergist. DoDMERB may pay for it or you may be asked to pay for it. I wouldn't do one unless asked.

Good luck. This is a difficult process, but it can be done.
 
Falcon A said:
Lockey

Pima's advice is right on . . . I would also add that West Point has to decide that they want you before they will request a medical waiver.

Waivers for peanut and tree nut allergies have been given by West Point and by Army ROTC Cadet Command in the past, but it is not a "sure thing" . . . Each case is different.
Click to expand...

Hey. I have been recently been denied a waiver for my tree nut allergies without being asked for my medical records, which indicate I have never had a problem with them in the past or had a severe reaction. I have appealed for the waiver and am in the process of them re-evaluating. Do you know how severe or conditional the allergy has to be for them to deny it? Because I am not airborne, do not have to carry epipen, and have never had a reaction in the past 10 years. Thanks.
 
Lockey -- I am not a doctor, just a dad that watched his DS go through this.

Why do you need a waiver? I assume you checked the box on the medical questionnaire saying you had a nut allergy? Why did you check the box? Were you diagnosed by a doctor as having the allergy?

It is good they are reevaluating based on your medical records.

Unfortunately, each case is "case dependent" and whether you get the waiver depends where you are trying to go. For USAFA and AFROTC, it seems you have to prove you have no such condition, that it was either misdiagnosed or you have out grown it. Rash or Hives is enough to say "No." At USMA, if they really want you, it seems you can get the waiver. If you earn a 4 or 3 yr AROTC national scholarship, it seems you can get the waiver. "Severity" of the allergy is judged by the "medical authority". We have no experience with USNA, Naval ROTC, USCGA or USMMA on this issue.

Good luck! Waivers have been given by USMA and AROTC in the past.
 
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