Allergies...

Tptb518

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I am brand new when it comes to military medical standards. If anyone would be kind enough to offer advice, I would be thrilled!

I am allergic to cat, dog, and deer (LOL) dander from their fur. With the dander, I get icthy eyes, runny nose and I sneeze. Also, I get the seasonal "hay fever" in spring (they consist of sneezing, and a stuffed up/runny nose). These are mild and never been diagnosed. Do i put them down?

I know the form says allergies of any kind and hay fever/rhinitis, but are my conditions serious to even check yes for?

Do they do allergy testing?
 
Tpt -- I am not a doctor. Others may have better or different advice.

They do not do allergy testing as part of the initial DoDMERB exam however if you check "Yes" on question #13 on the DoDMERB exam form they may then have you fill out the additional allergy questionaire and/or require you to complete additional "remedial" activities (additional paperwork, addition testing, exams. etc.).

I personally would not put down "hay fever" unless you have been diagnosed.

As far as "Allergies" to cats, etc. -- probably best to check "Yes" on #13 and then in the remarks section of the form put "#13: Use over-the-counter medications (Alegra, Flonase) for seasonal allergies and when around cats and dogs" or something like that.
 
In all activities concerning DODMERB, I go by this rule of thumb. If a doctor has not diagnosed you as having a particular condition or allergy, do not put it on the form.
 
Hay fever is not disqualifying if it can be controlled with OTC drugs. My DD indicated mild hay fever on her dodmerb and they didn’t even ask for a remedial.
 
Hay fever is not disqualifying if it can be controlled with OTC drugs. My DD indicated mild hay fever on her dodmerb and they didn’t even ask for a remedial.

We had a similar experience with checking "Yes" on #13 and explaining in the remarks that OTC drugs controlled the animal/seasonal allergies
 
Hay fever is not disqualifying if it can be controlled with OTC drugs. My DD indicated mild hay fever on her dodmerb and they didn’t even ask for a remedial.

we got the remedial but that was all...
 
Everyone who has replied,

Thank you very much! I appreciate your advice.

What I have gleaned from this particular thread and the DoDMERB forum is going to dictate my course of action: review all my medical history, check "yes" on items actually diagnosed my doctor(s), and (i am still contemplating, because I don't even use OTC drugs for my allergies) possible check yes on number #13 and explain that they are mild and can be easily controlled by OTC.

Does this course of action seem fine?

PS: I also have some mild, teenager acne. Should I check "yes" for this box and explain that it is only mild teen acne? I feel that if i dont, and they see that I have mild acne that they would suspect I am covering up issues.
 
Wow ... if you don’t use OTC drugs for your sneezing I’m not sure I would check 13.

On the acne, again I think you check the box if your condition was bad enough to go to a doctor to get treatment, so not sure there is a need to check yes.
 
In all activities concerning DODMERB, I go by this rule of thumb. If a doctor has not diagnosed you as having a particular condition or allergy, do not put it on the form.

Would this be seen as a breach of integrity if you know you have a condition but choose not to disclose it?

I am NOT accusing, just wondering.
 
Good question . . . you need to follow your concience . . .

The reason you don't need to check yes on #13 (at least in my mind) is if you aren't actively taking OTC drugs every day or during the season to control your so-called "allergies" then I'm not sure you have a real condition . . . it is always dangerous to "self diagnose" a disease. . .

What is interesting is the DoDMERB form in most cases is asking about symptoms, while in other cases it is asking about a specific medical condition like "eczema"

Don't overthink the form . . . you know if you have the condition they are asking about . . . if you have questions ask you parents.
 
I'm in the camp of don't say too much. It ain't lying if you haven't been diagnosed. From an operational medicine view, I had numerous patients tell me they had (insert malady here) while growing up and it is flaring up again. In 26 years not once did I report anybody for fraudulent penning on a form. If a pollen sniffle or knee pain from football practice in junior year emerges, you'll be treated for the current complaint. Don't make the story too long.
 
In all activities concerning DODMERB, I go by this rule of thumb. If a doctor has not diagnosed you as having a particular condition or allergy, do not put it on the form.

Would this be seen as a breach of integrity if you know you have a condition but choose not to disclose it?

I am NOT accusing, just wondering.
'

I have heard of so many instances when past soldiers, sailors, and airmen lied about their age or memorized the eye chart or found a doctor who was willing to sign a piece of paper. These men tell these stories with a slight grin. This is not a black and white issue. Draw a line that you think is honest and don't cross it. Unless you are a medical professional then you are not qualified to diagnose a medical condition. Just because you hugged a cat when you were six and then broke out doesn't necessarily mean your allergic to cats - unless a doctor says you are.
 
Mild hay fever isn’t the issue. It’s the extreme stuff, and you don’t have it. Don’t check yes.

I know of a case with a mom who thought her son had a skin problem and extreme hay fever. The dad didn’t think so for either. He was right as it turns out. Still, she insisted he check yes for both. Absolute hell getting that fixed. Class of ‘19 now, but it was a late reversal, and his record was damn near perfect.

Don’t self-diagnose. Start eating local honey.
 
Tpt -- I am not a doctor. Others may have better or different advice.

They do not do allergy testing as part of the initial DoDMERB exam however if you check "Yes" on question #13 on the DoDMERB exam form they may then have you fill out the additional allergy questionaire and/or require you to complete additional "remedial" activities (additional paperwork, addition testing, exams. etc.).

I personally would not put down "hay fever" unless you have been diagnosed.

As far as "Allergies" to cats, etc. -- probably best to check "Yes" on #13 and then in the remarks section of the form put "#13: Use over-the-counter medications (Alegra, Flonase) for seasonal allergies and when around cats and dogs" or something like that.
My DD checked yes to allergies; it was clear to us when we added a cat to our household that she seemed to have a mild allergy to cats, which caused watery eyes and temporary redness of her skin wherever she had snuggled the cat. Even though it was not an official diagnosis, we discussed this and decided it was wise to disclose since she takes an OTC antihistamine to control the symptoms whenever she is around the cat. She was required to submit Additional Medical Information on this issue. This was answered with simple and clear explanations, and resulted in no further information required. Some folks are severely allergic to certain animals, to the point where it affects their breathing - this is not the case for DD.
 
My son has allergies to peanuts but not tree nuts. Has an epipen but never used it and at food challenge he's given antihistamine then he's fine. He was D'qd,
After being granted an LOA in Feb '18. Going to reapply. No need for pen but how to express this finding by civilian doctor to DODMERB and USMA Waiver Board??
 
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