Any chance of waiver

[Frustrated ROTC Mom]

My student was in AFROTC. Was recently informed he was medically DQed. Previously submitted additional info and waiver denied.

He's dyslexic. We're being told he'd have to be off all accomodations for 12 months before he can even apply for a waiver. That would put him well into sophomore year, if granted. There's also a vision issue they won't consider until the dyslexia waiver is granted.

The sheer time involved pretty much knocks him out. He contacted DoDMERB. They said his detachment has to contact AETC. Detachment says that's incorrect, he needs to contact them.

They did get him the aforementioned info and said it came from SGPS. (I have no idea what this stands for.)

They said he must do everything else.

Does anyone have experience with a waiver like this? Can it be sped up? Who do we contact? Is there any hope?

Appreciate input

 

[AROTC-dad]

SGPS. (I have no idea what this stands for.)

Air Education and Training Command Surgeon General’s Aerospace Medicine Division reviewed more than 45,000 case files for medical waivers in fiscal year 2016, averaging about 25 cases per person per work day.

The Physical Standards Branch, or SGPS, is an 11-person office and serves as the designated service medical waiver authority for all applicants to the active duty Air Force component outside of the United States Air Force Academy.

 

[Frustrated ROTC Mom]

Thank you for explaining that. Any idea how to contact them? DoDMERB said only the detachment can contact them. The detachment said it's completely up to my son to contact them. And there was no contact info in his denial letter.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Here is an old thread on the topic that does list some contact info.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/waiver-denied-afrotc-what-to-do.61229/page-2

Based on this thread, it appears that others have reached out to AETC/SGPS before.

 

[Impulsive]

@Fustrated ROTC Mom, He's dyslexic. We're being told he'd have to be off all accommodations for 12 months before he can even apply for a waiver. That would put him well into sophomore year, if granted. There's also a vision issue they won't consider until the dyslexia waiver is granted.

Directly from DOD Inst 6303.01:
b. History of learning disorders after the 14th birthday, including but not limited to dyslexia, if any of the following apply:
(1) With a recommended or prescribed Individualized Education Program, 504 Plan, or work accommodations after the 14th birthday;
(2) With a history of comorbid mental disorders; or
(3) With documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.

You mentioned in another thread that you might be inclined to try a different "Branch" for ROTC? Whichever one you opt to go for, your son will need a waiver. I would think (and I am not a doctor) that if you could produce evidence that your son needs no accommodations, does not have a IEP or 504 Plan, and a Psychiatrist can document that his dyslexia is mild enough to not effect his training and service in the military that you may be OK. If he has any accommodations in place, you will have an uphill battle. I wish you and your son the best in his pursuit!!