Assistance and DQ

Cadet_091

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Jul 30, 2015
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125
Alright, so serving in the military has always been my biggest life goal. I cannot begin to express how much it matters to me. That being said, the DoDMERB has me very worried. Four years ago, I started having episodes known as "Confusional Migraines." These lasted for a year, but only a year and I haven't had one since (I had 3 events.) I stopped taking the medicine a month after and have since been fine. I am even in the best Future Soldier Program in our state and nothing has happened in the past 2 months, though lots of newcomers have puked and fainted.

Along with this is a history of ADHD, which did not effect my grades and I stopped taking the medicine 2 years ago. It hasn't effected me since. Concerning these things, I decided a letter from the doctor who diagnosed me would be the next best step.

Here's the letter:

To Whom it May Concern,

From 2009 to April of 2013, he was treated with stimulant medications for Attention Deficit Disorder. This diagnosis was based on the best available diagnostic tools used for this diagnosis at that time, known as Connor's Scales. There are no objective diagnostic tools to make this diagnosis such as CT scan, EEG, etc. About 2/3rds of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit in childhood will outgrow the need for medications and then no longer meet criteria for diagnosis. I consider Darien to be one of these individuals. He has taken no medication and he has not had any other treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder since April 2013 and he has performed very well as a student since therapy was stopped. He does not presently have the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. This diagnosis was resolved in April 2013. 

During 2011 and 2012 Darien had 3 episodes of what appeared to be confusion with change in his level of consciousness followed by headache. He had extensive testing at that time with normal results of blood tests, Head CT and EEG and he also had consultation with a Neurologist. The episodes were felt to be confusional migraines. He was treated for about 6 months with medications to prevent migraines. His last event was during summer of 2012. He has been off of preventive medications since September of 2012 and has not had a recurrence of the events since before stopping the medication. He does not presently have the diagnosis of Confusional Migraine. This diagnosis was resolved in September of 2012.



Despite this, I am still worried. Is this history a DQ? What are the chances of a waiver? Finally, is there anyone I can consult or work with on this? I am not going to lie, after 13 years of having my eyes dead set on my future path, a permanent DQ would be devastating for me.

Thank you greatly for your help, and please be honest,
Darien
 
That's a great letter from your doc.

How old were you in April 2013? I think the kicker comes when meds are taken after age 14.

BUT, your doc's letter is convincing and heartfelt. Good luck!!
 
That's a great letter from your doc.

How old were you in April 2013? I think the kicker comes when meds are taken after age 14.

BUT, your doc's letter is convincing and heartfelt. Good luck!!

I was 14 years old. I know I fit the medical standards for ADHD, but it is the migraines I am very worried about. It was a one year deal, and I do not want that destroying my life-long goal.

P.S. If you are not chosen for a scholarship, do you go through DoDMERB when you contract, or the same time as the scholarship winners? Thanks.
 
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You might consider contacting DODMERB consultant, Navy CAPT (ret). Glenn Merchant. Some folks on the forum have used him to assist with the waiver process on difficult cases. Your mileage may vary, but it may be worth a shot.
You can search some of his other threads on the forum as well.

Here is his link. (I have never used him, but thought it might be useful info to you)
http://www.dodmerbconsultants.com/about-us/meet-the-director

Good luck.
 
P.S. If you are not chosen for a scholarship, do you go through DoDMERB when you contract, or the same time as the scholarship winners? Thanks.

ROTC only send the candidates when they are awarded the scholarship. If you do not get a scholarship they will than send you later on when you are ready to contract or if you get a scholarship in college.
~ Caveat I am talking AFROTC.

The other caveat that you will see are ROTC posters stating they have had their exam. These candidates typically are also applying for an SA (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA) In those instances, it is the SA that requested it first, but DoDMERB will send to results to any commissioning source that requests.
~ DoDMERB DQs, commissioning sources waive. In other words, USMA say no waiver, but AROTC says yes, it happens because although they are both part of the Army, they are still two different paths to become an officer. Just like USAFA may waive and USNA doesn't.

I agree with gokings. Research DoDMERB consultants because all DoDMERB does is Q, DQ or request remedials. If it is a DQ, and they (commissioning source) deem you as a competitive candidate they will start the waiver process for you.
 
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