Asthma Waiver?

[CFRsDad]

I posted this previously on a different board, but realized this is the more appropriate place for my question.

My son has had the dream of attending the USAFA and becoming a pilot for several years. He turns 17 this week and is in his Junior year of high school. I would appreciate some input from others that may have information related to admissions into the USAFA. The primary question for me is how his medical status will affect his chances of admission.

He was diagnosed with asthma as a child. He has been on Advair for several years and still takes it daily. Until last month, he was still taking Singulair, as well. He was last treated with Prednisone (oral steroids) approx. one year ago.

He uses Nasonex nasal spray daily for allergic rhinitis.

He has been diagnosed with eczema, but has not required topical steroids in over a year. This has been a minor problem; however, one physician did document it as psoriasis in his chart a couple of years ago. We do not believe he has psoriasis and his new physician believes it was only eczema.

How will these items affect his chances?

It is time for us to begin applying for the Summer Seminar and to begin the ramp-up for the application process. I will always support my son in his dreams and aspirations, but I also want to be a realistic voice that helps him make informed decisions about what those dreams and aspirations should be.

Thank you for any constructive input you can offer.

 

[nuensis]

How will these items affect his chances?

I don't know about the rest (not a doctor), but I do know that medical disqualification does not affect the rest of the admissions process (i.e. getting scholastically qualified).

I got an LOA from Navy while being medically disqualified, and medical qualification and a nomination are often the needed conditions required by the LOA.

In the end, however, he will still have to be medically qualified one way or another to attend.

 

[Luigi59]

The primary question for me is how his medical status will affect his chances of admission.

He was diagnosed with asthma as a child. He has been on Advair for several years and still takes it daily. Until last month, he was still taking Singulair, as well. He was last treated with Prednisone (oral steroids) approx. one year ago.

He uses Nasonex nasal spray daily for allergic rhinitis.

He has been diagnosed with eczema, but has not required topical steroids in over a year. This has been a minor problem; however, one physician did document it as psoriasis in his chart a couple of years ago. We do not believe he has psoriasis and his new physician believes it was only eczema.

How will these items affect his chances?

IMHO, he will be disqualified.

IMHO, getting a waiver for the asthma, especially as it is still being treated daily with an inhaler, will be extremely difficult. Couple it with daily prescription allergy treatment? Add in a history of psoriasis/eczema?

Good luck, it's gonna be an uphill climb.

I would never tell a candidate not to apply based on what MAY happen. I'm just telling you to be prepared for the likely disqualification.

I would advise him to go forward, complete the application process and document to DODMERB how these conditions affect (or do not affect) his daily activities.

I would also advise him to have a solid Plan B.


PS - I would also never advise any candidate to discontinue any prescribed medication in advance of a possible DODMERB qualification issue. ONLY stop taking it on the advice of your doctor.