Hello! I have read many of the posts on this forum about asthma and being dq'd because of it. My question is this: my son was diagnosed with asthma after having swine flu a few years back. He was prescribed an inhaler that he does not use at all. He has an appointment for a Pulmonary Function Test tomorrow. Are we jumping the gun on this and should we wait to see if he is dq'd first? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Asthma
- Thread starter wahmom
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Pima
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+1 to usna1985.
Don't start going off and getting doc appointments for the JIC. It could be a large waste of money if those docs aren't DoDMERB docs.
If you want to do it to find some type/form of serenity; do it, but at least make sure you have it performed by a DoDMERB doc. If you don't use a DoDMERB doc now you are going to wonder if they will accept your doc's test since he/she wasn't DoDMERB.
Don't start going off and getting doc appointments for the JIC. It could be a large waste of money if those docs aren't DoDMERB docs.
If you want to do it to find some type/form of serenity; do it, but at least make sure you have it performed by a DoDMERB doc. If you don't use a DoDMERB doc now you are going to wonder if they will accept your doc's test since he/she wasn't DoDMERB.
Christcorp
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Exactly what gun are you jumping? As USNA1985 asked, did YOU CHOOSE to have the Pulmonary Function Test done? Is THAT the gun you think you are jumping?
Being "Prescribed" an inhaler means the doctor gave him a prescription. It doesn't matter if he EVER used it.
What you haven't said yet is: "Did your son have his DODMRB physical yet"? If he did; what did they say? If he didn't, then wait until they tell you something.
Being "Prescribed" an inhaler means the doctor gave him a prescription. It doesn't matter if he EVER used it.
What you haven't said yet is: "Did your son have his DODMRB physical yet"? If he did; what did they say? If he didn't, then wait until they tell you something.
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Pima
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CC the Swine Flu hit the peak back in 08-10, I am guessing the fear is it was after that 13 yo marker for meds.
The one thing that raised eyebrows for me, was the comment diagnosed "AFTER" the Swine Flu. I am sure it could be an oversight, but if it wasn't and he still has a current prescription for an inhaler, than that is a whole different game.
The question here is IMPO:
Does he have a current prescription for an inhaler? If so, than remedials may come into play, if not DQ. It doesn't mean a waiver won't be granted, it means they will want to look deeper.
For the OP, remember DoDMERB DQ's branches waive. If it comes to a waiver process, DoDMERB is not the deciding voice. The branch makes the decision. AF can say yes, Navy can say no and the Army can say yes too.
The one thing that raised eyebrows for me, was the comment diagnosed "AFTER" the Swine Flu. I am sure it could be an oversight, but if it wasn't and he still has a current prescription for an inhaler, than that is a whole different game.
The question here is IMPO:
Does he have a current prescription for an inhaler? If so, than remedials may come into play, if not DQ. It doesn't mean a waiver won't be granted, it means they will want to look deeper.
For the OP, remember DoDMERB DQ's branches waive. If it comes to a waiver process, DoDMERB is not the deciding voice. The branch makes the decision. AF can say yes, Navy can say no and the Army can say yes too.
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I do aplogize if I was not clear in my post as it was during a break at work. We are doing this test on our own. He was diagnosed as having asthma during his bout with swine flu. My son is only a junior in HS and is worried that this will knock him out of attending. I was just trying to get feed back and do appreciate the feedback that was given.
usna1985
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In terms of the test . . . nothing wrong with doing it to ease your mind or if your DS needs it for his ongoing care. However, in all honesty, it's unlikely to have much if any bearing on his military application (SA or ROTC).
What will PROBABLY happen is that next year your DS will fill out his form and take his test and . . . get a remedial. DODMERB will then ask for additional medical records and/or request certain tests -- whatever test they consider appropriate/necessary. Based on that info, DODMERB will either qualify or DQ him. If he's DQ'd, it will be up to the individual SA (or ROTC program) to waive that DQ.
As a general rule, if a candidate has symptoms of asthma or is diagnosed with asthma after age 13, it is likely a DQ and tough to get a waiver. Using an inhaler isn't as critical as the fact that an MD believes one might be necessary. That said, people here will cite exceptions to the "general rule" -- and you won't know your answer until you start the process. As the Dep. Dir. of DODMERB (who used to frequent these boards) so often said: every situation is unique.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that you or your DS can do at this point to get a better feel of what will happen next year. I recommend your DS complete his application as quickly as possible next year so that he gets "invited" for his medical earlier. That way, you should have an idea early on regarding his chances, medically.
And, as with every candidate, have a plan B that -- in his case -- doesn't include the military.
What will PROBABLY happen is that next year your DS will fill out his form and take his test and . . . get a remedial. DODMERB will then ask for additional medical records and/or request certain tests -- whatever test they consider appropriate/necessary. Based on that info, DODMERB will either qualify or DQ him. If he's DQ'd, it will be up to the individual SA (or ROTC program) to waive that DQ.
As a general rule, if a candidate has symptoms of asthma or is diagnosed with asthma after age 13, it is likely a DQ and tough to get a waiver. Using an inhaler isn't as critical as the fact that an MD believes one might be necessary. That said, people here will cite exceptions to the "general rule" -- and you won't know your answer until you start the process. As the Dep. Dir. of DODMERB (who used to frequent these boards) so often said: every situation is unique.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that you or your DS can do at this point to get a better feel of what will happen next year. I recommend your DS complete his application as quickly as possible next year so that he gets "invited" for his medical earlier. That way, you should have an idea early on regarding his chances, medically.
And, as with every candidate, have a plan B that -- in his case -- doesn't include the military.
Just to follow up. We found out during the Dr appointment that my son was diagnosed with asthma at age 10 and the last episode was when he had the swine flu at age 12. He was given a spiromentry test and it showed normal lung function.
We were happy to find out this information!
Again thank you all for the feedback!
We were happy to find out this information!
Again thank you all for the feedback!