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This is a thread for those who have “learned a thing or two” to share what worked for them to successfully move through the DoDMERB process, whether the initial filling out the medical history to getting through remedials and the waiver process and anything in between.
In a recent post I added some general advice, which made me think about starting this thread. I’ll repost those thoughts below, plus a few others, to open the advice spigot.
General advice, because we see “UH OH” posts on this every year:
- Take your time, read the medical history form closely and carefully answer the question that is asked.
- Don’t self-diagnose. If Great-Aunt Lizzie said that dry patch you had on your elbow 5 years ago was eczema, that is not the same as a healthcare provider diagnosing you with a condition. You still have to be honest about a history of something.
- Alcohol abuse is not the same as experimental underage drinking.
- Be honest about any experimental drug usage or underage drinking. The military is not surprised by this behavior in people your age. Lying about it will concern them more. Any fibs at this point, you will have to repeat again and again in medical histories and security clearance questionnaires while in the military. At some point, the truth usually finds its way into the light. In the comments, succinctly state facts, “On 3 separate occasions in 2023 I drank beer with friends at parties, but have not otherwise used alcohol.” “I tried an edible at a friend’s house in summer of 2022, but that was the only time.” You may have to deal with the fact your parents may see this. They will be disappointed but they will still love you; be your best contrite, adult self.
- If you have/had accommodations, were diagnosed with learning disability or neuro divergence, were prescribed medications, etc., answer any related questions honestly. Your school guidance counselor will be documenting things like accommodations in their transcript and questionnaire responses. Gifted accommodation - be sure you write a clarifying comment!
- Saying again, read the medical history form carefully. Slow down. It may not say “broken bone,” but “injury to bone,” so yes, that broken collarbone or finger or ankle has to be reported.
- This is one part of the application to consult with parents on, to ensure you answer completely. They will know things in your medical history you may not be aware of.
- If you haven’t gone to the DoDMERB home page (no login needed to access it) and read the left-side menu thoroughly, including Contacts, do it. FAQs, the pricesss, info workflow, etc.
- If you don’t know the answer to something, screenshot it, DO NOT GUESS, leave blank, and return to it once you are confident in your answer. There are have been reports here of not being able to edit the form once something is entered. Again, take your time, be deliberate on data entry.
In a recent post I added some general advice, which made me think about starting this thread. I’ll repost those thoughts below, plus a few others, to open the advice spigot.
General advice, because we see “UH OH” posts on this every year:
- Take your time, read the medical history form closely and carefully answer the question that is asked.
- Don’t self-diagnose. If Great-Aunt Lizzie said that dry patch you had on your elbow 5 years ago was eczema, that is not the same as a healthcare provider diagnosing you with a condition. You still have to be honest about a history of something.
- Alcohol abuse is not the same as experimental underage drinking.
- Be honest about any experimental drug usage or underage drinking. The military is not surprised by this behavior in people your age. Lying about it will concern them more. Any fibs at this point, you will have to repeat again and again in medical histories and security clearance questionnaires while in the military. At some point, the truth usually finds its way into the light. In the comments, succinctly state facts, “On 3 separate occasions in 2023 I drank beer with friends at parties, but have not otherwise used alcohol.” “I tried an edible at a friend’s house in summer of 2022, but that was the only time.” You may have to deal with the fact your parents may see this. They will be disappointed but they will still love you; be your best contrite, adult self.
- If you have/had accommodations, were diagnosed with learning disability or neuro divergence, were prescribed medications, etc., answer any related questions honestly. Your school guidance counselor will be documenting things like accommodations in their transcript and questionnaire responses. Gifted accommodation - be sure you write a clarifying comment!
- Saying again, read the medical history form carefully. Slow down. It may not say “broken bone,” but “injury to bone,” so yes, that broken collarbone or finger or ankle has to be reported.
- This is one part of the application to consult with parents on, to ensure you answer completely. They will know things in your medical history you may not be aware of.
- If you haven’t gone to the DoDMERB home page (no login needed to access it) and read the left-side menu thoroughly, including Contacts, do it. FAQs, the pricesss, info workflow, etc.
- If you don’t know the answer to something, screenshot it, DO NOT GUESS, leave blank, and return to it once you are confident in your answer. There are have been reports here of not being able to edit the form once something is entered. Again, take your time, be deliberate on data entry.
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