Disqualified - Waiver?

[SAHopeful2015]

My DS was medically disqualified for a past shoulder issue. We figured he would be due to a torn labrum repair 2 years ago -- he has been medically cleared for all activity and has been playing tackle varsity football this past year without missing any action because of the shoulder. My question is this - his USMA portal states "Medically disqualified, stand by for further action by the regional commander if a medical waiver will be requested". Anyone know how long it takes to know if a waiver is requested and will the DODMERB or USMA portal be updated first?

His AF portal just says "Medically disqualified". Does this mean it has already been determined no waiver will be requested? Any insight is helpful. Thank you!

 

[bookreader]

A waiver is likely possible, but you'll need to proactively go through the steps. If you use the search feature on this website, you'll find many posts on this very issue and how to proceed. Also, if you know your FFR, then that person should also be able to offer guidance.

 

[SAHopeful2015]

A waiver is likely possible, but you'll need to proactively go through the steps. If you use the search feature on this website, you'll find many posts on this very issue and how to proceed. Also, if you know your FFR, then that person should also be able to offer guidance.

Thanks bookreader... he contacted his field rep and she suggested he contact his regional commander right away. Now, my son is a very "by the book" kid and he looked over the long email that he received at the beginning of the process and it states in there about the medical process: "Do not request waiver consideration" so he took that to mean he should not contact his regional commander. So he is just confused as to what to do....

 

[another13mom]

^^My understanding is that if your son is deemed competitive within his nomination panel (i.e., if your congressperson sent a full panel of 10 nominations) then the SA at issue will automatically process a waiver request. Presumably, if there are a bunch ahead of a candidate stat wise, then no reason to go through review/administrative time of the waiver process. But if competitive then waiver process will begin.

 

[AZWPDad04]

another13mom is correct, if a candidate is deemed competitive then the SA will automatically process a waiver request. That being said, he should contact his regional commander to ask whether he is competitive and will therefore be considered for a waiver. It's a good chance to speak to the RC, demonstrate initiative and get an honest assessment of where he stands.

 

[SAHopeful2015]

another13mom is correct, if a candidate is deemed competitive then the SA will automatically process a waiver request. That being said, he should contact his regional commander to ask whether he is competitive and will therefore be considered for a waiver. It's a good chance to speak to the RC, demonstrate initiative and get an honest assessment of where he stands.

Thanks AZWPDad - I suggested he contact his RC -- it would demonstrate initiative as you mention and show he is interested, etc., etc. He came back with "according to the letter I got in the beginning of the process, it says do not request consideration for a medical waiver". He is a 'very by the book' kid and he is afraid by contacting the RC he will tick him off, etc., etc. Here is what he is referring to about not requesting a waiver:

If you are notified of a medical disqualification by DODMERB, USMA may
consider you for a medical waiver.
- Do not request medical waiver consideration.
- If you are competitive for an offer to USMA or one of our preparatory
programs, we will request waiver consideration from DODMERB and
notify you of required actions.

I cannot over emphasize how important this
examination is, get it done early.

This was an excerpt from the initial letter he received from admissions. Now, I read that to mean "don't request a medical waiver from DODMERB".

 

[GoArmy2022]

@SAHopeful2015 which region is your DS applying from? I may be able to offer you some advice through PM.

 

[SAHopeful2015]

@SAHopeful2015 which region is your DS applying from? I may be able to offer you some advice through PM.

That would be awesome as I really don't know what to tell him. We are from Pittsburgh area - so Northeast Region.

 

[GoArmy2022]

Okay. I am applying from Great Lakes so we have two different groups of Admissions officers that work specifically with us. If you were from my region I would have PMed you with some pointers but I don't know how your region works as opposed to mine.

I'll give you all the general information I can, as I too had to go through the waiver process. It isn't exactly what you'd call exhilarating and can, in fact, be a daunting challenge. Don't worry, though, because I have seen a lot of friends obtain waivers for previous tears and fractures. Most of these friends were told by DoDMERB to schedule an appointment with a doctor to 1.) acquire an updated x-ray of the formerly damaged area, 2.) ensure that the formerly unstable area is now stable and capable of enduring strenuous military activities, or 3.) do both of the above.

Now, I don't know what they'll have your DS do, but his first priority is to ensure that a waiver is requested on his behalf in the first place.

This will depend on a variety of factors, some of which I am unable to specify due to the simple fact that I am not an Admissions officer and do not have a vast amount of experience with them. According to what I've been told, your DS's competitiveness is mainly what will influence his possibility of a waiver request. If his RC deems him to be competitive enough (and I have no idea what these standards specifically are), he will grant him the waiver request. Keep in mind that his RC can put his request on "hold" and refrain from submitting the request for a waiver until something about his candidate file changes.

I recommend that your DS email your RC asking about the waiver process. I understand that he doesn't want to bother him, but RCs exist for the purpose of assisting applicants through the fantastically long adventure that is the USMA applications process. Your RC will not be able to determine your son's probability of receiving a waiver, nor will anyone on this site. We are not doctors. Only the USMA surgeon can give him the clear.

I hope this helped, and go Army!
BEAT NAVY!

 

[AirsoftRanger]

there was a SNAFU in our district last year with a waiver in limbo.
Based on that observation, and from reading the forum, I would recommend an immediate contact to the DODMERB consultant, I believe his name is Larry Mullen. There is an expense to this approach, but perhaps an assessment could be set in motion now and thus available immediately if the waiver request comes thru....