My son got notice from DOD that he was disqualified for accutane use, eczema, knee injury and shoulder injury. His knee and shoulder are non issues and completely healed and noted in his medical record. His eczema is caused by the accutane but he will finish his treatment long before admission to the academy. Would it make any difference if his doctor provided a letter or does he just need to wait until/unless he is offered waiver?
Disqualified
- Thread starter saboyte
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I suggest you go over to the DoDMERB forum here & review the sticky notes. There are also many posts which have the timeline for this process. After that, the usual path is to have your son send Mr. Mullen an email in the format mentioned containing his concerns along with the specific identifying info. Mr. Mullen usually is very prompt in replying back. good luck!
Impulsive
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I would suggest YOUR SON contact Mr. Mullen with HIS concerns. Unless you are a doc, I would not go out there and say that past medical issues are no longer valid, DoDMERB has specific medical issues they have to investigate and Mr Mullen is THE MAN for your son to contact with his issues. lawrence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil is Mr. Mullens email, if you follow the instructions he will answer your son quickly with informative information. And Good Luck to your son...
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In addition to @Wishful ’s good advice and @Impulsive ‘s good points:
- Your son should look at the very top of the DoDMERB forum for the FAST Sticky post by Mr. Mullen. That has the specifics.
- If your son hasn’t googled “DoDMERB home page” and read every item in the left-hand menu, I recommend it. Process, FAQs, workflows.
The military can be a harsh, sustained stressful environment far from advanced medical care. Something that would never be a problem in other occupations could well be one in a forward operating area. Mr. Mullen always emphasizes DoDMERB’s focus on leaving no candidate behind. They may ask for specific information to further illuminate the issue. Rest assured your son will come away from his private discussion with Mr. Mullen with a complete understanding of his situation.
Bat flare to @MullenLE !
- Your son should look at the very top of the DoDMERB forum for the FAST Sticky post by Mr. Mullen. That has the specifics.
- If your son hasn’t googled “DoDMERB home page” and read every item in the left-hand menu, I recommend it. Process, FAQs, workflows.
The military can be a harsh, sustained stressful environment far from advanced medical care. Something that would never be a problem in other occupations could well be one in a forward operating area. Mr. Mullen always emphasizes DoDMERB’s focus on leaving no candidate behind. They may ask for specific information to further illuminate the issue. Rest assured your son will come away from his private discussion with Mr. Mullen with a complete understanding of his situation.
Bat flare to @MullenLE !
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I actually am a doc but since I am also a parent I think my opinion in this matter is irrelevant. His orthopedist is the one who advised us that his previous injuries are a non issue. I will have him contact Mr. Mullen directly. Thank you for the input.I would suggest YOUR SON contact Mr. Mullen with HIS concerns. Unless you are a doc, I would not go out there and say that past medical issues are no longer valid, DoDMERB has specific medical issues they have to investigate and Mr Mullen is THE MAN for your son to contact with his issues. lawrence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil is Mr. Mullens email, if you follow the instructions he will answer your son quickly with informative information. And Good Luck to your son...
shock-n-awe
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Medical DQs happen all the time. That is why there is a waiver process. If indeed all of the issues are no longer disqualifying, then waivers will be granted. This is a simplified answer to the hopeful outcome of the process, but have your DS follow the above advice, and he will have fully executed his part and will wait for the final decision. The wait is often times loooong. Be patient.
Good luck!
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saboyte
1. So, I normally wouldn't have seen this on the USAFA tab vs the DoDMERB tab...but...
2. YES...you are a Doc...but you may not be familiar with terms of "history of" and "history of after age X
"Q= "My son got notice from DOD that he was disqualified for accutane use, eczema, knee injury and shoulder injury. His knee and shoulder are non issues and completely healed and noted in his medical record. His eczema is caused by the accutane but he will finish his treatment long before admission to the academy. Would it make any difference if his doctor provided a letter or does he just need to wait until/unless he is offered waiver?
A = Have your son send me an email: lawerence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil; provide complete name and last 4 SSN; he should paste the above to his email. I can assist him better from there.
For you....this is only a soft nudge, because I think you get it already: Google "DoDMERB;" Hit "Questions on the process;" Read paragraph 4
JulietTengoWhiskey16
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How long after the medical examination did the DOD notify hm?
Thank you for the nudge. I actually read every word of your post on the DoDMERB site before I asked the question. But your point is well taken with regard to letting my son handle his own affairs. He isn't well versed in medicine so I tend to stick my nose where it doesn't belong when it comes to his medical history. I will have him ask you directly, HIMSELF!saboyte
1. So, I normally wouldn't have seen this on the USAFA tab vs the DoDMERB tab...but...
2. YES...you are a Doc...but you may not be familiar with terms of "history of" and "history of after age X
Q= "My son got notice from DOD that he was disqualified for accutane use, eczema, knee injury and shoulder injury. His knee and shoulder are non issues and completely healed and noted in his medical record. His eczema is caused by the accutane but he will finish his treatment long before admission to the academy. Would it make any difference if his doctor provided a letter or does he just need to wait until/unless he is offered waiver?
A = Have your son send me an email: lawerence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil; provide complete name and last 4 SSN; he should paste the above to his email. I can assist him better from there.
For you....this is only a soft nudge, because I think you get it already: Google "DoDMERB;" Hit "Questions on the process;" Read paragraph 4
)He had his medical exam about 5 weeks ago. In the interim, they have been requesting follow up records from him regarding orthopedic injuries and skin issues. Only once they had all of those records did they notify him that he was disqualified.
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saboyte = A realistically honest parent. Congrats. Most all of the others are too, but they tend to live vicariously thru their children..."When WE get to Academy X;" What do WE do now?" yada, yada, yada
When he emails me, I can look specifically at his case and specifcally answer questions and the way forward.