DODMERB ACL/ MCL reconstruction 9/29

HappyNurse222

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I had an injury Sept 3rd with ACL/MCL repair on 9/29- I was just by the admissions office to schedule my DODMERB. I am not sure where I stand acceptance and attending West Point for June 27th - is there a specific recovery time of the medical or is it personal recovery and prognosis? I am going to therapy, I have a trainer and will be also starting aquatic therapy- I already passed the CFA exam this summer during the leadership experience.
 
Basically just wondering if the reconstruction has to be a mandatory 6 months prior to the DODMERB exam or if it’s based on personal recovery?
 
d. Leg, Knee, Thigh, and Hip.

(1) Current loose or foreign body in the knee joint.

(2) History of uncorrected anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injury.

(3) History of surgical reconstruction of knee ligaments within the last 12 months, or
which is symptomatic or unstable or shows signs of thigh or calf atrophy.
 
Good Evening, Just moved this to the DODMERB thread so that the expert, Mr. Mullen, can answer this question.
- Dr Mom

Paging: @MullenLE
 
Good Evening, Just moved this to the DODMERB thread so that the expert, Mr. Mullen, can answer this question.
- Dr Mom

Paging: @MullenLE
He might now answer:

 
He might now answer:

Thank you. I had missed this both on SAF and in the enterprise. God Speed to Mr Mullen & team.
 
d. Leg, Knee, Thigh, and Hip.

(1) Current loose or foreign body in the knee joint.

(2) History of uncorrected anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injury.

(3) History of surgical reconstruction of knee ligaments within the last 12 months, or
which is symptomatic or unstable or shows signs of thigh or calf atrophy.
Ugh this is so depressing
 
Ugh this is so depressing
@HappyNurse222 - It's a long process. Don't let this depress you - move forward with what you can control. Disqualifications are common - Waivers exist for a reason!

My recommendation - Continue to do well in your current activities (Physical Therapy, ....) and academics. Complete your application. Work on plan B's. Take the DoDMERB exam when scheduled - Don't wait to take it. In preparation for likely DoDMERB requests for more information after the initial exam, gather documents like surgical records/notes from the September surgery. You won't provide these documents as part of the initial exam but need them if requested by DoDMERB for review by DoDMERB, an Academy or ROTC.

Follow your physicians process for a full recovery. Let your surgeon and physical therapist know you might need documentation from them as to range of motion, limitations of use, release to full activity... Document your personal progress in recovery - possibly note when you can match your pre-injury/surgery CFA scores.

Every case is different. Take care of yourself first!
 
I had a very similar question but in reference to a spinal injury and surgery. Haven’t gotten an answer (understand the DoDMERB system problem) but was wondering if anyone knew. Is that 6 months from the time of the exam or the time of reporting to the SA? Is that the kind of thing that’s waiverable or more likely a potential deferral?
 
Without having your diagnosis and condition no one here can answer your question. You can either wait for Mr. Mullen to return (recommended), or review DODI 6130.03 for disqualifying back conditions. Spinal surgery by itself is not very specific. Possibly @Anonymous121 can provide you a better answer being a Doctor on AD.
 
Without having your diagnosis and condition no one here can answer your question. You can either wait for Mr. Mullen to return (recommended), or review DODI 6130.03 for disqualifying back conditions. Spinal surgery by itself is not very specific. Possibly @Anonymous121 can provide you a better answer being a Doctor on AD.
Thank you @Impulsive, I put a few more details in my own post but didn’t want to take over since my question is mostly about the timing of the 6 months, 12 months, etc that is listed in these instructions. But none of them say 6 months from what. We’ve read as many details as possible (AD Navy family familiar with the verbiage) and it’s still not clear. Basically it says within 12 months lumbar or thoracic fracture is a DQ, cervical fracture ever is a DQ, retained hardware is a DQ, surgery for these things within 6 months is a DQ. Well DS fractured a lumbar vertebra in a car accident literally on induction day 2022, has hardware about to be removed in a second surgery just outside the 6 month window. SO injury occurred 365 days prior to possibly reporting induction day 2023 but if that 6 months means prior to the exam, then best case scenario for him is a medical deferment for a year. Neurosurgeon is former Navy AD and reads all the fine print as he should be ok…”good as new.” And this guy has operated on pilots’ backs after ejection. But until we know if they mean from induction day or the day of his actual medical exam, don’t really know what to think. In the meantime he continues to do the interviews, work the process. Officially an Eagle Scout this week. Just super frustrating the circumstances of the whole thing and this kid is handling it all far better than his parents!
 
@HappyNurse222 - It's a long process. Don't let this depress you - move forward with what you can control. Disqualifications are common - Waivers exist for a reason!

My recommendation - Continue to do well in your current activities (Physical Therapy, ....) and academics. Complete your application. Work on plan B's. Take the DoDMERB exam when scheduled - Don't wait to take it. In preparation for likely DoDMERB requests for more information after the initial exam, gather documents like surgical records/notes from the September surgery. You won't provide these documents as part of the initial exam but need them if requested by DoDMERB for review by DoDMERB, an Academy or ROTC.

Follow your physicians process for a full recovery. Let your surgeon and physical therapist know you might need documentation from them as to range of motion, limitations of use, release to full activity... Document your personal progress in recovery - possibly note when you can match your pre-injury/surgery CFA scores.

Every case is different. Take care of yourself first!
Thank you so much- we are scheduling the medical exam hopefully tonight if it’s working- we went to orthopedic yesterday and he was really impressed with my son’s flexibility and strength. I am staying positive and aware that some things are just out of my control- as you said- he needs to heal and what’s meant to be will be when the time is right - thank you so much for your response- it’s much appreciated
 
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