1. In most conditions that have been treated, we want the actual provider medical records. A provider’s license legally authorizes them to treat and document. We take little stock in letters that are written by providers.
2. More often than not, not always, case-by-case basis, if an applicant needs to convince DoDMERB, we will err on the side of caution (e.g. head injuries) and apply the DQ. This is NOT to pass the buck, moreover, it is designed to permit the investing agency, SA(s)/ROTC programs(s) to render the risk assessment. NO APPLICANT, NONE, NEVER, will ever be denied entrance to an SA/ROTC program based “solely” on a DODMERB DQ, regardless of what letters you may receive.
3. Independent results of exams will be considered by DoDMERB and medical waiver authorities, but no guarantees of decisions based on those results.
4. Fundamentally, when you “search out a particular doctor” or “hire” someone, they are being hired to be an advocate.
5. Folks may disagree with that approach, but DoDMERB is the “honest broker” in the process. Our mission is to screen the results of medical history, medical exam, in accordance with the medical standards in DoDI 6130.03 (google it) and determine if an applicants MEETS standards (aka Qualified) or does NOT MEET standards (aka Disqualified). Unlike the applicant, we are not “vested” in the outcome. We try and get to YES, but will render NO, if the results of our evaluation steers us in that direction.
6. A medical waiver authorities’ evaluation is INDEPENDENT from DoDMERB...in every shape, form, and fashion. They can and will request additional medical information (AMI) {tests, consults, documents, questionnaire, etc} [aka”remedials”].
7. *****Finally, I harken all applicants with questions to go to
https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil and hit the tab “questions about the process.” Especially those parents that may be helicopter, OSPREY, snowplow, or bull dozer parents. Paragraph 4 is specifically designed for you
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