nate_dog

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Mar 4, 2021
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Hello!

I'm a candidate for USAFA and I am currently going through the medical evaluation process. I am concerned about my possible asthma history. My doctor has prescribed me Albuterol Sulfate in the past. I used it in 2017, when I was under 13, for pre-asthmatic concerns. I haven't used Albuterol since, but my doctor prescribed it for me in April 2022 in case I should need it (and, I think, at my mom's request). I technically haven't used Albuterol since I was under 13, but I'm concerned about this prescription in April. The doctor noted that I had "asthma exacerbation" when he prescribed the Albuterol. I think this was a wrong diagnosis. I am a track and soccer athlete, and I am often the most fit on the soccer team. What will the DODMERB think of this situation? Will they be able to see my doctor's remarks about my asthma? I have my medical exam this upcoming Monday, so is there anything I should relay to the examining doctor about my asthma to avoid getting medically disqualified? Will I have to do a spirometry test? If I do happen to be DQ'ed, what's the process for getting a medical waiver?

Thank you in advance for your help!
Nathan
 
They won't see your doctor's notes unless they request them. How did you answer it on the medical history form? If you answered that you had been diagnosed with Asthma, (which you should have since your physician diagnosed it that way, whether you agree or not). Then you will tell the physician doing your exam what you just said here. "You have an active prescription as a precaution but have neither used nor needed it since you were younger than 13." And be prepared to be dq'd or at least for DoDMERB to ask for additional medical information. That is where you will send in relevant medical notes and do any additional tests required. If you (possibly) get DQ'd then the SA you are applying to can start the waiver process. I would think given your mild case when you were much younger, and no recent activities you would be a good candidate for a waiver. (all this is my opinion, not an expert here)
 
My daughter was prescribed an inhaler a couple of years ago. She barely used it. I don't think Medical Review cares one way or the other. They also likely don't care how many sports you play. They care whether you actually have asthma.

My daughter honestly listed this prescription, as it sounds like you did. She was then instructed to go to an asthma specialist. She was tested and passed negative for asthma. Waiver was granted and she has the check mark for Medical in her portal.

As another long time poster has indicated, there are many, many current currently enrolled at SAs who went through this process.
 
We were in this exact same situation and timeline. My daughter was honest on the medical history form, and listed albuterol as a previously used medication list. I believe she also listed yes, but gave notes on her history in the asthma/breathing section. In the diagnosis section, she put that she was not diagnosed, since she went to the Dr. one time for coughing/breathing issues and only used the inhaler in the month afterward before soccer games. The prescribing doctor listed "possible exercise induced asthma" which is not a diagnosis and we spoke to another Dr. in the practice regarding this as well. She was just recently marked as Medically Qualified. I'm sure, as with anything, it depends on what the physical provider writes on the paper and who at DoDMerb reviews. Best of luck to you, as this was a big worry to my daughter as well.
 
 
My daughter was prescribed an inhaler a couple of years ago. She barely used it. I don't think Medical Review cares one way or the other. They also likely don't care how many sports you play. They care whether you actually have asthma.

My daughter honestly listed this prescription, as it sounds like you did. She was then instructed to go to an asthma specialist. She was tested and passed negative for asthma. Waiver was granted and she has the check mark for Medical in her portal.

As another long time poster has indicated, there are many, many current currently enrolled at SAs who went through this process.
This is helpful. We are in the waiver process for similar. Prescriptions filled but never used. Cautionary mom from childhood viral induced asthma. Pharmacy records will show that but my son has never truly had an asthmatic episode. Hoping is dr appt and lung testing prove this despite.
 
This is helpful. We are in the waiver process for similar. Prescriptions filled but never used. Cautionary mom from childhood viral induced asthma. Pharmacy records will show that but my son has never truly had an asthmatic episode. Hoping is dr appt and lung testing prove this despite.
My son was sick often from age 2-6 and used inhalers etc. but always related to viral infections. He has never had a random asthma attack, and hasn’t needed an inhaler in about 7 or 8 years. But as a paranoid mom, I have kept one on hand just in case. Now as a Sophomore he has his heart set on applying to USNA and I am afraid my caution will disqualify him. He will start the application process next year but is there anything we should do now about this?
 
My son was sick often from age 2-6 and used inhalers etc. but always related to viral infections. He has never had a random asthma attack, and hasn’t needed an inhaler in about 7 or 8 years. But as a paranoid mom, I have kept one on hand just in case. Now as a Sophomore he has his heart set on applying to USNA and I am afraid my caution will disqualify him. He will start the application process next year but is there anything we should do now about this?
This is what we did for our DS during his Jr. year. Gatherd up prescription and medical records and put together a timelines of notable medical events, doctor visits, treatments, and outcomes. Went over it with him so he understands his childhood medical history. This has helped DS in answering DoDMERB questionnaire and the examining doctor.
You don't want him to self diagnose because he doesn't quite remember exactly what happened or thinks that he once had something because someone told him so.
Also read up on assession standard, DoD instruction 6130.03 volume 1, on any possible DQ condition in concern.
 
My son was sick often from age 2-6 and used inhalers etc. but always related to viral infections. He has never had a random asthma attack, and hasn’t needed an inhaler in about 7 or 8 years. But as a paranoid mom, I have kept one on hand just in case. Now as a Sophomore he has his heart set on applying to USNA and I am afraid my caution will disqualify him. He will start the application process next year but is there anything we should do now about this?
This was exactly my son's case and I wish I had found this forum sooner like when he was a sophomore or earlier! So much experienced people on this forum and they are SO KIND to always offer encouragement or advice Please DM me if you want to hear about my son's journey.
 
My son was sick often from age 2-6 and used inhalers etc. but always related to viral infections. He has never had a random asthma attack, and hasn’t needed an inhaler in about 7 or 8 years. But as a paranoid mom, I have kept one on hand just in case. Now as a Sophomore he has his heart set on applying to USNA and I am afraid my caution will disqualify him. He will start the application process next year but is there anything we should do now about this?
I resonate with what you are saying. Go forth! I am choosing to believe if our kids are supposed to be there, it will happen.
 
This was exactly my son's case and I wish I had found this forum sooner like when he was a sophomore or earlier! So much experienced people on this forum and they are SO KIND to always offer encouragement or advice Please DM me if you want to hear about my son's journey.
I am not sure I can DM? This was my first comment here. Haven’t spent much time yet trying to figure out how this forum works as I also have a HS senior in the midst of college apps. Would love to hear your son’s journey.
 
I am not sure I can DM? This was my first comment here. Haven’t spent much time yet trying to figure out how this forum works as I also have a HS senior in the midst of college apps. Would love to hear your son’s journey.
You need 5 total posts, a week onboard (looks like you have that) and time for the system to refresh.
 
I am not sure I can DM? This was my first comment here. Haven’t spent much time yet trying to figure out how this forum works as I also have a HS senior in the midst of college apps. Would love to hear your son’s journey.
Oh I didn’t know about the requirements to start DM! Thank you Capt MJ!
I echo what PLC007 suggested. That’s what I also did but not as early as you so you got time on your side.
Request for pharmacy records from birth to present. My DS only used Walgreens and I had to call Archives Department to obtain all reorders. It took about 2-3 wks total

Request for all records from pediatrician’s office. Not visit summary you can access, but ACTUAL medical records. We had to pay for this and took about 1-2wks.

Did your DD see any pulmonologist or asthma specialist ever? If so, obtains those medical records as well.

This is a good start. You got time!
Going forward, unless needed (of course) DO NOT FILL any more inhalers!
 
Request for pharmacy records from birth to present. My DS only used Walgreens and I had to call Archives Department to obtain all reorders. It took about 2-3 wks total
Thanks, glad to know to start now. We never saw a specialist or pulmonologist.
 
Chiming to say absolutely dont fill those inhalers!!! Rx records are standard now.
I just requested one because we can’t find it. But did not ever pick it up. Probably filled one a year ago. But never used, he plays tennis, competes in Raiders. Last time he needed one he was about 8 and was sick. Wish I weren’t a worry wort!
 
I just requested one because we can’t find it. But did not ever pick it up. Probably filled one a year ago. But never used, he plays tennis, competes in Raiders. Last time he needed one he was about 8 and was sick. Wish I weren’t a worry wort!
You did what you thought was best for your DS so don't blame yourself. Trust me, I had those thoughts too.
Unfortunately, whether you picked up or not, it still shows on the Rx records. DoDMERB does not care that your DD/DS played rigorous sports or not either. My DS's story as well.
Once you get Rx and medical records, go through and focus on asthma related visits/fill from age 13 to present and organize the information. Also look at birth-age 12. We had to go all the way back to age 5 for some of the AMI that was requested but DoDMERB definitely focuses more on age 13 and after.
 
They won't see your doctor's notes unless they request them. How did you answer it on the medical history form? If you answered that you had been diagnosed with Asthma, (which you should have since your physician diagnosed it that way, whether you agree or not). Then you will tell the physician doing your exam what you just said here. "You have an active prescription as a precaution but have neither used nor needed it since you were younger than 13." And be prepared to be dq'd or at least for DoDMERB to ask for additional medical information. That is where you will send in relevant medical notes and do any additional tests required. If you (possibly) get DQ'd then the SA you are applying to can start the waiver process. I would think given your mild case when you were much younger, and no recent activities you would be a good candidate for a waiver. (all this is my opinion, not an expert here)
You did what you thought was best for your DS so don't blame yourself. Trust me, I had those thoughts too.
Unfortunately, whether you picked up or not, it still shows on the Rx records. DoDMERB does not care that your DD/DS played rigorous sports or not either. My DS's story as well.
Once you get Rx and medical records, go through and focus on asthma related visits/fill from age 13 to present and organize the information. Also look at birth-age 12. We had to go all the way back to age 5 for some of the AMI that was requested but DoDMERB definitely focuses more on age 13 and after.
Did your kid get the waiver?
 
Hello! I thought I'd write a follow up and ask a few more questions.

I got a conditional appointment from USAFA a few weeks ago. However, two day later, I got medically DQ'd for "History of airway hyper responsiveness including asthma, reactive airway disease, exercise induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, after the 13th birthday." I was ready for it, so I wasn't too affected by the decision. USAFA requested a waiver on my behalf, and I got a request for AMI last week. The waiver authority asked for my pharmaceutical records and all asthma encounters from my pediatrician. The pharmacy records show an inhaler that was filled (but I never used it) and the pediatrician records will show occasional asthma symptoms whenever I was sick. This records will not do me any good in the waiver process, so I think I should add a personal statement to provide context to the medical records and explain I never used an inhaler. To reduce the chance of getting denied in the waiver process, I have also scheduled a proactive lung function test this week that could show that I don't have any symptoms of asthma. I would include the personal statement and lung function test in the AMI submission.

Any thoughts about the proactive lung test? Even if there's a tiny (<2%) chance that any asthmatic symptoms are discovered, is it still a good idea to supplement my AMI with anything that can argue against any asthmatic issues?

I recall Mr. Mullen saying that as long as the AMI is fulfilled, I can add whatever else I'd like to the submission. Even though the lung test may not entirely be considered, I feel that it would give me a fighting chance in the waiver process.

Thank you and let me know!
 
@nate_dog - We proactively had tests done for our daughter (different condition), but we didn't want to take the chance that USCGA (the only academy she applied to) would not request the test themselves. We wanted them to have conclusive test results in front of them when they first evaluated her for the waiver. We had to pay out-of-pocker, but that was a small price to pay.
 
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