Dodmerb consultants? Yes or No?

[MLparent]

Try calling Dr. Merchant's cell. I know he is a practicing physician so the evenings and Fridays seemed to work best.

I too am utilizing Dr. Merchant and I am concerned because he normally responds to my email quite timely, but I haven't heard from him in weeks and when I call his cell number all I get is a busy signal. I'm actually concerned that he is ok. Has anyone heard from him lately?

We had identical situation and he never called or emailed us us back after we paid him. Please check out better business bureau on DODMERB consultants. Very poor service, you can learn more from these posts on this website than what he promises.

 

[One Nation]

We are in the same boat. After paying Dr. Merchant $900 in June 2017, we have sent him multiple emails since the last 12 months but there was zero reply. Have anyone heard back from him this year? We hope he is doing well. We just need to receive some updates.

 

[One Nation]

Try calling Dr. Merchant's cell. I know he is a practicing physician so the evenings and Fridays seemed to work best.

I too am utilizing Dr. Merchant and I am concerned because he normally responds to my email quite timely, but I haven't heard from him in weeks and when I call his cell number all I get is a busy signal. I'm actually concerned that he is ok. Has anyone heard from him lately?

We had identical situation and he never called or emailed us us back after we paid him. Please check out better business bureau on DODMERB consultants. Very poor service, you can learn more from these posts on this website than what he promises.

We too engaged Dr. Merchant. He was very knowledgable and probably did offer some insights that were not found here in SAF that we found useful. Our only issue was timeliness of responses which was a bit frustrating through the anxiety ridden process. When engaged, he was very thorough and expert in his counsel. A bit on the pricey side relative to the consult received but don't believe there is another source quite as knowledgable and completely on your side. Would definitely take advantage of the first free consultation as it was very helpful for us. Good luck!

Dr Merchant was very knowledgeable. After we paid him in June 2017, we have not received any reply since the last 12 months. We hope he is doing well. Just need some update information or advice from him.

 

[One Nation]

I just heard from him, all is well.

How long did it take for him to repose to your request? We have been waiting for more than 12 months and still no reply from him.

 

[DaGrubs]

How long did it take for him to repose to your request? We have been waiting for more than 12 months and still no reply from him.

He has always been very responsive, except that one time (and I have asked him multiple questions, multiple times). I ended up leaving a voice mail and he responded within a few days. Turned out that he was out of the country.

 

[Mahakalu]

We too engaged Dr. Merchant. He was very knowledgable and probably did offer some insights that were not found here in SAF that we found useful. Our only issue was timeliness of responses which was a bit frustrating through the anxiety ridden process. When engaged, he was very thorough and expert in his counsel. A bit on the pricey side relative to the consult received but don't believe there is another source quite as knowledgable and completely on your side. Would definitely take advantage of the first free consultation as it was very helpful for us. Good luck!

Has anyone used the Dodmerb consultants? I contacted them and they contacted me back and offered to call and discuss our situation. However, I am still waiting to find out if there is a cost and how much? I am also wondering if it will be worth it.

I sent you a private conversation to answer this question.

Hi Motorguy- we are also looking for information about the firm. Have not heard back from them in 16 days since paying the fee. Not sure how to send a private message to you?

Try calling Dr. Merchant's cell. I know he is a practicing physician so the evenings and Fridays seemed to work best.

 

[Mahakalu]

When applicants work with the official DODMERB organization, there is no charge for that. Hiring a 'consultant' which is what this thread started out asking, WOULD involve a cost and there is no guarantee of any better results. The original thread started back in April.

Could some on

 

[Mahakalu]

Try calling Dr. Merchant's cell. I know he is a practicing physician so the evenings and Fridays seemed to work best.

I too am utilizing Dr. Merchant and I am concerned because he normally responds to my email quite timely, but I haven't heard from him in weeks and when I call his cell number all I get is a busy signal. I'm actually concerned that he is ok. Has anyone heard from him lately?

We had identical situation and he never called or emailed us us back after we paid him. Please check out better business bureau on DODMERB consultants. Very poor service, you can learn more from these posts on this website than what he promises.

We too engaged Dr. Merchant. He was very knowledgable and probably did offer some insights that were not found here in SAF that we found useful. Our only issue was timeliness of responses which was a bit frustrating through the anxiety ridden process. When engaged, he was very thorough and expert in his counsel. A bit on the pricey side relative to the consult received but don't believe there is another source quite as knowledgable and completely on your side. Would definitely take advantage of the first free consultation as it was very helpful for us. Good luck!

Dr Merchant was very knowledgeable. After we paid him in June 2017, we have not received any reply since the last 12 months. We hope he is doing well. Just need some update information or advice from him.

Could some one provide Dr. Merchants contact information>

 

[Mahakalu]

Does anyone have contact information for Dr Merchant?

 

[FMHS-79]

Does anyone have contact information for Dr Merchant?

I have no experience with Dr. Merchant, but suggest that you look at https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/dodmerb-consultants.62660/ and search other threads in the DoDMERB forum before engaging any DoDMERB consultant.

 

[kmeister5]

I am also waiting for direction from Captain Merchant for my daughter's waiver process. We started in October of 2017 and have had two or three emails and two phone calls and paid $895 for consultation without results or followup. Very frustrating and completely unprofessional to leave people hanging after taking their money. I feel like the ball was dropped after the initial contact was made. Has anyone found a reliable and dependable resource they could recommend?

 

[usna1985]

While I understand the desire to do everything possible, which may include the use of consultants, there is an official process that works for most people. DODMERB has a help line that anecdotally is actually considered helpful. USNA also has someone in Admissions whose sole job it is to deal with medical issues. I would try those options now -- and not wait in the hope that a consultant who has been unresponsive for a year will suddenly change his stripes. I'm also not aware of other medical consultants but, as noted, most people do fine within "the system." And the unfortunate fact is that, no matter who is helping in the process, some medical issues simply can't/won't be waived. Best of luck to you.

 

[boatsfordays]

I was able to get all the information we needed directly from DoDMERB. They really are helpful. And remember that pursuing a waiver is not up to you, it is at the discretion of the academy to pursue a waiver when you are deemed competitive for an appointment. Be prepared to present more information when and if it is requested. Trust the process.

 

[USMA19DAD]

My son is a Firstie at West Point. He had 2 medical issues that were concerning, and DODMERB Consultants guided us through the process of getting him qualified. I can’t say we couldn’t have done it without them, but it is generally regarded as a “God thing” in our house that we found them.

 

[ACatSLP]

My son is a Firstie at West Point. He had 2 medical issues that were concerning, and DODMERB Consultants guided us through the process of getting him qualified. I can’t say we couldn’t have done it without them, but it is generally regarded as a “God thing” in our house that we found them.

Did you use Merchant?

 

[Humey]

At this point it isnt the issue if he can help or not. He is getting paid for services and not responding and not doing the work he was supposed to do. While DoDMERB maybe helpful and gives you all the info you need, sometimes outside help is needed especially when we get into more sticky situations. No one would ever say no to using CPAs, lawyers and consultants when it comes dealing with any government agency or beaucracy, I dont see why you wouldnt want to use an outside a consultant when dealing with DoDMERB. Of course now the trick is find someone who will take your money and actually do the work

 

[Cyn]

I am also waiting for direction from Captain Merchant for my daughter's waiver process. We started in October of 2017 and have had two or three emails and two phone calls and paid $895 for consultation without results or followup. Very frustrating and completely unprofessional to leave people hanging after taking their money. I feel like the ball was dropped after the initial contact was made. Has anyone found a reliable and dependable resource they could recommend?

We too engaged Dr. Merchant. He was very knowledgable and probably did offer some insights that were not found here in SAF that we found useful. Our only issue was timeliness of responses which was a bit frustrating through the anxiety ridden process. When engaged, he was very thorough and expert in his counsel. A bit on the pricey side relative to the consult received but don't believe there is another source quite as knowledgable and completely on your side. Would definitely take advantage of the first free consultation as it was very helpful for us. Good luck!

Has anyone used the Dodmerb consultants? I contacted them and they contacted me back and offered to call and discuss our situation. However, I am still waiting to find out if there is a cost and how much? I am also wondering if it will be worth it.

I sent you a private conversation to answer this question.

Hi Motorguy- we are also looking for information about the firm. Have not heard back from them in 16 days since paying the fee. Not sure how to send a private message to you?

Try calling Dr. Merchant's cell. I know he is a practicing physician so the evenings and Fridays seemed to work best.

I am waiting for Merchant to call me now after sending him all my sons records. Has anyone resolved their issues with him. I still have not paid yet. He said he is recovering from a heart attack

 

[AF6872]

When my DD had problems with DoDmerb. We contacted DoDmerb directly. DoDmerb Director contacted us the next day. His statement to us was "We are not here to keep them out we are here to get them in". Submitted the required remedials and DQ was removed. Deal with them directly first and save the money. They were great. It cost a doctor bill but no where near the cost of a consultant. Did cost some postage though.

 

[Humey]

When my DD had problems with DoDmerb. We contacted DoDmerb directly. DoDmerb Director contacted us the next day. His statement to us was "We are not here to keep them out we are here to get them in". Submitted the required remedials and DQ was removed. Deal with them directly first and save the money. They were great. It cost a doctor bill but no where near the cost of a consultant. Did cost some postage though.

The problem with that is for every story like yours, there are plenty of stories where it didnt work out. I have never met a government agency or instituion where a having a professional on your side doesnt put you in a more level playing field. Not saying everyone needs this type of consultant but there are many situations where it will come in handy. There seems to be a huge issue witht Merchant so that probably isnt the way to go, but when someone says all you need to do is talk to DoDmerb and trust the process, I think they are being naive. I am sure they arent in the game to say no, but there are plenty of stories where people get denied and no waivers are given after mutliple medical reports are sent in refuting the original diagnosis. Either the people at DoDmerb dont care, dont know how to read a medical report or possibily did not receive the refuting medical reports in the (military) format that would be recognized as a clear indication that the original diagnosis was wrong.

 

[usna1985]

but there are plenty of stories where people get denied and no waivers are given after mutliple medical reports are sent in refuting the original diagnosis. Either the people at DoDmerb dont care, dont know how to read a medical report or possibily did not receive the refuting medical reports in the (military) format that would be recognized as a clear indication that the original diagnosis was wrong.

I'm not here to defend DODMERB, but I would be careful about anecdotal reports. Medical records are confidential and complex. The fact someone tells you: "This is what happened" doesn't mean it happened exactly that way. There may be parts to the story that the person doesn't know or isn't telling you.