lucienmckernan
New Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2021
- Messages
- 9
Hello,
Around 2014, I was diagnosed with Absence seizures and was put on medication to prevent them. The medication worked, and I believe that my last seizure was in early 2016. I was taken off of the medication on March 4th 2018. I also had a negative EEG test. Ever since then, I have had no problems whatsoever, and sometimes I forget that I ever even had seizures. I know that many epileptic people may have some barriers in physical activity or in the classroom; however, the history of seizures have had no bearing on my sports and academic life. I am a varsity captain in track and cross country with several all district and all region honors and play club basketball. Academically, my grades have not been impacted by my past condition.
I am applying to the Naval Academy and for the NROTC scholarship. Recently, I received directions for DODMERB and for scheduling a medical examination. One of the questions on the "medical history survey" asked if I had a history of seizures. This question did not come as a shock as I have been very aware of the difficulties that my condition would cause in the admissions process for years. The military policy on seizures is that one must be seizure and medication free for 5 years. I assume that since it has been 4 years since I have been medication free and over 5 since I have been seizure free, I will be medically disqualified by DODMERB? If that is the case, how likely would it be for me to get a waiver as the condition does not appear to have affected me?
Thank you,
Lucien McKernan
Around 2014, I was diagnosed with Absence seizures and was put on medication to prevent them. The medication worked, and I believe that my last seizure was in early 2016. I was taken off of the medication on March 4th 2018. I also had a negative EEG test. Ever since then, I have had no problems whatsoever, and sometimes I forget that I ever even had seizures. I know that many epileptic people may have some barriers in physical activity or in the classroom; however, the history of seizures have had no bearing on my sports and academic life. I am a varsity captain in track and cross country with several all district and all region honors and play club basketball. Academically, my grades have not been impacted by my past condition.
I am applying to the Naval Academy and for the NROTC scholarship. Recently, I received directions for DODMERB and for scheduling a medical examination. One of the questions on the "medical history survey" asked if I had a history of seizures. This question did not come as a shock as I have been very aware of the difficulties that my condition would cause in the admissions process for years. The military policy on seizures is that one must be seizure and medication free for 5 years. I assume that since it has been 4 years since I have been medication free and over 5 since I have been seizure free, I will be medically disqualified by DODMERB? If that is the case, how likely would it be for me to get a waiver as the condition does not appear to have affected me?
Thank you,
Lucien McKernan