DQ's not covered on USNA's site

stryker116c

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Dec 4, 2016
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Hi there! I'm looking at applying to USNA, but I have a few things that I haven't found answers for yet about what it takes to pass the DoDMERB.

I have taken Accutane, but it has been somewhere between 6-8 years since that.
I am currently on medication to get rid of a parasite in my stomach and some bad bacteria.
I have a gene defect called MTHFR that requires 2 supplement pills daily.
I sustained a lower back injury during my freshman year of high school (6 years ago) -- no nerve damage, just 2 discs with minor bulging -- for which I underwent physical therapy. That injury now only bothers me VERY occasionally and only when sitting (e.g., on a 13 hour car ride), and I am able to lift heavy weights, run extensively, and have full range of motion with no pain.
I also sustained a minor fracture to my foot in high school which has healed fully.

Would any of these things, or the cocktail of them together, DQ me?

Thanks!
 
You have some studying to do. Here http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf is the medical standard by which the SA go by. Look up each of the medical issues you have had in the past and you can determine if you are medically qualified.
Accutane years ago and the foot fracture will not be a problem, nor the stomach parasite. MTHFR and your back injury will probably be a disqualified (DQ). But, check the standard, don't trust my memory.

Now here is the hard part. Just because your are DQ doesn't mean you cannot go to a service academy. They do grant medical waivers and there are very few medical conditions that they cannot grant a waiver for. Getting a waiver often has to do with the condition, the severity of the condition and how bad they want you.

If you want to go to a service academy apply and hope you are qualified or get a waiver. That's the only way you will find out. Just make sure you have a backup plan, so if you do not get admitted or you are not waived you still have college plan.
 
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