Eczema Waiver Granted - Does a NEW medical prescription affect waiver?

[rotc1995]

I was granted a waiver for atopic dermatitis two years ago when I first joined AFROTC. I am scheduled to attend AFROTC Field Training this summer.

When I was first DQ'd and had to send in remedials, I had my doc write a note for me. The note said that my eczema was manageable without the need for prescription medication. Later, I was granted a waiver.

So now, my eczema has gotten a little worse. I have considered going to the doctor and getting prescribed some prescription ointment. Does a new medical prescription affect my waiver? Or will I have to reapply for a waiver?

 

[Pima]

I would pm kp2001 and ask him this question.

Off topic, but on topic. I believe that DoDMERB exams are only valid for 2 years.

 

[sheriff3]

rotc1995, be very careful. What you describe seems to indicate a change in your medical status and if that is the case you will need to report it. I have no medical training but if you do end up needing medication to manage your condition is could be a very big deal.

I would pm kp2001 and ask him this question.

Off topic, but on topic. I believe that DoDMERB exams are only valid for 2 years.

Not sure if the AF is different but Army cadets are done with DoDMERB unless they go to flight school like the other branches.

 

[Pima]

For AF, and I would assume it is true for Army and Navy, it is actually not a DoDMERB physical for rated cadets/mids, it is actually an FAA FC1 physical. ADAF rated officers will take an annual physical, one year it will be a short physical, like a DoDMERB (45 Mons), the next year it will be what is called a long physical, more like the FAA (blood work, hearing tests, etc)

At least 2 years ago, even nonrated will be given a DoDMERB exam prior to commissioning. It is called the exit exam.

Cadets selected for SFT (Summer Field Training) will be required to have a short physical prior....basically a sports physical and checking/proving that all their shots are up to date. Even scholarship cadets must prove their medical records are current.
~ Again that was years ago and it may have changed.

Finally, AFROTC cadets that also applied to USAFA might find their DoDMERB exam become invalid prior to contracting their 3 yr Type 2, because it is only valid for 2 years.
~ IE If they took the DoDMERB as a rising senior in HS Aug. 15th, received a TWE from USAFA, received a 4 yr Type 7, converted to a 3 yr Type 2 and their school starts August 17th, that means for that cadet, even with a scholarship, their DoDMERB is no longer valid from a contracting purpose even with the scholarship, since the exam is no longer valid.

Back on topic...I agree with your post. Neither of us are docs, hence my contact kp, but the way I see it is if they need a prescription than it needs to be reported as a change.

I would not advise not seeking a doctor, because as someone that has a family history with myself and my DD, eczema can be constant itching to the point your skin will bleed. The OP is to attend SFT at Maxwell. Scratching to a point where your skin will bleed while you are in the woods, creating a skin infection, could lead them to issues, and it can be more harmful from the point that they could medically DQd them at Maxwell. Whereas, by informing them, they can take the ointment with them and graduate.
~ Eczema can flame up at anytime. If the inflammation is behind the knees, elbows or fingers, even the first part where they wear their polyester uniform (blues) can create problems for on attention deficit (scratching) to creating open sores that could get infested in the woods.

If you have never experienced eczema, you just won't get it. You will scratch your skin raw.

 

[rotc1995]

Thanks everyone. Kind of off topic, but:

Hypotheticallly if I were to say nothing, but my eczema becomes significantly worse during FT, will they DQ me and send me home on the spot? Is there no chance that they would prescribe me some ointment there so I can continue the program?

At the moment, my eczema is controllable with OTC cortisone, but gets a little trickier with extreme temperature.

 

[Pima]

I am confused regarding your original post. Were you given a remedial or were you flat out DQd? Just because they request additional info from your primary physician for your history doesn't mean that you were DQd and met a waiver board. It could mean that after further investigation into your medical records your condition was within the parameters required to be Qd.
~ There are candidates that get a DQ code, and a remedial letter.

A waiver on the other hand means that you do not meet the standards and now the AF surgeon has to agree that they will give you a waiver for your condition.

At least that is how it has always been explained to me. Thus, if they waived the condition than I would assume they know that the traditional course of treatment maybe prescriptions.

Of course, than again if the waiver was given because you only needed OTC mede, than it goes full circle back to my opening sentence. They probably won't medically turn you back, but come fall when you get back to school and are suppose to contract as a POC, they may say that since your condition now needs to be treated with a script, I.e. a higher level, they may say they need to send you for a new waiver. (Remember that exam is valid for 2 years, and your exam taken in HS would no longer be valid).
~ This could mean if you are on scholarship, they won't pay tuition, books or stipend until that waiver is approved.

Do you still have your waiver approval letter? Does it state whether you were approved for the condition of eczema or approved because your eczema is within the standards (OTC meds not required).

It should give you insight.

Just me, but I would search for that letter, and investigate where to go from there.