ENT surgery timeline question

[RockRooNel]

My son earned a 1st board full AROTC scholarship. His DodMETS account was just set up. We have realized in last few days that his deviated septum and large tonsils may pose an issue and DQ. He has not filled out his questionnaire yet either. He is a high level athlete and will play in college. While annoying with some minor symptoms, these are not affecting his functioning even during intense activity. Both issues can be fixed with surgery, but even his ENT said it is elective and up to him and non urgent. We are wondering if it is better to go ahead and schedule his physical, knowing a DQ is likely and then work to get these surgeries completed and then go through the waiver process? Possibly a chance they just go remedial and not DQ?

Or, is it better (and possible) to get these taken care of in next 2 months or so and have them out of the way for the physical. Then having records of fixing? He would complete the physcial once ENT says he is healed and issues fixed, which we would hope be by March or so. He hadn’t planned on getting surgery to fix these anytime soon before realizing it may pose an issue in getting him qualified. Not sure which is best approach or pro’s or pitfalls of each.

 

[Texark147]

These are the the DOD standards. It looks like surgery within 24 months is definitely disqualifying. I wouldn't go that route until you find out if it's needed. You can read through the other standards and see if he will be DQd for any of them. He will need to go through the Dodmerb process and see how it turns out. There is always a possibility for a waiver.

 

[RockRooNel]

These are the the DOD standards. It looks like surgery within 24 months is definitely disqualifying. I wouldn't go that route until you find out if it's needed. You can read through the other standards and see if he will be DQd for any of them. He will need to go through the Dodmerb process and see how it turns out. There is always a possibility for a waiver.

Thank you for your insights. The thought of something so ridiculous could DQ an otherwise strong healthy athlete is mind boggling. Especially when easily fixed with immediate results. Hopefully the waiver process sees it that way. Major college decisions are dependent on it. I understand your thought process and makes sense. Appreciate it

 

[Texark147]

[

Thank you for your insights. The thought of something so ridiculous could DQ an otherwise strong healthy athlete is mind boggling. Especially when easily fixed with immediate results. Hopefully the waiver process sees it that way. Major college decisions are dependent on it. I understand your thought process and makes sense. Appreciate it

Has he been diagnosed with anything or seen a doctor because of it? If he hasn't and it causes him no problems, it many be a non-issue. Just answer the questionnaire honestly and see how it shakes out. If he has seen a doctor for any issues, then gather those records and have them ready to send in.

 

[RockRooNel]

[
Has he been diagnosed with anything or seen a doctor because of it? If he hasn't and it causes him no problems, it many be a non-issue. Just answer the questionnaire honestly and see how it shakes out. If he has seen a doctor for any issues, then gather those records and have them ready to send in.

Yes, he has seen an ENT for them (before we knew he was going to apply for ROTC). While these things are not preventing him from things in daily life and being a strong athlete, the doctor notes would “technically” DQ him we believe. We are meeting with the doctor soon to discuss the situation and plan if need to move forward. Not sure how to get a waiver then without going through the 2 surgeries, which will be very difficult during the school year. There’s a reason most tonsillectomies are done in summer and during breaks Just never imagined we’d be in this situation. Thank you…

 

[justdoit19]

Yes, he has seen an ENT for them (before we knew he was going to apply for ROTC). While these things are not preventing him from things in daily life and being a strong athlete, the doctor notes would “technically” DQ him we believe. We are meeting with the doctor soon to discuss the situation and plan if need to move forward. Not sure how to get a waiver then without going through the 2 surgeries, which will be very difficult during the school year. There’s a reason most tonsillectomies are done in summer and during breaks Just never imagined we’d be in this situation. Thank you…

First off, don’t beat yourself up. Medical decisions parents make for their children, are made with best intentions. Every application cycle there are parents here regretting their decision to seek xxx for their kiddos. Acne meds. Surgeries. Concussions. Mental health counseling. You name it. But it’s done with their best intentions at heart! That’s not wrong.

Sometimes, hindsight is a cruel thing. Perhaps having the benefit of seeing the future would mean a different course of action. But that’s impossible.

There are reasons beyond what the parent sees, for DQ’s. And it’s not to only let ‘perfect specimens’ into the military. I’m not DODMERB, I have no idea, but I do know there are REASONS for the DQ’s that exist. And those reasons may be several layers below the obvious layer that we see.

A DQ isn’t necessarily the end of the line. If xxx is truly a non-issue, and has no bearing on anything, then there is a process that will be gone through for that fact.

Work through the process. It’s all you can do. Perhaps @GoCubbies has some input for the medical course of action. I’m here to say, don’t beat yourself up.

Let us know how it all works out. Rooting for y’all.

 

[Texark147]

Yes, he has seen an ENT for them (before we knew he was going to apply for ROTC). While these things are not preventing him from things in daily life and being a strong athlete, the doctor notes would “technically” DQ him we believe. We are meeting with the doctor soon to discuss the situation and plan if need to move forward. Not sure how to get a waiver then without going through the 2 surgeries, which will be very difficult during the school year. There’s a reason most tonsillectomies are done in summer and during breaks Just never imagined we’d be in this situation. Thank you…

He can get a waiver without surgery, especially if the doctor believes and will write a letter stating that he can fully participate and it won't cause issues. Have the doctor read the DOD standards and write a letter based on that. I am not a medical professional, but we did have to turn in additional medical information for my son with a doctor's note and he was qualified the next day. Obviously every candidate is different, but for sure do not move forward with surgery before going through the Dodmerb process. If you do, he will have to wait 24 months before he can be considered for a waiver.

 

[jbm2m]

E

First off, don’t beat yourself up. Medical decisions parents make for their children, are made with best intentions. Every application cycle there are parents here regretting their decision to seek xxx for their kiddos. Acne meds. Surgeries. Concussions. Mental health counseling. You name it. But it’s done with their best intentions at heart! That’s not wrong.

Sometimes, hindsight is a cruel thing. Perhaps having the benefit of seeing the future would mean a different course of action. But that’s impossible.

There are reasons beyond what the parent sees, for DQ’s. And it’s not to only let ‘perfect specimens’ into the military. I’m not DODMERB, I have no idea, but I do know there are REASONS for the DQ’s that exist. And those reasons may be several layers below the obvious layer that we see.

A DQ isn’t necessarily the end of the line. If xxx is truly a non-issue, and has no bearing on anything, then there is a process that will be gone through for that fact.

Work through the process. It’s all you can do. Perhaps @GoCubbies has some input for the medical course of action. I’m here to say, don’t beat yourself up.

Let us know how it all works out. Rooting for y’all.

Echo this 10000%. We are dealing with this now ourselves.