Epilepsy - Medical Waiver

Sonicmom3

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Aug 29, 2021
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My daughter is a sophomore in high school and her older brother just started at USAFA this year. She has a desire to apply to a military academy. Her goal is to serve and become a doctor. I am wondering if waivers are approved for epilepsy. She was diagnosed in 5th grade grade and has taken medicine ever since. Well controlled and seizure free but still on medicine. She recognizes that she would not be “cleared” to operate heavy machinery and other aspects but is there a possibility that she could still be granted a waiver and offered an appointment with some restrictions through the American Disability Act? Don’t want to encourage her to pursue if this door will ultimately be closed for her?
 
Welcome new member of 18 minutes!

You will probably get a reply from Mr. Larry Mullen, Deputy Director of DoDMERB, the entity that does meets standards/does not meet standards evaluations for military accession, which you would know from your son’s recent accession cycle to get into USAFA. Mr. Mullen kindly volunteers his time here and may offer to communicate privately.

The last time I researched the ADA and its applicability to military accession, this is the clip I saved from a primary source:

“Members of the Armed Forces are appointed to a specific rank or grade under the authority of Title 10, United States Code. As such, they are exempt from the Americans with Disabilities Act (see 42 U.S.C. Sections 12111(5)(B)(i) and 12131). (i.e. members of the Armed Forces do not have to adhere to ADA rules regarding accommodations).”

And this is what I believe is the current accession standard, in case you need it:


If the door closes with regard to military service, there are other avenues to Federal service that are not armed services. The Federal govt is looking for talented and bright college and grad/med school grads to serve. There are HS and college scholarships and internship programs in STEM and healthcare.
an example:
 
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MOM/DAD: Google "DoDMERB;" Hit "Questions on the process;" Read paragraph #4.

Daughter: Send me an email: lawrence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil; provide complete name and last 4 SSN; provide the text of your Parent's posting above to YOUR email. The subject line of the email should be “Sonicmom3 - SAF = Epilepsy - Medical Waiver“ Do NOT embed links in your email as I will not be able to view those. :wiggle:
 
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