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Eye surgery
- Thread starter kjh59
- Start date
kjh59,
Unfortunately from what you have stated you will be found medically disqualified. There are 2 standards that may affect you:
E1.2.5.3 - Current or history of degenerative changes of any part of the retina is disqualifying.
E1.2.5.4 - Current or history of detachment of the retina, history of surgery for the same, or peripheral retinal injury, defect, or degeneration that may cause retinal detachment is disqualifying.
In my experience getting waivers for retinal detachments or retinal surgery are very difficult to obtain. Thats not to say don't try. Just be aware that you are going to have more than one speed bump in the process. When I was working at DoDMERB I was suprised almost everyday by the waiver authorities making me look like a fool.
My suggestion to you (this is not a medical recommendation, just a suggestion) would be to get copies of all medical records concerning this as well as any follow-up examinations you have had. I have to assume that you have been followed up every year by your optometrist/opthalmologist. You will want to ensure you have all those exams. If you want to get a new, comprehensive examination by your optometrist/opthalmologist that would also give the waiver authorities more information to work with.
DO NOT send that information in with the initial physical examination, wait until DoDMERB requests the information.
I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but if your goal in life is to go to a service academy or ROTC program and become a military officer then I would go ahead and apply. I have found that people who are focused on the goal, and stay positive throught the process have much better results than those who just give up.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you out!
Unfortunately from what you have stated you will be found medically disqualified. There are 2 standards that may affect you:
E1.2.5.3 - Current or history of degenerative changes of any part of the retina is disqualifying.
E1.2.5.4 - Current or history of detachment of the retina, history of surgery for the same, or peripheral retinal injury, defect, or degeneration that may cause retinal detachment is disqualifying.
In my experience getting waivers for retinal detachments or retinal surgery are very difficult to obtain. Thats not to say don't try. Just be aware that you are going to have more than one speed bump in the process. When I was working at DoDMERB I was suprised almost everyday by the waiver authorities making me look like a fool.
My suggestion to you (this is not a medical recommendation, just a suggestion) would be to get copies of all medical records concerning this as well as any follow-up examinations you have had. I have to assume that you have been followed up every year by your optometrist/opthalmologist. You will want to ensure you have all those exams. If you want to get a new, comprehensive examination by your optometrist/opthalmologist that would also give the waiver authorities more information to work with.
DO NOT send that information in with the initial physical examination, wait until DoDMERB requests the information.
I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but if your goal in life is to go to a service academy or ROTC program and become a military officer then I would go ahead and apply. I have found that people who are focused on the goal, and stay positive throught the process have much better results than those who just give up.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you out!
Thank you for you detailed explanation.
Now, I understand that I am not medically fit.
I am really sad right now...
However, I am not going to give up just yet.
How do I get this "waiver"?
And, how hard is it to get?
I wanted to become an officer since 4th grade, and I will try my best to get into ROTC program or Military Academy.
I appreciate your works, and thank you for sacrificing your time for candidates.
Now, I understand that I am not medically fit.
I am really sad right now...
However, I am not going to give up just yet.
How do I get this "waiver"?
And, how hard is it to get?
I wanted to become an officer since 4th grade, and I will try my best to get into ROTC program or Military Academy.
I appreciate your works, and thank you for sacrificing your time for candidates.
kjh59,
You have the right attitude. If this is what you want, you need to press on! Once you have been found medically disqualified by DoDMERB, it will be posted on the DoDMERB web site and they will send you a letter. At that time your package will go for waiver. Each service academy and ROTC program have different waiver requirements. Some require that you submit a letter requesting the waiver, others automatically process you for a waiver. This will all be explained with your disqualification letter from DoDMERB.
The waiver for your condition is going to be difficult to obtain. You will need to be persistant and stay positive. Ensure you gather every peice of medical information you possible can. More information is better. I wish you the best, and I'm here to assist you if I can.
You have the right attitude. If this is what you want, you need to press on! Once you have been found medically disqualified by DoDMERB, it will be posted on the DoDMERB web site and they will send you a letter. At that time your package will go for waiver. Each service academy and ROTC program have different waiver requirements. Some require that you submit a letter requesting the waiver, others automatically process you for a waiver. This will all be explained with your disqualification letter from DoDMERB.
The waiver for your condition is going to be difficult to obtain. You will need to be persistant and stay positive. Ensure you gather every peice of medical information you possible can. More information is better. I wish you the best, and I'm here to assist you if I can.