Is prematurity a disqualifier?

[Samanthar]

I was born at 27 weeks and in the NICU for 99 days. No surgeries or health issues as a result (very lucky). I'm a distance runner and my vision is perfect (I guess lungs and eyes are two common prematurity issues). Will this DQ me? Also, I'm literally staring at the first question and wondering do I have to list every procedure and medication they gave me in the NICU? Thank you so much for any insight!

 

[justdoit19]

Firstly, I am NOT DODMERB. I’m Interested to see what others say, I’ve not seen this question before, but my advice to my own child would be to write something in the supplemental area, such as ‘standard meds administered to a premature delivery’. Or something along those lines (assuming you didn’t have subsequent issues related to premature delivery after discharge from the hospital. And also assuming this isn’t a line item question (premature delivery) on the health history).

 

[Samanthar]

Firstly, I am NOT DODMERB. I’m Interested to see what others say, I’ve not seen this question before, but my advice to my own child would be to write something in the supplemental area, such as ‘standard meds administered to a premature delivery’. Or something along those lines (assuming you didn’t have subsequent issues related to premature delivery after discharge from the hospital. And also assuming this isn’t a line item question (premature delivery) on the health history).

Thank you so much! If I don't get any other advice on the subject I think that sounds perfect and if it's an issue I can try to get my paperwork. And I didn't have any issues after discharge which I will also state. I appreciate your time and advice!

 

[Herman_Snerd]

I was born at 27 weeks and in the NICU for 99 days. No surgeries or health issues as a result (very lucky). I'm a distance runner and my vision is perfect (I guess lungs and eyes are two common prematurity issues). Will this DQ me? Also, I'm literally staring at the first question and wondering do I have to list every procedure and medication they gave me in the NICU? Thank you so much for any insight!

Agree with post above. Likewise not a DODMERB expert - however, I think the key here is were there any diagnoses documented / assigned to you during your 99 day hospitalization, any surgeries performed that could cause concern / or, any conditions DXd or medications administered that might require additional medical information or could be concerning/ might need a waiver. You'll have a massive medical record from 99 days in the NICU but your pediatrician/ chart might clearly document that there are no concerns, affirm there were no disqualifying procedures, diagnoses or medications.

On just a kind note, your distance running and history make you a great candidate - seems to me, you are a fighter to have gone through that rough start so I'm rooting for you to stand shoulder to shoulder with my DS and other active military soon - just the type of scrappiness/ grit/resolve I've found in 20 years of volunteering with the military and growing up with a military household makes a great military leader.

Example of a diagnosis / damaging impact that could cause concern potentially: Premature atrial or ventricular contractions that required treatment then resulted in impairment.

 

[Samanthar]

Agree with post above. Likewise not a DODMERB expert - however, I think the key here is were there any diagnoses documented / assigned to you during your 99 day hospitalization, any surgeries performed that could cause concern / or, any conditions DXd or medications administered that might require additional medical information or could be concerning/ might need a waiver. You'll have a massive medical record from 99 days in the NICU but your pediatrician/ chart might clearly document that there are no concerns, affirm there were no disqualifying procedures, diagnoses or medications.

On just a kind note, your distance running and history make you a great candidate - seems to me, you are a fighter to have gone through that rough start so I'm rooting for you to stand shoulder to shoulder with my DS and other active military soon - just the type of scrappiness/ grit/resolve I've found in 20 years of volunteering with the military and growing up with a military household makes a great military leader.

Example of a diagnosis / damaging impact that could cause concern potentially: Premature atrial or ventricular contractions that required treatment then resulted in impairment.

Thank you for your advice and kind note. Your note brought tears to my eyes because my dad always says "If only they knew what a fighter you are", but he's pretty biased of course. I'm told that the first two nights they told my parents to stay because they weren't sure I'd make it through the night. But obviously I did and since discharge have had no health issues at all. During my stay in the NICU I was intubated for quite a long time but once I got through that I didn't have any of the common issues with heart, eyes, etc. I left the NICU like any other baby. My parents were also told I'd likely have learning disabilities but I work hard and have been lucky with that too.

The doctors and nurses and medical technology saved me and I don't remember any of it, but I've always felt like subconsciously the experience did affect me somehow because I am so determined and to use your word, scrappy (but in a nice way). And my parents never thought to have me try running and my PE teacher in elementary school noticed I had the ability and it became a huge part of my life which is weird for a preemie who had to have treatment to develop her lungs while still in the womb. I appreciate you rooting for me and you're advice! I'm grateful for so much! Thank you!

 

[gniyji]

OP,

Read your story -- it is so similar with my DS who had a setback in his infancy with a different issue. He turned out to be the physically/mentally/academically/athletically strongest in our family. He is not a great distance runner (1 mile @ 6:08) but a great distance swimmer ! He would rather do 10 miles swim than 1 mile run. Good luck ! The military wants tough ones like you !

 

[99Gold]

Thank you for your advice and kind note. Your note brought tears to my eyes because my dad always says "If only they knew what a fighter you are", but he's pretty biased of course. I'm told that the first two nights they told my parents to stay because they weren't sure I'd make it through the night. But obviously I did and since discharge have had no health issues at all. During my stay in the NICU I was intubated for quite a long time but once I got through that I didn't have any of the common issues with heart, eyes, etc. I left the NICU like any other baby. My parents were also told I'd likely have learning disabilities but I work hard and have been lucky with that too.

The doctors and nurses and medical technology saved me and I don't remember any of it, but I've always felt like subconsciously the experience did affect me somehow because I am so determined and to use your word, scrappy (but in a nice way). And my parents never thought to have me try running and my PE teacher in elementary school noticed I had the ability and it became a huge part of my life which is weird for a preemie who had to have treatment to develop her lungs while still in the womb. I appreciate you rooting for me and you're advice! I'm grateful for so much! Thank you!

I know this is anecdotal and DODMERB is on a case-by-case basis, but I was born premature and had no trouble with DODMERB back in my day. I didn't have quite the medical stay you did but had typical premie issues and came out unscathed on the other side of it. Like the others, I'm rooting for you. I know the medical side can seem tough and nebulous at times. Please keep us updated on your journey!

 

[Impulsive]

I was born at 27 weeks and in the NICU for 99 days. No surgeries or health issues as a result (very lucky). I'm a distance runner and my vision is perfect (I guess lungs and eyes are two common prematurity issues). Will this DQ me? Also, I'm literally staring at the first question and wondering do I have to list every procedure and medication they gave me in the NICU? Thank you so much for any insight!

Both of our twins were premature (36 weeks) and spent three weeks in NICU. No issues at all with DodMERB, but they didn't have any "special" medical procedures. I would ask the hospital for your records in NICU and unless there were issues that needed surgery, or were serious enough to create some diagnosis that corresponds to a question on the questionaire then I think you are probably good. and sorry, again, not a DodMERB employee or expert, just a parent with two preemies.

 

[A1Janitor]

Both of our twins were premature (36 weeks) and spent three weeks in NICU. No issues at all with DodMERB, but they didn't have any "special" medical procedures. I would ask the hospital for your records in NICU and unless there were issues that needed surgery, or were serious enough to create some diagnosis that corresponds to a question on the questionaire then I think you are probably good. and sorry, again, not a DodMERB employee or expert, just a parent with two preemies.

I was a preemie twin. I think studies show they end being the smartest.

 

[Samanthar]

OP,

Read your story -- it is so similar with my DS who had a setback in his infancy with a different issue. He turned out to be the physically/mentally/academically/athletically strongest in our family. He is not a great distance runner (1 mile @ 6:08) but a great distance swimmer ! He would rather do 10 miles swim than 1 mile run. Good luck ! The military wants tough ones like you !

Thank you so much! I'm so relieved to hear these stories. Something I'm curious about is that almost everyone who responded is saying that the military wants tough people, etc. I was told to not mention prematurity during interviews, in my essay, or anywhere because I don't want to draw attention to any medical issues (even though there aren't any now). Do any of you disagree with that? I mean when I saw the part of the application that asks about any adversity or unique life experiences I wondered if I should say something but was told not to mention it at all. And honestly I don't consider it an adversity really especially since I don't remember it and it wasn't me who saved myself (if that makes sense). It is nothing at all compared to someone who lost a parent or is hungry or struggling in a real way. But now I wonder if I should mention it or if it's too risky. Thank you again!

 

[Samanthar]

I know this is anecdotal and DODMERB is on a case-by-case basis, but I was born premature and had no trouble with DODMERB back in my day. I didn't have quite the medical stay you did but had typical premie issues and came out unscathed on the other side of it. Like the others, I'm rooting for you. I know the medical side can seem tough and nebulous at times. Please keep us updated on your journey!

This is so good to hear. Thank you so much! I will update one day hopefully with good news! I want this so badly but am being realistic and finding back up plans I'll be excited about.

 

[Samanthar]

Both of our twins were premature (36 weeks) and spent three weeks in NICU. No issues at all with DodMERB, but they didn't have any "special" medical procedures. I would ask the hospital for your records in NICU and unless there were issues that needed surgery, or were serious enough to create some diagnosis that corresponds to a question on the questionaire then I think you are probably good. and sorry, again, not a DodMERB employee or expert, just a parent with two preemies.

Thank you for sharing your story! My mom found my records if I need them but I hope not because it's a lot. It's all just routine NICU care and nothing once discharged but it looks like a lot. Hoping it all is okay. Thank you again!

 

[Samanthar]

I was a preemie twin. I think studies show they end being the smartest.

Love this, thank you!

 

[gniyji]

Thank you so much! I'm so relieved to hear these stories. Something I'm curious about is that almost everyone who responded is saying that the military wants tough people, etc. I was told to not mention prematurity during interviews, in my essay, or anywhere because I don't want to draw attention to any medical issues (even though there aren't any now). Do any of you disagree with that? I mean when I saw the part of the application that asks about any adversity or unique life experiences I wondered if I should say something but was told not to mention it at all. And honestly I don't consider it an adversity really especially since I don't remember it and it wasn't me who saved myself (if that makes sense). It is nothing at all compared to someone who lost a parent or is hungry or struggling in a real way. But now I wonder if I should mention it or if it's too risky. Thank you again!

In my view, for most applicants there are three independent reviews for SA applications. SA, DoDMERB, MOC. Your medical qualification is not decided by SA (even in a waiver process, it is also decided by medical professionals) or MOC --- I don't think mentioning your setback in infancy in SA or MOC interview has any impact on medical qualification. However, I do agree that this is not really an adversity unless it had significant impact on your growth that you have disadvantage in sport competition and etc.

 

[ginapenny]

Thank you for your advice and kind note. Your note brought tears to my eyes because my dad always says "If only they knew what a fighter you are", but he's pretty biased of course. I'm told that the first two nights they told my parents to stay because they weren't sure I'd make it through the night. But obviously I did and since discharge have had no health issues at all. During my stay in the NICU I was intubated for quite a long time but once I got through that I didn't have any of the common issues with heart, eyes, etc. I left the NICU like any other baby. My parents were also told I'd likely have learning disabilities but I work hard and have been lucky with that too.

The doctors and nurses and medical technology saved me and I don't remember any of it, but I've always felt like subconsciously the experience did affect me somehow because I am so determined and to use your word, scrappy (but in a nice way). And my parents never thought to have me try running and my PE teacher in elementary school noticed I had the ability and it became a huge part of my life which is weird for a preemie who had to have treatment to develop her lungs while still in the womb. I appreciate you rooting for me and you're advice! I'm grateful for so much! Thank you!

And this is what I love about the process. My son is now a firstie (senior) and while going through this process with him, not coming from a military background…..I think your father is spot on….. they will see your strength and the fight in you. They certainly saw it in my son and I’m still appreciative of that because had I looked through my lenses…. he wouldn’t not have been on the top of the list. But they saw who He was. I don’t know how but they are certainly gifted at seeing that leadership quality that I saw in my son all his life.
So I wish you all the best and keep us posted! You’ve got this!!

 

[GoCubbies]

I was born at 27 weeks and in the NICU for 99 days. No surgeries or health issues as a result (very lucky). I'm a distance runner and my vision is perfect (I guess lungs and eyes are two common prematurity issues). Will this DQ me? Also, I'm literally staring at the first question and wondering do I have to list every procedure and medication they gave me in the NICU? Thank you so much for any insight!

I was born at 27 weeks and in the NICU for 99 days. No surgeries or health issues as a result (very lucky). I'm a distance runner and my vision is perfect (I guess lungs and eyes are two common prematurity issues). Will this DQ me? Also, I'm literally staring at the first question and wondering do I have to list every procedure and medication they gave me in the NICU? Thank you so much for any insight!

It depends if you had any sequela from being premature.

For example, retinopathy of prematurity may be an issue depending on the severity. Any history of any abnormality of the retina is a DQ.

Prematurity can also cause permanent cardiovascular issues.

So. being premature, in and of itself, won't DQ you, but any permanent medical conditions as a result of it can be DQ.

 

[Boymomof3]

Here’s another example of prematurity not being DQ. Our DS was a 32 weeker - in the NICU for 2 weeks. Had hernia surgery at 10 weeks. Won’t go into his full medical history but it wasn’t the prematurity that caused an issue. It was the finger nail digging on his arm from an angry basketball competitor that triggered an AIM . Good luck !