Med waiver

[CAPTNC]

My son is competitive candidate for nom. Dodmerb has returned a med disqual for knee surgery within past 12 months. Currently playing football and ran competition track 5 months after surgery. It looks as though it will go to waiver. My question is who initiates waiver, is it automatically started or does the candidate need to be proactive in getting the ball rolling? Also should he try to get physician to send documents to dodmerb or wait for requested info? Thanks in advance.

 

[AJC]

USNA will initiate the waiver if he is deemed competitive.
Send what they request (when and if) and only what they request.

 

[CoBoarder]

My DS had surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder and eventually got the waiver but he voluntarily dropped out of his high-school lacrosse program his senior year to prevent a lifetime of regrets if he injured it again. It all worked out, he ran track instead and is now a plebe doing well.

We worked with DODMerb consultants and sent a letter from our doctor to DODMerb that surgery was successful, full movement, no lasting concerns etc...... got the waiver in time for the appointment.

 

[coachkarl]

USNA will initiate the waiver if he is deemed competitive.
Send what they request (when and if) and only what they request.

100% correct.

 

[Waterpologoaliedad]

My son is a very competitive candidate but found out his vision though correctable to 20/20 is out of the stigmatize limits of 3 diopters. For that he needs a waiver. The absolute limit is 8. Is it common for USNA to give waivers for correctable vision?

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Is it common for USNA to give waivers for correctable vision?

Yes...would venture to guess that's the most common waiver. Look at the pictures of the Plebe class and you will see alot of attractive glasses !
That being said, it does add one more level of screening and decision making to an already competitive admissions process.

 

[coachkarl]

Yes...would venture to guess that's the most common waiver. Look at the pictures of the Plebe class and you will see alot of attractive glasses !

BCGs!!!!

 

[AROTC-dad]

 

[serviceaboveAll]

My DS had surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder and eventually got the waiver but he voluntarily dropped out of his high-school lacrosse program his senior year to prevent a lifetime of regrets if he injured it again. It all worked out, he ran track instead and is now a plebe doing well.

We worked with DODMerb consultants and sent a letter from our doctor to DODMerb that surgery was successful, full movement, no lasting concerns etc...... got the waiver in time for the appointment.

Regarding your son's labrum tear- when did he have his surgery? Was your son DQ'd initially? My DS had surgery for labrum tear in late July & is a current senior. He has his DoDMERB exam this week. Any guidance or advise? He's been going to PT 2-3x a week & is hoping to start strengthen training in 2-3 weeks.

He went to NASS in June so has a passing CFA for USNA but USMA requires video this year so need to redo it & submit after he's fully cleared, same with ROTC fitness test.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

All joint surgeries are an immediate DQ, but once released back to full and unlimited use with no restriction, documentation can be submitted and a waiver *could* be given.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

^surgery within certain time frame

 

[shock-n-awe]

Prior to DS going to DODMERB exam, we went to his surgeon for an exam and letter stating that the broken bone and metal hardware that remained were healed completely and he was 100% functional. The surgery was a few years prior, and DS played 3 sports all 4 years in HS, so we knew he was ok, just didn't want a turn back from DODMERB.
I strongly suggest to anyone with a past surgery that will most likely require a waiver, to be proactive and meet with a Doctor to get an exam and letter clearing them of any and all restrictions. It's no guarantee to pass DODMERB for that particular injury/surgery but I believe it will help the candidate out more often than not. As stated often, control what you can and don't worry about what you can't.

It cost me some money, but the time saved was priceless....

 

[serviceaboveAll]

I love this idea but where he is still healing I know the surgeon cannot & will not write this letter...yet. He has is DoD exam this week. He is crossing his fingers that a waiver will be requested by the SAs. If a remedial is requested would this be a good opportunity to submit letter from surgeon ( if we are able to get one & falls into timeline)?

 

[AF6872]

Daughter had a LOA but a DODMERB turn down. Got an exam by a private physician who wrote to DODMERB and USNA. Class of 2011. Did cost some $$$. Director of DODMERB at the time actually called us and stated that they wanted to get kids in not keep them out. They will work with you. Good Luck.

 

[CoBoarder]

My DS had surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder and eventually got the waiver but he voluntarily dropped out of his high-school lacrosse program his senior year to prevent a lifetime of regrets if he injured it again. It all worked out, he ran track instead and is now a plebe doing well.

We worked with DODMerb consultants and sent a letter from our doctor to DODMerb that surgery was successful, full movement, no lasting concerns etc...... got the waiver in time for the appointment.

Regarding your son's labrum tear- when did he have his surgery? Was your son DQ'd initially? My DS had surgery for labrum tear in late July & is a current senior. He has his DoDMERB exam this week. Any guidance or advise? He's been going to PT 2-3x a week & is hoping to start strengthen training in 2-3 weeks.

He went to NASS in June so has a passing CFA for USNA but USMA requires video this year so need to redo it & submit after he's fully cleared, same with ROTC fitness test.

Tore at the end of June Junior year, spent the summer in PT, hired DODMerb consultants who advised on steps toward successful application. DS took his CFA with the torn labrum first week of Sep and maxed all parts then went for labrum surgery the next day. Passing the CFA allowed his package to continue while waiting for DODMerb waiver. 6 months after surgery, waiver came through and now he's a plebe.

 

[sandnnw]

6 months after surgery, waiver came through and now he's a plebe.

Ditto, except DS actually RETORE the labrum in Martial Arts II Fall '16. Long story short, repaired by USNA Ortho, who is absolutely wonderful surgeon, rehab approach was very different this time, but he re-took MA exam, passed PRT and graduated. Whew!

 

[usna_app]

Hi I'm hoping somebody could let me know what they think my chances may beare in receiving a waiver for asthma. I have finished everything in my USNA app but DoDMERB said that I am pending dq for asthma after 13 y/o. I do not use my inhalers anymore and I'm in great shape (maxed out on everything in CFA + 4:30 mile time). What are my chances of receiving a waiver? Also, DoDMERB requested a letter from doctor to forward to academy stating that I am healthy. Does this mean that USNA knows about my asthma already and are pursuing a waiver? Or do they not know yet and DoDMERB is being proactive? I read that USNA only pursues waivers for applicants they are considering admissable... your thoughts? Thank you so much I'm sorry I know I have a lot of questions, being in the dark with all the med info has been killing me!!!