Medical Reality Check

Christcorp

15-Year Member
Joined
May 21, 2008
Messages
5,377
I'm not trying sound rude, but except for posts that ask: "What are my chances of getting into the academy"? The next silliest question(s) are: "Does XXXXX mean I will/could be DQ'd.

Why are these questions silly? Simple. Because there isn't ONE (1) person on this entire forum or at the academies who can answer the question for you. So why even ask it? Doesn't matter what your grades, health, etc... are . If you DON'T apply to the academy, then you have a 100% chance of NOT receiving an appointment. If you DO APPLY, then you have a "CHANCE" of receiving an appointment. If you have a medical issue, then your medical exam and/or DODMRB review will determine if you are good to go or require a waiver; and then the academy will either approve or not approve the waiver.

It makes absolutely no sense to ask if you're going to be DQ'd. WE DON'T KNOW!!! No one does. You apply; then you find out. It's really that simple. Now; if you're simply trying to figure out whether or not you're wasting your time applying if the chances are low; then you obviously don't really want the academy and military life. If you did; then you'd apply,,,, no matter WHAT anyone else said. You'd cling on to every bit of hope available.

Now; are there SOME medical conditions that we can answer 100% guaranteed that you will not be accepted to the academy? Yes. If you are pregnant when you report on "I-Day", you WILL NOT be allowed to continue. If you are in a wheel Chair and are paralyzed from the neck down on "I-Day", you WILL NOT be allowed to continue. So yes, there are some absolutes. But no one is asking those questions. Broken fingers, broken arms, asthma, ADHD, some 15 syllable disease, etc... The answe is, has always been, and will ALWAYS BE; "WE DON'T KNOW". If you want to attend the academy, then apply. If you think you're wasting your time, then don't waste the academy's time and DON'T apply. It really is that simple.
 
I can't agree more with the above statement.

This is a great forum to ask about how do you appeal a decision, how does the dodmerb physical work, questions about the process, but specific questions about what will DQ you will get no definitive answers.

My son was told he would definatly be DQ'd for a 1 1/2 year old hip fracture....went through dodmerb and was qualified without a remedial or a waiver. The only question he asked here was how to ask advice on how to fill out the explaination section of the medical history section, that advice helped a lot.

Christcorp is correct, apply and then just be prepared if a medical issue arises.
 
Yes. I don't want to give details, but my kid received a waiver for something that everyone we talked to thought was a long shot. The important thing is to have a backup plan.
 
Just so some know, my purpose for posting wasn't to say some people are asking stupid questions. It was to say: you might as well ask if there really is a god. You'll fins out 100% once u die. Well, the only way u will know 100% if something medical will dq you is to apply. There isn't 1 person here who can give a definitive answer to such a question. Other than the obvious such as; i'm blind, def, can't walk, paralized, etc... So asking such a question is futile. Apply, then u will find out for sure. I wasn't trying to be a smart ass. Just being realistic.
 
At the end of the day it is like "What are my chances?"

0% if you don't try.

Up to you as a candidate. You can live your life with what ifs or you can live your life knowing you gave 100%.

Your decision.

The only person you will face in the mirror later on life regarding What If is yourself. You are the only one that can determine how What If will feel at 45.
 
When Larry Mullen of DODMERB frequented these boards, he made the point that every person's situation is different. So, the fact that 99/100 people are DQ'ed for a condition . . . or get a waiver for a condition . . . means nothing as to your situation. It is unique.
 
I understand your message of applying to the academy and getting through the dodmerb process is the only way you will find out. However the medical clearance process can take a long long time, I was stuck by a dodmerb computer outage and it took me 7 months to finish my medical clearance including a 3 hour plane ride to the admissions office to hand deliver documents when mail just wouldn't cut it. It is a long, drawn out process, with no guide book. When people ask "what are my chances" I think they are really looking for guidance in how to navigate the process for their specific condition. There is no good guide to the process and when people ask the question they really want the inside scoop as to what they can expect in the clearance process for what ever is holding them up.
 
It is a long, drawn out process, with no guide book. When people ask "what are my chances" I think they are really looking for guidance in how to navigate the process for their specific condition.

Despite the stern admonition from some here, there is nothing wrong with asking a question about a medical condition and whether or not it will result in a DQ. There are specific standards that must be met. If you don't meet them, you will get a DQ for that condition.

Repeat - There is nothing wrong with asking about specific DQs (black and white) pertaining to DODMERB medical. But you will not get a "yes or no" if your question concerns a waiver possibility.

  • Is the use of an inhaler for asthma at age 16 a disqualification?
  • Will I be disqualified for having orthodontic braces at the time of the exam?
  • I was born with one kidney, is that a disqualifying condition?
Easy - yes to all 3. These questions can be answered​
.
  • Will I get a waiver for my use of an inhaler for asthma?
  • I got a DQ for a peanut allergy, do you think the academy will waive it?
  • I can see red and green well, but I'm colorblind with any others, will I be allowed to enter the academy?
Impossible for anyone to answer.​

Apply.

Take the exam.

Let THEM make that call.
 
The whole Dodmerb process is confusing and intimidating. It's frustrating for parents and candidates who don't want to *waste* months and months of effort, hope, time and expense for a fruitless journey. But there is no way around it.

Do NOT trust that the system is *working*. Learn to advocate for yourself, be persistent and follow up.

Just because someone gets a waiver/dq for the 'exact same' condition as you does not mean you will get a waiver/dq also.

Anyone who has specific questions needs to address them to DODMERB and their help line. Lots of conditions are not waiverable. Lots of conditions are waiverable after a certain period of time. Lots of conditions do not ping a DQ.

In the meantime, if you get remedials - questionairres, appointments, requests for records -- I can't stress how important it is to follow up quickly and efficiently.
Medical records can take weeks to receive - if you have a questionable medical situation go ahead and request them before you are asked.

Finally - none of the assession programs will consider you for a waiver unless you are qualified for an offer, about to be made an offer or have been made an offer.
If your package is sitting on the bottom of the pile you aren't getting a waiver.
Keep this in mind when you hear kids say they didn't get a waiver for the same medical condition as you.

My kid and I survived Dodmerb - though the recurring nightmares still arise ;) - you can too!
 
Advice Please

Originally Posted by Just_A_Mom Finally - none of the assession programs will consider you for a waiver unless you are qualified for an offer, about to be made an offer or have been made an offer.
If your package is sitting on the bottom of the pile you aren't getting a waiver.
Keep this in mind when you hear kids say they didn't get a waiver for the same medical condition as you.

My question is: My son has been offered but is currently waiting on a waiver for the Prep School, when you say," If your package is sitting on the bottom of the pile,"...how do you know where you are in that infinite stack? Should, we be calling DODMerb help desk? Any advice would be appreciated:confused:
 
Prepmom-DODMerb has been very helpful with my son's waiver process. I had questions regarding submitting additional medical record information, when to do so, etc. They referred me to his case manager, with a direct number, and she has answered all my questions and confirmed that information was received. His waiver review request is still somewhere in the stack, but at least we know that all information is submitted, received, and ready for review. I would advise calling them if you have questions.
 
Prepmom; as JAM mentioned, your son wouldn't be looked at for a waiver if their package was at the bottom of the stack. You said your son has been offered; that means their package isn't at the bottom of the stack.

It's real simple. If you package is so weak, that it's at the bottom of the pile, then the military/academies/dodmrb are not going to waste their time putting you in for a medical waiver, research, tests, etc... if you probably aren't going to get an offer anyway. In other words, the rank their applicants. If one of the "Good Ones" has a glitch and might require special attention, waivers, etc... they'll look at it. If you are at the bottom of the pile and aren't being considered for an offer, then they probably don't even know about you needing a waiver, because they probably aren't looking at you anyway. Remember; DODMRB determines your fitness and applies for waivers for you if needed. But the academies approve the waivers. And they won't even know if you have a waiver if you aren't being considered for an offer.

If you still have concerns, then call admissions.
 
Appreciative

Thanks so much for the advice.....Christcorp and ckwitzel, it is quite helpful for a parent in waiting:wink:
 
Bump.

Just hoping new people will read this thread. I'm wondering if we should start a pool.

Which is harder to answer? 1) What are my chances..... or 2) Will I be DQ'd/Can I get a waiver
 
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