Migraine Waiver?

Heath13

Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2016
Messages
28
Hello all,
I know there are similar posts, but they are all outdated and would like a more current answer. I just had my DODMERB exam done. I checked the box saying severe headaches. They could possibly be migraines but I have never been diagnosed of having them. I believe I have the aura symptom and then 15 minutes later my head starts to hurt. Although I was never diagnosed with migraines, can this doctor report I have them? I have only had about 4 throughout my lifetime and they usually last for 4 hours. If I got them twice in each year, do you think they will even consider getting me a waiver? My report makes the headaches sound worse than they are and I know that was my first huge mistake I made. Thanks
 
This is the DodMerb Standard: "History of recurrent headaches (784.0), including, but not limited to, migraines (346) and tension headaches (307) that interfere with normal function in the past 3 years, or of such severity to require prescription medications, do not meet the standard."

You do have a history of what are probably migraines, whether you've been diagnosed or not. You'll likely be given a remedial, at first, asking for medical records relating to these headaches. Answer honestly that you've never sought medical treatment due to infrequency/lack of severity. They may pass you based on that, or DQ you and require some additional medical testing.

Just let the process play out. You should never lie and gloss over actual medical issues, but also don't make a problem if there isn't one. Good luck.
 
Definitely sounds like a migraine. You can get DQed for migraines if they meet this standard:
D211.40 History of headaches disrupting normal activities or requiring prescription medications more than twice per year in the past 2 years. Since you do not have a prescription and if it occurred 2 or less per year, then you should be good to go and get qualified.
 
So I'm not going to be DQ'd automatically? Because I believe they are going to misinterpret my info and just kick me out. I want to be able to explain the headaches better so I'm guessing that's what the remedial is for. The headaches interfere with activities, but don't they all? I mean I am able to push through the headaches fine but they definitely affect me. Also, I'm not going in for a pilot slot. Will that help them decide to give me a waiver because I'm not flying? To be clear I'm an AFROTC scholarship recipient going into my freshman year of college. And I have only went in once to an eye doctor to talk about my headaches because of the eye aura. She said I could just be straining my right eye to much because my left is bad. She said they might not even be migraines. That's the only check up I've had and she didn't even document migraines but rather just worked on fixing my vision. I shouldn't even mention her on the remedial then correct? That is if I'm even given a remedial. Thank you guys. You are a huge help!!
 
And Mohawk Thank You that means a ton. I have had 4 total like I said. I had two a couple years ago and then I've had two last year. That is it. I haven't had any this year. If this is the case, then you think I'm fine?? And I did not get medication.
 
I have already done my my medical exam. I marked severe headaches and described my problems. I have been completely honest and know I have a good chance of being DQ'd. I am going to be as honest as I can but I'm not going to say I have migraines because although my symptoms basically define a migraine, I have never been diagnosed with them
 
A lot will depend on what you wrote for your explanation, and if your descriptions addresses everything that DoDMERB needs to determine if you meet the standard. It is quite possible that you could be qualified. If they do not have enough information to make a determination or they want to add information about your headaches, you will get a remedial request. This could be all medical records or additional testing.

The standard is not limited to Migraines, it is any recurring headache that limits normal function. As @Jcc123 posted: "History of recurrent headaches (784.0), including, but not limited to, migraines (346) and tension headaches (307) that interfere with normal function in the past 3 years, or of such severity to require prescription medications, do not meet the standard." or @MohawkArmyROTC quoted standard D211.40 History of headaches disrupting normal activities or requiring prescription medications more than twice per year in the past 2 years. Since you do not have a prescription and if it occurred 2 or less per year

They need information to determine:
Interfere with normal function in the past 3 years or 2 years
Require prescription medication
Less than twice per year

If your explanation gives DoDMERB the information they need it is quite possible that you could be qualified.
 
Okay I unintentionally marked 4 in the past two years when it was actually 4 in the past three years. Do you think they will think I'm lying if I correct that?
 
Okay I unintentionally marked 4 in the past two years when it was actually 4 in the past three years. Do you think they will think I'm lying if I correct that?
To add credibility to your correction, you could add the specific dates of the headaches, and maybe a statement of why you now recall 4 in 3 years.
 
I originally did get DQ'd for the migraines. They sent a waiver request and the authorities have made their decision. They had no remedials or any questions to ask. It took them about 5 days to decide. As of right now im waiting on the portal to update. Why didn't it take 2 weeks to 6 months like the rest of the waivers usually do? Does this mean they had evident reasoning to just deny me instantly and move on because I had a couple of migraines? It's killing me waiting!!
 
Last edited:
Two choice. Very easy to grant the waiver or Very easy to deny the waiver.
Hope for the best.
 
Waiver was denied. Do you know if or when I can reapply for an AFROTC scholarship? And how do i go about appealing the decision, or would it even be worth appealing knowing they decided that quickly?
 
Last edited:
You might contact a military physician for advice. If you don't know someone, search for DoDMERB physicians or consulting.
 
Back
Top