CalifStrongDad
Q = are there different standards for NROTC DODMERB waivers vs SA waivers?
A = There are no standards for waivers. That would be a contradiction in terms. That said, I understand your question. Risk assessments are made by each program (SA and ROTC Program) and for the Service in general. Yes, there can be different waiver decision made, on the same applicant, for an SA and ROTC program.
More detail if you're so inclined
15. Waivers in general –
Speculation of potential waiver decisions; percentages of waivers granted for similar conditions by waiver authorities; “what are my chances?”; etc., are all inappropriate and may be misleading. Therefore, DoDMERB does NOT answer these type questions.
b. Waivers are individually based. A condition, injury, illness, disease, etc., has different effects on a person’s ability to function. This is dependent on severity, frequency, where on the spectrum of the malady the applicant currently may be, etc. So, when the question is asked, “Do they often waive for THIS?” There is NOT going to be a general answer. Also, the Services and programs in that Service, waive to the needs of the Service in terms of their mission to access so many folks. If the specific Service/program is MEETING their manpower requirements, medical waivers will be issued in far fewer cases than if a Service/program is increasing the numbers of personnel in the force. In other words, what may have been waived last year, may not be waived this year, or vice versa.
c. In lay terms, when there’s a significant medical situation present by examination or history and the standards require a DoDMERB determination of does NOT meet medical accession standards….it does NOT mean that you will NOT be able to receive a medical waiver (From your standpoint only, MEETS medical standards or Medical Waiver Granted, means the same thing…if appointed or selected, you can be admitted to a Service Academy or ROTC program)
d. Different Services and different programs within the same service “may” render different waiver decisions. Again, waiver decisions are individually based and support the needs of that program and service.
e. Any Service Academy or ROTC program “may” request remedials or AMI prior to them rendering their waiver decision. If they do this, they will do so thru DoDMERB, who will in turn send directly to the applicant or for campus based ROTC applicants, to their Battalion/Detachment.
17. Generalized waiver criteria – The main focus of all waiver decisions is centered on the ability to safely and successfully train, be commissioned, and be world-wide deployable upon graduation/commission. In applying this objective, a few of the questions that are considered are:
a) Is the condition progressive?
b) Is the condition subject to aggravation by military service?
c) Will the condition preclude satisfactory completion of prescribed training and subsequent military duty?
d) Will the condition constitute an undue hazard to you or to others you will be charged in leading, particularly under combat conditions?
18. “What if” type questions -
a)In almost all cases, DoDMERB will NOT render a determination off of what you, a parent, an advocate, etc., writes to me.
b) DoDMERB, the Services, nor anyone in DoD are authorized to recommend treatments; therapies; surgeries; medication use/stop use; etc. Those decisions are strictly between the applicants and their physicians. In order to obtain an “official answer (DoDMERB determination/waiver decision),” you must apply and go through the process. This allows the reviewing authorities to review existing records AND to order additional consult(s), test(s), and/or request additional information from the applicant.
c) The only guarantee is: If there is NO application, you will be guaranteed to NOT receive medical clearance. In all cases, we highly recommend that you apply to more than one Service Academy, ROTC program, and civilian opportunity. While that may require more activity on the applicant’s behalf, it also broadens the opportunities, should you not be offered your first, second, or subsequent choices.
d) The reason we have a requirement for a medical history and exam is for DoDMERB to evaluate those actual results and THEN make determinations of whether more consult(s), test(s), and/or information will be required. We certainly understand the dilemma from your perspective, but please be patient and understand the issue from ours. We need to evaluate the actual history and exam results before rendering any type of determination. More often than not, what applicants, parents, advocates, and friends “think” is the medical issue, is not the “confirmed” medical issue at all.
e) We also can’t “speculate” what decisions will be rendered by the waiver authorities. They are totally independent from DoDMERB and make decisions based on their Service, program, training, and experience.
