Not Reporting EpiPen DODMERB vs MEPS

R

Rakmo

New Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2017
Messages
8
Hello Forum,

I am currently a junior in high school and I am starting my Army ROTC 4-year Scholarship application and West Point Summer Leadership Seminar application. When I was 2 years old I was prescribed an EpiPen by some doctor and my parents have had to buy a new one for me every year ever since I was prescribed it at the age of 2. I have never used the EpiPen and my food allergies are not life threatening (the reactions are: hives and vomiting). My allergic reactions can be reduced in severity by simple OTC medicine such as Benadryl. I am allergic to the protein portion of nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds (I can consume the oils of nuts, peanuts, and sesame). I also have mild seasonal allergies which I use OTC Zyrtec when needed. I was wondering whether or not I should not report certain medical prescription such as that I have an EpiPen? Would I be immediately DQ because DODMERB would be able to request for more medical history on me if they were to consider a waiver for me? If I convince my pediatrician to unprescribe the EpiPen now would that help or be just as useless as continuing to have an EpiPen? I was also wondering if MEPS is easier to pass than DODMERB because I am considering enlisting first in either the reserves, national guard, or active duty before becoming an officer. I could also enlist after college and go to OCS after basic training (this would require MEPS not DODMERB). Serving my nation in the military has been a dream of mine for many years and if anybody can give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
 
Answer each question truthfully, no more and no less.

Note, I am not a physician. I'm just a dad who has sent two kids through the DoDMERB process.

If you have never used the Epi-Pen, consider going to a physician/allergist with a military/DoDMERB background. He/she may be able to determine you no longer need it. Then ask for a letter from the physician with a clear statement on your current allergy diagnosis.

As far as MEPS vs DoDMERB, I will defer to others on this.

Good luck!
 
When you report the Epi-Pen, as you should, be sure to mention that you've never used it. Always be honest. You'll save yourself a lot of grief. Keep in mind if you are DQed (you may or may not be) that it's not about you... it's about the danger you might pose to your troops on the battlefield because of your condition.
 
Was your allergy confirmed by skin prick testing? Have you been tested recently to confirm that you are still allergic to these foods?

I don't think they will care so much that you have never used an EpiPen. The concern will be whether or not you are still allergic to these foods.

Good luck.

Rakmo said:
Hello Forum,

I am currently a junior in high school and I am starting my Army ROTC 4-year Scholarship application and West Point Summer Leadership Seminar application. When I was 2 years old I was prescribed an EpiPen by some doctor and my parents have had to buy a new one for me every year ever since I was prescribed it at the age of 2. I have never used the EpiPen and my food allergies are not life threatening (the reactions are: hives and vomiting). My allergic reactions can be reduced in severity by simple OTC medicine such as Benadryl. I am allergic to the protein portion of nuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds (I can consume the oils of nuts, peanuts, and sesame). I also have mild seasonal allergies which I use OTC Zyrtec when needed. I was wondering whether or not I should not report certain medical prescription such as that I have an EpiPen? Would I be immediately DQ because DODMERB would be able to request for more medical history on me if they were to consider a waiver for me? If I convince my pediatrician to unprescribe the EpiPen now would that help or be just as useless as continuing to have an EpiPen? I was also wondering if MEPS is easier to pass than DODMERB because I am considering enlisting first in either the reserves, national guard, or active duty before becoming an officer. I could also enlist after college and go to OCS after basic training (this would require MEPS not DODMERB). Serving my nation in the military has been a dream of mine for many years and if anybody can give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Click to expand...
 
AROTC-dad said:
Answer each question truthfully, no more and no less.

Note, I am not a physician. I'm just a dad who has sent two kids through the DoDMERB process.

If you have never used the Epi-Pen, consider going to a physician/allergist with a military/DoDMERB background. He/she may be able to determine you no longer need it. Then ask for a letter from the physician with a clear statement on your current allergy diagnosis.

As far as MEPS vs DoDMERB, I will defer to others on this.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Does anyone on this forum know about how I could contact a physician/allergist with a military or DODMERB background before I reach the point in the application process that DODMERB reviews my health records? I emailed DODMERB at there help desk email that I found on their website however Deputy Director Larry Mullen just sent me a large PDF and told me to read through and focus on certain portions, there was no portion of the PDF that stated specifics on the contact information of doctors.

Thank You
 
I can think of two options:
  1. Contact the nearest ROTC recruiting officer or nearest military hospital and ask if there is an allergist/physician who will see a private patient for a DoDMERB review.
  2. Google "DoDMERB consultant." There are options including a former DoDMERB director that some candidates have had success with.
 
Rakmo said:
AROTC-dad said:
Answer each question truthfully, no more and no less.

Note, I am not a physician. I'm just a dad who has sent two kids through the DoDMERB process.

If you have never used the Epi-Pen, consider going to a physician/allergist with a military/DoDMERB background. He/she may be able to determine you no longer need it. Then ask for a letter from the physician with a clear statement on your current allergy diagnosis.

As far as MEPS vs DoDMERB, I will defer to others on this.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Does anyone on this forum know about how I could contact a physician/allergist with a military or DODMERB background before I reach the point in the application process that DODMERB reviews my health records? I emailed DODMERB at there help desk email that I found on their website however Deputy Director Larry Mullen just sent me a large PDF and told me to read through and focus on certain portions, there was no portion of the PDF that stated specifics on the contact information of doctors.

Thank You
Click to expand...
I would recommend you contact DoDMERB consultants as my DD had the same issue and was initially DQ'd by DoDMERB. She too had never used her Epipen but it was listed as a prescription on her medical records.

Eventually she did see an allergist that was a graduate of a SA and had to undergo a food challenge without reaction to the allergen. She received a waiver after a thorough process with DoDMERB and NROTC.

While it is a difficult process, it would be helpful to speak to someone who has experience with these issues which is why I would recommend speaking to the DoDMERB consultant (their website will give you their contact information). I am not a doctor and the DoDMERB process is quite complex.

I fully support AROTC dad's response to answer all questions truthfully. The questions are intended to protect you and those you serve with when you are commissioned, so your honesty is critical!

Best of luck to you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top