Potential waiver wait times for Asthma DQ?

S

SNAFU

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2023
Messages
39
Hello all, I was medically disqualified in early November for asthma/prescription of an inhaler after the age of 13. I had early childhood asthma that was strictly cold/flu-induced and after multiple pulmonary tests, my doctor concluded I didn't have it anymore. The prescription for my inhaler stopped years ago. I've already sent multiple documents to the USAFA Waiver Authority to be available at their disposal when they decide whether I will receive a waiver or not. These consist of numerous pulmonary tests from my childhood to the present time and my doctor's professional signed medical opinion. I've read that waiver timelines can vary depending on the condition and wanted to know the wait time that others have experienced regarding a waiver decision for asthma. Additionally, I've received two nominations from my MOCs and performed strongly on the CFA as I've never had any asthma symptoms which impacted my physical abilities. Thank you all for your help.
 
Last edited:
ScreaminDemons said:
Hello all, I was medically disqualified in early November for asthma/prescription of an inhaler after the age of 13. I had early childhood asthma that was strictly cold/flu-induced and after multiple pulmonary tests, my doctor concluded I didn't have it anymore. The prescription for my inhaler stopped years ago. I've already sent multiple documents to the USAFA Waiver Authority to be available at their disposal when they decide whether I will receive a waiver or not. These consist of numerous pulmonary tests from my childhood to the present time and my doctor's professional signed medical opinion. I've read that waiver timelines can vary depending on the condition and wanted to know the wait time that others have experienced regarding a waiver for asthma. Additionally, I've received two nominations from my MOCs and performed strongly on the CFA as I've never had any asthma symptoms which impacted my physical abilities. Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
The timing can fluctuate based on so many variables. For our DS, it progressed pretty quickly once the SA informed him (by letter from USAFA) that a waiver request was initiated on his behalf. Assuming the request was initiated by the SA, hopefully you will hear something soon. Good luck!
 
Waiver times are based on the waiver authority and also each individual case. Some cases are straightforward while others take a lot of deliberation to determine if the condition is waiverable. Also, know that waivers in general can be affected by a lot of other things such as force manning (e.g. more waivers generally are approved when manning is low).

As a former childhood asthmatic, make sure you hold onto all your asthma records. DoDMERB might not be the only clearance hurdle you will face. If you want to go into a community that has additional medical requirements (like aviation), then you will likely have to repeat the waiver process.
 
I understand the wait time for a potential waiver can vary, I just wanted to know the general range in time for a USAFA Waiver Authority response based off of others personal experiences with an asthma DQ. (if there even was one again I know how it’s a case by case basis). I’ve been waiting to hear back for 2+ months and just wanted to make sure the wait time wasn’t totally abnormal for an asthma DQ/waiver review by USAFA. Thank you all again for your feedback and help I greatly appreciate it.
 
I have no words that can help you.

My father was an asthmatic. My mother smoked most of her life (died in my arms of lung cancer a few years ago - kids, don’t smoke).

My older brother is a severe asthmatic.

I have COPD/asthma.

So I pull for anyone with asthma.

Best of luck.
 
ScreaminDemons said:
I understand the wait time for a potential waiver can vary, I just wanted to know the general range in time for a USAFA Waiver Authority response based off of others personal experiences with an asthma DQ. (if there even was one again I know how it’s a case by case basis). I’ve been waiting to hear back for 2+ months and just wanted to make sure the wait time wasn’t totally abnormal for an asthma DQ/waiver review by USAFA. Thank you all again for your feedback and help I greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
It's been 2+ months? Just to confirm - you received communication from USAFA that they have requested the waiver, correct? Sorry, but I didn't see it in your comments above. That's the critical first step that indicates the process has begun.
 
OfficerToBe750 said:
It's been 2+ months? Just to confirm - you received communication from USAFA that they have requested the waiver, correct? Sorry, but I didn't see it in your comments above. That's the critical first step that indicates the process has begun.
Click to expand...
I have not received any communication from USAFA regarding the initiation of the waiver process. In my DoDMERB portal I’ve been “Under Waiver Review” since early November. Hoping to hear back that the process will even be started for me.
 
ScreaminDemons said:
I have not received any communication from USAFA regarding the initiation of the waiver process. In my DoDMERB portal I’ve been “Under Waiver Review” since early November. Hoping to hear back that the process will even be started for me.
Click to expand...
The former Deputy Director, DoDMERB, used to post here regularly. This is one of his helpful posts.

1704325674731.png
 
OfficerToBe750 said:
The timing can fluctuate based on so many variables. For our DS, it progressed pretty quickly once the SA informed him (by letter from USAFA) that a waiver request was initiated on his behalf. Assuming the request was initiated by the SA, hopefully you will hear something soon. Good luck!
Click to expand...
When USAFA initiated a waiver request, did they ask for additional AMI? If yes, what did they ask for, as in additional test, records, etc.? When you say it progressed pretty quickly, can you give a general timeline of how quickly?
 
desisoccermom said:
When USAFA initiated a waiver request, did they ask for additional AMI? If yes, what did they ask for, as in additional test, records, etc.? When you say it progressed pretty quickly, can you give a general timeline of how quickly?
Click to expand...
For our DS, the DQ was determined, and within days, USAFA informed him that a waiver was being requested on his behalf. After that notification letter from USAFA, within 24 hours the DODMERB portal was updated with next steps. For him those next steps consisted of AMI's (additional information requests)

Of course, from there, how long the actual process takes varies from days to several months....medical conditions, one or multiple, doctor's appointments, gathering information, the workload at Dodmerb, covid....just to name a few of hundreds of variables. There really isn't an average when taking into account all the possible scenarios.

Unfortunately, the "Under Waiver Review" in the portal always leaves people misinformed of their status, which is why the letter informing the candidate of a waiver request on their behalf is key. My DS's letter was posted in the portal very quickly after his DQ and then DODMERB followed up right away to begin the waiver review process after the letter. Not sure if it's still done the same way, or if different SA's do it differently. Hope this is helpful.
 
OfficerToBe750 said:
For our DS, the DQ was determined, and within days, USAFA informed him that a waiver was being requested on his behalf. After that notification letter from USAFA, within 24 hours the DODMERB portal was updated with next steps. For him those next steps consisted of AMI's (additional information requests)

Of course, from there, how long the actual process takes varies from days to several months....medical conditions, one or multiple, doctor's appointments, gathering information, the workload at Dodmerb, covid....just to name a few of hundreds of variables. There really isn't an average when taking into account all the possible scenarios.

Unfortunately, the "Under Waiver Review" in the portal always leaves people misinformed of their status, which is why the letter informing the candidate of a waiver request on their behalf is key. My DS's letter was posted in the portal very quickly after his DQ and then DODMERB followed up right away to begin the waiver review process after the letter. Not sure if it's still done the same way, or if different SA's do it differently. Hope this is helpful.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your in-depth reply. I haven’t received an email from USAFA Waiver Authority on if they are seeking a waiver for me. I’ve received two congressional nominations and have had my Candidate Kit turned in since early October. Two days after my DQ for Asthma I sent in a lengthy medical file showing my recent test and a doctors statement stating I don’t have Asthma anymore. It’s been sitting next to my Medical DQ at USAFA Waiver Authority since early November. From what I’ve been told by my ALO I’ll receive a waiver notification if USAFA deems me competitive on one of my slates.
 
Last edited:
ScreaminDemons said:
Thank you for your in-depth reply. I haven’t received an email from USAFA Waiver Authority on if they are seeking a waiver for me. I’ve received two congressional nominations and have had my Candidate Kit turned in since early October. Two days after my DQ for Asthma I sent in a lengthy medical file showing my recent test and a doctors statement stating I don’t have Asthma anymore. It’s been sitting next to my Medical DQ at USAFA Waiver Authority since early November. From what I’ve been told by my ALO I’ll receive a waiver notification if USAFA deems me competitive on one of my slates.
Click to expand...
Same here. I submitted USAFA kit in early November. Obviously received auto DQ as I had already did DODMERB for West Point beforehand.

After that, crickets. It has been “Under Waiver Review” ever since. Sent them 2 emails, and both said that when the admissions board comes together, which according to their website is from FEB-APRIL, they will determine whether or not you are a competitive candidate, and begin requesting for your waiver.

To me, that makes absolutely zero sense from what I’ve read on the forum. Firstly, time constraint on these waivers. Secondly, some USAFA candidates are obviously getting their waivers requested/granted way before the admissions board officially comes together. I’m guessing the people that they REALLY want or athlete's are going to take priority before us normies. My USAFA graduate AFJROTC instructor also had a laugh and was not amused by the response either.
 
Rixce said:
Same here. I submitted USAFA kit in early November. Obviously received auto DQ as I had already did DODMERB for West Point beforehand.

After that, crickets. It has been “Under Waiver Review” ever since. Sent them 2 emails, and both said that when the admissions board comes together, which according to their website is from FEB-APRIL, they will determine whether or not you are a competitive candidate, and begin requesting for your waiver.

To me, that makes absolutely zero sense from what I’ve read on the forum. Firstly, time constraint on these waivers. Secondly, some USAFA candidates are obviously getting their waivers requested/granted way before the admissions board officially comes together. I’m guessing the people that they REALLY want or athlete's are going to take priority before us normies. My USAFA graduate AFJROTC instructor also had a laugh and was not amused by the response either.
Click to expand...

Did you also receive an asthma DQ? I started this thread to see if anyone applying to USAFA this cycle had received notification of a waiver from USAFA for an asthma DQ. As of now no word but crossing my fingers we’ll all hear something in that February April Window. I’ll keep this thread updated with what happens. Thank you for your input.
 
ScreaminDemons said:
Did you also receive an asthma DQ? I started this thread to see if anyone applying to USAFA this cycle had received notification of a waiver from USAFA for an asthma DQ. As of now no word but crossing my fingers we’ll all hear something in that February April Window. I’ll keep this thread updated with what happens. Thank you for your input.
Click to expand...
My DQ was for scoliosis. Both my upper and lower spine have scoliosis. Upper has a 30 degree, and lower has a 16 degree. From what I've read, the cut-off is either 30 degrees or higher or higher than 30 degrees.
 
ScreaminDemons said:
Hello all, I was medically disqualified in early November for asthma/prescription of an inhaler after the age of 13. I had early childhood asthma that was strictly cold/flu-induced and after multiple pulmonary tests, my doctor concluded I didn't have it anymore. The prescription for my inhaler stopped years ago. I've already sent multiple documents to the USAFA Waiver Authority to be available at their disposal when they decide whether I will receive a waiver or not. These consist of numerous pulmonary tests from my childhood to the present time and my doctor's professional signed medical opinion. I've read that waiver timelines can vary depending on the condition and wanted to know the wait time that others have experienced regarding a waiver decision for asthma. Additionally, I've received two nominations from my MOCs and performed strongly on the CFA as I've never had any asthma symptoms which impacted my physical abilities. Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
My DS received DQ for asthma/inhaler use after 13 on 12/6. He received letter in the Admissions portal that the SA had requested a medical waiver on his behalf on 12/12. He was offered a conditional appointment on 12/25 (pending medical). We have heard nothing since. Not sure if that is of any help but we are also just waiting even with the waiver process officially initiated.
 
cjb77 said:
My DS received DQ for asthma/inhaler use after 13 on 12/6. He received letter in the Admissions portal that the SA had requested a medical waiver on his behalf on 12/12. He was offered a conditional appointment on 12/25 (pending medical). We have heard nothing since. Not sure if that is of any help but we are also just waiting even with the waiver process officially initiated.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. Hoping everything will work out for your DS. My ALO told me that a waiver will/would be initiated if USAFA deemed me competitive on one of my slates. I’ll keep this thread updated with what happens.
 
cjb77 said:
My DS received DQ for asthma/inhaler use after 13 on 12/6. He received letter in the Admissions portal that the SA had requested a medical waiver on his behalf on 12/12. He was offered a conditional appointment on 12/25 (pending medical). We have heard nothing since. Not sure if that is of any help but we are also just waiting even with the waiver process officially initiated.
Click to expand...
Forgot to ask is your DS applying to USAFA?
 
My DS was DQ'd for asthma also. He did receive a waiver request from USAFA about 30 days ago. We submitted some paperwork from his doctor but haven't heard anything back. His asthma is very mild, he is a top 50 gymnast in the country and barely used his inhaler. The wait is killing his mother and I. He got accepted to his 2nd choice (Univ. Of Colorado) but USAFA is is #1 choice by a long shot. We are tying to be patient but it is hard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top