Qualify for Commission with Keratoconus?

[23usna23]

I am currently a Midshipman at USNA and I was told over Plebe Summer that I have Keratoconus.

I did not think too much of it, as I thought it was a common disorder and that people who have it here receive PRK or LASIK before commissioning. Unfortunately, surgery is not recommended for Keratoconus as it could become a liability.. and having a history of Keratoconus or any eye disorder is disqualifying.

I recently got an email about further testing at Walter Reed Medical, where I will be doing the PENTACAM eye scan. Since I found out about it after being cleared by DODMERB and the Academy, I was wondering what happens from here?

I am the Class of '23, so I have only been at the Academy for a few months and I am no where near signing my 2 for 7. Can I still commission restricted line? Will they separate me? Has this happened before and what is the protocol?

 

[Capt MJ]

So sorry you have gotten this news.

Some general comments: The needs of the Navy will always come first. Be the best you can be, sat in every area, with a positive, can-do aptitude, not one milligram of “I’m getting screwed” or “This is messed up.” If there is a chance for a waiver or a shot at being allowed a RL or Staff Corps warfare selection down the road, you want USNA to say “Midn 23 is a great mid, let’s figure out how we can keep him or her.” Cooperate with all the docs, make all appointments, keep your COC informed as appropriate. Positive, proactive approach to everything to give yourself the best shot.

Someone else will have to chime in as to the specifics of your case and condition.

If the condition is not at all waiverable for any type of service, you will likely be administratively separated. You might be able to ask to stay to the end of the ac year, so as to get some transferable academic course credits and a chance to plan next steps.

As I recall, there is usually the O-6 Brigade Medical Officer who advises the Supe and Dant, as well as a more junior doc over at Brigade Medical who is the case overseer for all pre-comm actions. Those folks will be coordinating closely with WRNMMC as test results and detailed information comes in. You are in good hands at WRNMMC.

Look after your physical and mental health during this time. Coaching yourself through these sudden bumps on apparently smooth roads is part of adult life. If you start getting too stressed, don’t hesitate to go see your faith group or Batt Chaplain, or a counselor at the Midshipman Development Center. You have your brains and all the skills and abilities that got you into USNA; you can get through this, no matter how bumpy the road gets.

Paging @kp2001 @GoCubbies for a consult.

 

[THParent]

https://www.nkcf.org/keratoconus-the-military/
That's a pretty good article about being diagnosed with KC after you're in - and staying in - on a case-by-case basis.
It can happen. Go to Walter Reed and hope for the best, but always make a plan for the worst.

 

[kp2001]

I am currently a Midshipman at USNA and I was told over Plebe Summer that I have Keratoconus.

I did not think too much of it, as I thought it was a common disorder and that people who have it here receive PRK or LASIK before commissioning. Unfortunately, surgery is not recommended for Keratoconus as it could become a liability.. and having a history of Keratoconus or any eye disorder is disqualifying.

I recently got an email about further testing at Walter Reed Medical, where I will be doing the PENTACAM eye scan. Since I found out about it after being cleared by DODMERB and the Academy, I was wondering what happens from here?

I am the Class of '23, so I have only been at the Academy for a few months and I am no where near signing my 2 for 7. Can I still commission restricted line? Will they separate me? Has this happened before and what is the protocol?

Interestingly this may be an area where the answer is going to be different than what it would have been even a year or two ago.

Short story: you may have a better chance at a waiver now then you would have a year or two ago.

Long story: a procedure (Corneal Crosslinking) that has been performed in Europe for many years is available at military treatment facilities including Walter Reed. This procedure effectively halts the progression of keratoconus which is one of the concerns of commissioning people with Keratoconus.

 

[23usna23]

So sorry you have gotten this news.

Some general comments: The needs of the Navy will always come first. Be the best you can be, sat in every area, with a positive, can-do aptitude, not one milligram of “I’m getting screwed” or “This is messed up.” If there is a chance for a waiver or a shot at being allowed a RL or Staff Corps warfare selection down the road, you want USNA to say “Midn 23 is a great mid, let’s figure out how we can keep him or her.” Cooperate with all the docs, make all appointments, keep your COC informed as appropriate. Positive, proactive approach to everything to give yourself the best shot.

Someone else will have to chime in as to the specifics of your case and condition.

If the condition is not at all waiverable for any type of service, you will likely be administratively separated. You might be able to ask to stay to the end of the ac year, so as to get some transferable academic course credits and a chance to plan next steps.

As I recall, there is usually the O-6 Brigade Medical Officer who advises the Supe and Dant, as well as a more junior doc over at Brigade Medical who is the case overseer for all pre-comm actions. Those folks will be coordinating closely with WRNMMC as test results and detailed information comes in. You are in good hands at WRNMMC.

Look after your physical and mental health during this time. Coaching yourself through these sudden bumps on apparently smooth roads is part of adult life. If you start getting too stressed, don’t hesitate to go see your faith group or Batt Chaplain, or a counselor at the Midshipman Development Center. You have your brains and all the skills and abilities that got you into USNA; you can get through this, no matter how bumpy the road gets.

Paging @kp2001 @GoCubbies for a consult.

Thank you for the detailed response! I have been extremely stressed about this whole situation since I found out that is disqualifying. It is definitely frustrating... USNA has been my dream since I was 12 years old and everything I have done was with the Academy in mind.

Do you happen to know how long the process is after I receive my test results? Will they drag it out? It is always hard to get a definitive answer here for ANYTHING, and I am assuming something like this would go on forever.

 

[Capt MJ]

At some point, there will be resolution. No way to know when that will be, but kp2001’s post is a bit of hope. kp is a Navy doc.

Focus on what you can control and influence - your grades, your performance, your attitude, your health, your physical fitness. Learning how to do that is an adult skill that will help you your entire life, whether in uniform or not.

USNA will do everything it can to keep you. They have already invested in you and counted you as part of their predicted output of officers, so they have a vested interest.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, it might be prudent to sketch out a plan in case you are adsepped. Though it may sound depressing to do that, a bit of research into other schools, admissions due dates (some have very late ones, into the summer), exploring your state’s veterans benefits education program (you might qualify, all state vet programs are different), figuring out the money, figuring out where you might live, candid talks with family. You’ll actually feel better in a weird way if you do this, getting a grip on some reality out of a possible path. And if you get to stay, you can cheerfully dump it.

 

[pharmagal]

Corneal cross-linking is approved in the US. While there aren't many treatment options, a company (https://avedro.com/patients/) (https://www.livingwithkeratoconus.com/) for whom I did some work as a consultant has a procedure that may stabilize the cornea and keep keratoconus from progressing. This is not an advertisement, just so that everyone understands. While keratoconus it is a disqualifying condition, the company was making strides with the VA accepting the procedure during the time I was assisting them. Quite a number of professional athletes have had the procedure and are very happy with the outcome. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes, but there is a healing process afterward. I attached a couple of links that can provide you with some information. Good luck and I hope you find the treatment that not only works for you, but allows you to stay at the USNA.

 

[kp2001]

Corneal cross-linking is approved in the US. While there aren't many treatment options, a company (https://avedro.com/patients/) (https://www.livingwithkeratoconus.com/) for whom I did some work as a consultant has a procedure that may stabilize the cornea and keep keratoconus from progressing. This is not an advertisement, just so that everyone understands. While keratoconus it is a disqualifying condition, the company was making strides with the VA accepting the procedure during the time I was assisting them. Quite a number of professional athletes have had the procedure and are very happy with the outcome. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes, but there is a healing process afterward. I attached a couple of links that can provide you with some information. Good luck and I hope you find the treatment that not only works for you, but allows you to stay at the USNA.

Yes, the procedure is actually performed within the DOD now (has been for >1yr) but that doesn’t mean it will become a condition that is waivered. The procedure has been available in Europe for years and is doing great things for those with progressive keratoconus.

 

[zacharyr41]

I know this is an old thread but just to clarify that I have KC and received a waiver. That said, every situation is individual and be sure to submit supporting information about your strengths (character, academic, other skills) as I was recommended by my technician at DoDMERB. I also received a letter from my cornea specialist. Planning to enroll in Army ROTC next year.

 

[TomGala36]

I know this is an old thread but just to clarify that I have KC and received a waiver. That said, every situation is individual and be sure to submit supporting information about your strengths (character, academic, other skills) as I was recommended by my technician at DoDMERB. I also received a letter from my cornea specialist. Planning to enroll in Army ROTC next year.

Zachary, your saying that a waiver was approved? Even tho you have KC. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of this. I’d like to talk more with you. I’m putting a waiver packet together myself and can learn from your situation. Congratulations bro! Hope to talk to you soon.

 

[user123]

Curious to get people's opinion on a situation - my doctor says I have a mild keratoconus (stage 1) that has been stable for years. Since it's mild and not progressing, the doctor does not recommend treatment, such as crosslinking. Moreover, the doctor says insurance wouldn't cover crosslinking since there is no sign of progression. Would I have a better shot at a waiver by demonstrating the mildness of the keratoconus and its stability over years, or by trying to find a way to get the crosslinking done and then trying for a waiver?

 

[zacharyr41]

Get the cross linking done, even if it is out of pocket. There are a number of factors DoDMERB looks at when considering wavering a condition (even those thought to be previously unwaiverable). One of these is whether the disease will get worse. Definitely have a doctor write that it is stable but even so they will want to know WHY at DoDMERB. Get a second opinion and get the corneal cross linking done.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Get the cross linking done, even if it is out of pocket. There are a number of factors DoDMERB looks at when considering wavering a condition (even those thought to be previously unwaiverable). One of these is whether the disease will get worse. Definitely have a doctor write that it is stable but even so they will want to know WHY at DoDMERB. Get a second opinion and get the corneal cross linking done.

> One bit of advice for everyone -- do not rely upon anonymous advice on the Internet. (Yes, I am giving anonymous advice on the Internet, and this is the one post, out of way to many I have made here, that you can take to the bank). Again, do not rely on anonymous advice on the Internet. Running out and getting eye surgery could be an automatic disqualification , with no chance of waiver. (I don't know anything about Keratoconus, but that do know that applies to LASIK). Strongly suggest that you look up Mr. Mullen down on the DODMERB page , he will direct you (not Parent) to reach out via email, and may be able to give some advice on whether a preemptive procedure is a good or bad idea.

 

[A6E Dad]

There are a number of factors DoDMERB looks at when considering wavering a condition (even those thought to be previously unwaiverable).

DoDMERB doesn't make waiver decisions, they only make a determination of Meets or Does Not Meet Standards. The authority for granting a waiver is the SA or ROTC. Each of those waiver authorities can and does make decisions using different criteria

Agree with OldNavy - don't rush out and get eye surgery without completely understanding the implications

 

[WT Door]

“4 out of 5 doctors recommend”. It was a line in commercial back when that touted a certain medical procedure. Candidates may very well encounter the “5th” doctor on these forums, so be very wary. I second the counsel of @Old Navy BGO and @A6E Dad. @MullenLE remains a trusted source regarding all things DoDMERB.

 

[user123]

I know this is an old thread but just to clarify that I have KC and received a waiver. That said, every situation is individual and be sure to submit supporting information about your strengths (character, academic, other skills) as I was recommended by my technician at DoDMERB. I also received a letter from my cornea specialist. Planning to enroll in Army ROTC next year.

Did you have the cross linking done? If so, how long after your cross linking procedure did you get a waiver?

 

[Army2001]

Get the cross linking done, even if it is out of pocket. There are a number of factors DoDMERB looks at when considering wavering a condition (even those thought to be previously unwaiverable). One of these is whether the disease will get worse. Definitely have a doctor write that it is stable but even so they will want to know WHY at DoDMERB. Get a second opinion and get the corneal cross linking d

I know this is an old thread but just to clarify that I have KC and received a waiver. That said, every situation is individual and be sure to submit supporting information about your strengths (character, academic, other skills) as I was recommended by my technician at DoDMERB. I also received a letter from my cornea specialist. Planning to enroll in Army ROTC next year.

zachary41: are you in the rotc now

 

[steve1374]

I know this is an old thread but just to clarify that I have KC and received a waiver. That said, every situation is individual and be sure to submit supporting information about your strengths (character, academic, other skills) as I was recommended by my technician at DoDMERB. I also received a letter from my cornea specialist. Planning to enroll in Army ROTC next year.

Zacharyr41: I am hoping I might be able to talk to you here or offline. I found this site/forum and told my son about it. He is currently going through the waiver process (trying to contract into Army ROTC) and would love to bounce a few questions off you if you have the time. Please let me know and I can provide contact info for him and/or me. Like you said, all situations are individual and different but would love to hear about how you were granted a waiver and if anything you went through is applicable to my son's case. Thank you.

 

[Impulsive]

Zacharyr41: I am hoping I might be able to talk to you here or offline. I found this site/forum and told my son about it. He is currently going through the waiver process (trying to contract into Army ROTC) and would love to bounce a few questions off you if you have the time. Please let me know and I can provide contact info for him and/or me. Like you said, all situations are individual and different but would love to hear about how you were granted a waiver and if anything you went through is applicable to my son's case. Thank you.

Instead of talking to someone anonymously here, that could get you trouble medically, drop Mr. Mullen a line. The Deputy Director of DoDMERB is the right man to talk to, not someone unknown or who may have a different situation and gives you incorrect advice.