Question about MRI finding

[debbie1215]

My DS is applying to the USAFA, USNA, and USMA - in addition to applying for AFROTC. After reading the discussions on DQ's I developed a question which makes me worried.
DS had "atypical migraines" about 2 years ago. He was on a daily dose of Topomax which really did not help and caused some nasty side effects (weight loss, mood). Long story short, he is off the med for coming up on 2 years now. Headaches are much improved (dr thinks they were actually tension headaches) and when he does get one it is relieved by Tylenol or Motrin.

However, during the course of evaluating the headaches he had an MRI which showed a small cavernous venous anomoly (in layman's terms - a grape like cluster of blood vessels) in the brain, congenital. Followed up with a pediatric neurologist and scan was also read by a neuro surgeon. Both agreed that was not the cause of headaches and that no further treatment is needed. They said there is nothing we need to look for and that most people who have this never even know they have it unless getting an MRI for another reason.

What I fear is that this may be considered reason for DQ - hate to think of DS going through all the rigors of applying,etc and then to have it all be for naught. It is truly his dream ...would love anyone's thoughts...

Deb

 

[Pima]

If he is DQ'd the waiver issue will occur from the perspective branches.

DoDMERB DQ's, branches waive. Two different things. AF may not require a waiver and Army does or Navy requires it and AF/Army doesn't.

I would keep all of your medical paperwork because honestly that MRI will come up.

I would also say unless those docs are DoDMERB or nationally renown it may = squat to them.

The avg person does not pull 8 G's; flying with the Navy or AF is in their parameters. They are not jumping out of perfectly good airplanes like the Army. They are not going under the sea in a sub.

I am not trying to be negative, I am trying to illustrate the avg doc doesn't work with the military constraints, and unless they know DoDMERB quals you may create a false sense of security because they are Drs.

Again, I would move forward, but I would do so with every medical record in case you are DQ and need a waiver.