Recommendations for letter from treating surgeon in case of a DQ

[Gnarlygoat27]

I promise I have searched this forum trying to find an answer first! DS has his medical exam scheduled for a few weeks from now. Almost certainly expecting a DQ because of a broken vertebrae in the last year, but I guess we can always hope. Final post-op appointment with neurosurgeon next week to clear him after all hardware was removed. Surgeon served in the Navy (entire residency etc) and understands the process of determining when someone is fit for duty, but obviously he's not the one making the decision. He has offered to write a letter endorsing the idea that this bone is "good as new." Obviously we don't need it if by chance they pass him but is it recommended to have this on hand as soon as it becomes a waiver process? Do we wait until it is requested? Does this fall under AMI for DODMERB or would it really just go straight to USNA and at that point who would it be addressed to? Not that I would submit anything until he's actually DQ'd but to be ready. He's also applying for NROTC so they could potentially initiate a waiver process too, or no? I just know this waiver can take a really long time and we're trying to do everything we can to help in the mean time. This injury has been one of the scariest, most stressful, time consuming events in my life and can't wait to have this year behind us!

 

[MarTac]

I cannot speak to your specific question of your son’s injury but I will tell you about my son’s experience last year. My son had appointments to USMA, USMMA (Naval Reserve), and USNA. He was DQ‘Ed for a skull fracture a couple years prior, short Term hearing loss in one ear (as result of skull fracture) and a concussion that took more than three months to fully resolve. I took the proactive steps (because I knew he would probably DQ) to visit neurosurgeons and ENT surgeon to have letters ready to provide stating that my DS was completely healed and that the previous injury would not impair training or any future duties. I provided them to DODMERB as soon as he DQ’ed and medical files were requested. I don’t know if it helped, but he was granted waivers by all three academies (USMMA going by NROTC / Naval Reserve guidelines.) Good luck!

 

[MP83]

Tough to know what helps with a waiver and what doesn't. Best to be proactive and gather up as much info from any doctor/specialist (military and/or civilian) that you can get giving their opinion that any prior medical issues shouldn't impact future training. Many will say civilian doctors have no experience or credibility providing opinions on fitness for military training; but I don't think it can hurt to have as much info as possible. Since appointments and documentation can take a long time, be open to Plan B such as going to civilian college and Army ROTC for a year. This gives time to get everything aligned for the next application cycle. Not easy to wait for another class but in the end, it's just one more year and like others that go through MAPS, another year of preparation can be extremely beneficial. Good Luck.