Request for Personal Statement

[Jefflaw]

Hi everyone,


I just spoke with the medical tech at DODMERB a month after my initial physical exam, and was told that instead of DQ'ing me, they want a personal statememt regarding my history of scoliosis (no longer have it).
What should I write in this letter? Is it possible I'll get DQ'd after the statement?


Thank you.

 

[justdoit19]

Hi everyone,


I just spoke with the medical tech at DODMERB a month after my initial physical exam, and was told that instead of DQ'ing me, they want a personal statememt regarding my history of scoliosis (no longer have it).
What should I write in this letter? Is it possible I'll get DQ'd aftet the statement?


Thank you.

Yes it’s possible. But going through the whole process is necessary. DS had to write a personal statement about a knee injury he had. What he provided was the simple facts. No embellishment, opinion, or self diagnosis. Simply what happened, he saw a DR, it went away with treatment. Then he provided information about the level of fitness and activity he had subsequent to treatment with no repercussions (in his case he stated that he continued his sports, was active during vacations and free time, continued lifting weights, etc). All without any recurrence.

I would advise stating facts, including your fitness and activities. Is your ‘case’ all buttoned up with your original physician? That would be another thing, imo, to do. Make sure your personal medical records state your physicians opinion that you no longer have the condition (if that’s the case). DS also had to provide a DR statement.

Good luck! Don’t worry...you cannot change the past. Just press forward with requested information.

 

[Jefflaw]

Hi everyone,


I just spoke with the medical tech at DODMERB a month after my initial physical exam, and was told that instead of DQ'ing me, they want a personal statememt regarding my history of scoliosis (no longer have it).
What should I write in this letter? Is it possible I'll get DQ'd aftet the statement?


Thank you.

Yes it’s possible. But going through the whole process is necessary. DS had to write a personal statement about a knee injury he had. What he provided was the simple facts. No embellishment, opinion, or self diagnosis. Simply what happened, he saw a DR, it went away with treatment. Then he provided information about the level of fitness and activity he had subsequent to treatment with no repercussions (in his case he stated that he continued his sports, was active during vacations and free time, continued lifting weights, etc). All without any recurrence.

I would advise stating facts, including your fitness and activities. Is your ‘case’ all buttoned up with your original physician? That would be another thing, imo, to do. Make sure your personal medical records state your physicians opinion that you no longer have the condition (if that’s the case). DS also had to provide a DR statement.

Good luck! Don’t worry...you cannot change the past. Just press forward with requested information.

I became worried when I heard I was not totally qualified yet. But, your optimistic words and help will push me forward!

And yes, I am cleared by my primary care who originally diagnosed me. I had also given that note to them as well with my clearance.
I was varsity in crew and track in high school and even set a record there. Should I state this as well?
The physician that did my exam said that I was cleared and shouldn't have issues. But, praying all goes well.

Thank you once again.

 

[justdoit19]

I became worried when I heard I was not totally qualified yet. But, your optimistic words and help will push me forward!

And yes, I am cleared by my primary care who originally diagnosed me. I had also given that note to them as well with my clearance.
I was varsity in crew and track in high school and even set a record there. Should I state this as well?
The physician that did my exam said that I was cleared and shouldn't have issues. But, praying all goes well.

Thank you once again.

For sure yes “mention” that. This is the time to point out everything that scoliosis has not had any impact on. You get one chance to send the statement. IMO, pointing out that it’s a “non-issue” is the reason for the statement. I’m a mom, that’s my opinion. But yes, performing to a high level is evidence that you aren’t impacted anymore. Also was it discovered “by accident” or were you having symptoms or something? May want to include how the diagnosis came about. But only the facts surrounding that.

Message me if you want. DS also ran track (and football and wrestling). I’m a track mom!

 

[CrossMT 07]

Hi everyone,


I just spoke with the medical tech at DODMERB a month after my initial physical exam, and was told that instead of DQ'ing me, they want a personal statememt regarding my history of scoliosis (no longer have it).
What should I write in this letter? Is it possible I'll get DQ'd after the statement?


Thank you.

Hey Jefflaw, I thought scoliosis was a non-curable disease, so I was wondering how you no longer have scoliosis, such as a misdiagnosis or treatment. Thanks!

 

[5Day]

Sorry didn't realize that this question was originally posted a while back

Here is the standard that they are looking at from DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018

5.16. SPINE AND SACROILIAC JOINT CONDITIONS.
a. Ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory spondylopathies.
b. History of any condition, in the last 2 years, or any recurrence, including but not limited to the spine or sacroiliac joints, with or without objective signs, if:
(1) It prevents the individual from successfully following a physically active avocation in civilian life, or is associated with local or radicular pain, muscular spasms, postural deformities, or limitation in motion; (
2) It requires external support;
(3) It requires limitation of physical activity or frequent treatment; or
(4) It requires the applicant to use medication for more than 6 weeks.
(5) It causes one or more episodes of back pain lasting greater than 6 weeks requiring treatment other than self-care.
c. Current deviation or curvature of the spine from normal alignment, structure, or function if:
(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active avocation in civilian life;
(2) It can reasonably be expected to interfere with the proper wearing of military uniform or equipment;
(3) It is symptomatic; or
(4) There is lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.

Address the areas that you think they are concerned with.
I would write something like: "I had xxx from 20xx to 20xx and it has fully resolved and I have not had any recurrences. I have no physical limitations and am able to actively participate in xxx. I never needed an external support and I have not taken medication since 20xx."

Obviously edit and embellish as required. Make it easy for the tech to check the boxes of why you medically qualify.

 

[Impulsive]

Hey Jefflaw, I thought scoliosis was a non-curable disease, so I was wondering how you no longer have scoliosis, such as a misdiagnosis or treatment. Thanks!

I am sure some of the more schooled members on here can comment much more accurately than I can, but to help OP more understand his chances, scoliosis is commonly diagnosed as a child, and it is given a mild, moderate, or severe (sometimes with s-shaped curves) diagnoses). There are no indicated known cures, however if the scoliosis diagnosed, and treated as mild, caught early, and does not progress to greater than 30 degrees, it can be considered waiverable (COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8K).

Make sure ALL your orthopedic and pediatric records have been or will be submitted, then maybe give a essay on how you dealt with this, what you did to overcome or lessen the scoliosis, and examples (with documentation if possible) of athletics you did since middle school, and other outdoor or indoor activities you identify as frequent uses of your back for activities.

DoDMERB likely wants this to confirm you can do strenuous activities associated with Officer Accession, when you sign this you are signing an "Official" statement and can be prosecuted if you do not tell the truth. Plus if granted a "waiver" it is noted in your SMR's and any future VA claim for problems in this area are more scrutinized.