Scoliosis Remedial

GodBlessTheUSA

GodBlessTheUSA

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Dec 19, 2016
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Will be going to the radiologist Monday due to DoDMERB needing a remedial for my scoliosis. My last back x-ray was in 2016 (less than 2 years ago; am 18 next month) and as of then, my thoracic curve was 24, and my lumbar was 20 degrees. I'm not nervous at all about my thoracic growing enough to be concerned about, but am very stressed about my lumbar. In certain sources, I've read it's disqualifying if the lumbar curve is greater than 20, and other sources say it's disqualifying if it is above 30 degrees.

I have been very active all of high school, competing in cross country, track, and cheerleading. If anything, cheer probably made my back worse. I've read in multiple places that after age 16, generally the scoliosis won't grow. My radiologist back in 2016 said that he wasn't concerned with it growing anymore because my growth plates were closed.

My point is, say the lumbar curve grew a half a degree, or grew even to about 22 degrees. Would that totally disqualify me? Is there any chance for a waiver? How would I go about that?
Of course there will be no way of knowing until after I go to the radiologist Monday; I'm just super stressed. I currently run almost 70 miles a week and plan on competing in college cross country and track at the D1 level. My scoliosis has never held me back. I never imagined it would get to this point where it would disqualify me.

If anyone wants to share their stories regarding scoliosis, please go ahead. Also, I have a full ride with my Army ROTC scholarship if that helps with determining factors. Thank you- any response is appreciated.
 
DQ for the Army is 20 degrees lumbar scoliosis and 30 degrees thoracic scoliosis. You’re pretty much on the cusp of a DQ.

I’ve never worked as the medical guy who makes recommendations to the waiver authorities for ROTC or USMA so I don’t have first hand knowledge of their thought process.

However, I think the fact you’re a high level athlete will be in your favor for a waiver. Your doctor should also mention any episodes of acute/chronic back pain or use of pain meds.
 
What would be the waiver process afterwards if I was disqualified if my x-ray shows my scoliosis worsened? How do you go about doing that? Or is it final after you do your remedial?

Also, say my curve stayed at 20 degrees. Everywhere I've seen says "greater than 20". If it is exactly 20, would that be a DQ? Sorry to be nitpicky.
 
Standard is greater than, so you’re within the standards if you stay at 20 degrees.
 
You would not request the waiver. The waiver would be requested by where you are applying. So by ROTC or the academy you are applying to attend.
 
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