Sleepwalking

[Momof3kids]

my son was filling out the DoDMERB and had to answer yes to sleep walking. We never even gave the fact that he occasionally (3-4 times a year) gets out of bed and walks to his door or around his room, a thought! He usually wakes up himself and goes back to bed. Curious if sleepwalking ever qualifies for a waiver or if he's done. I know each case is individual and no one knows what could get a waiver or not for sure, but everything I'm reading is saying that this may be a game ender for him. He's applying to USNA, and for all ROTC scholarships. Hate to have him continue on if there's absolutely no chance now. Thanks for any info.

 

[usnahopeful22]

If it's never been officially diagnosed, I'm under the understanding you don't have to report it

 

[kinnem]

+1. I would definitely not self-diagnose.

 

[5Day]

Here is a dated (2014) document for Army on conditions that are Non-Waiverable.
https://www.jmu.edu/rotc/prospective-cadets/Non-waiverable medical conditions.pdf

g. Any sleep walking within the past 12 months.

If it has been 12 months since sleepwalking make sure that is stated in the explanation area. The form asks have you ever had. It does not ask have you ever been diagnosed. Typically we do advise not to self diagnose, but if your DS is positive he has sleep walked the answer is probably "yes"

 

[Momof3kids]

Here is a dated (2014) document for Army on conditions that are Non-Waiverable.
https://www.jmu.edu/rotc/prospective-cadets/Non-waiverable medical conditions.pdf

g. Any sleep walking within the past 12 months.

If it has been 12 months since sleepwalking make sure that is stated in the explanation area. The form asks have you ever had. It does not ask have you ever been diagnosed. Typically we do advise not to self diagnose, but if your DS is positive he has sleep walked the answer is probably "yes"

Thank you! I was thinking the same in regards to self diagnosing, pretty sure that's not something that requires a Dr to tell you that you do it lol. I appreciate the info you provided, definitely helpful!

 

[Thunderbolt462]

A lot of seemingly minor conditions are disqualifying from military service for a reason. While waking up and walking around the room might be a minor problem at home, if you're, say, an Army infantry officer and are sleeping within range of enemy fire, it becomes deadly for you and your soldiers, or if you're on a Naval vessel and you wake up and fall and hurt yourself or fall overboard in a worst case scenario. Also, keep in mind if he sleepwalks and is caught during regular military service and a doctor formally diagnosis it, he could be medically discharged for a nonwaivable condition.

 

[MidwestDad]

First night at USMA BCT DS' roomie fell out of top bunk and broke a toe; spent most of Beast in a walking boot.

Not saying it was sleep walking per se but you get the picture of why they ask.

 

[Littledebbie246]

Yeah I put down something that was self diagnosed and totally regret it because I have to do a bunch of waivers to prove that I'm okay now. If you don't have any doctors records of it DO NOT PUT IT ON. I truly regret it.

 

[AndeMom]

Has anyone been successful with a waiver. I have a feeling this is where we will be headed with my son, for one episode of possible sleepwalking on his physical paperwork.

 

[LLJ]

I would get in touch with DodMerb Consultants. He will be very honest with you. (to the point it hurts) "Non-waiverable" conditions do sometimes get waivers. Don't give up because of that wording.

 

[MabryPsyD]

All,

Sleepwalking will NEVER get a waiver. Military medicine has a zero defect on this rule. Sorry I can't provide a warm and fuzzy on this one. There are no waivers. Why? SMs can wander off causing the unit to search for the SM, leave sensitive items, lock and load if dreaming about an attack, etc.

 

[AndeMom]

Thank you, Dr. Mabry. What is the age cutoff for sleepwalking currently according to medical standards? My son's was a one time occurrence. I do understand why a waiver would not be issued and fully support the decision, should my son's review result in a DQ; it is still at DoDMERB right now.

All,

Sleepwalking will NEVER get a waiver. Military medicine has a zero defect on this rule. Sorry I can't provide a warm and fuzzy on this one. There are no waivers. Why? SMs can wander off causing the unit to search for the SM, leave sensitive items, lock and load if dreaming about an attack, etc

 

[MabryPsyD]

Thank you, Dr. Mabry. What is the age cutoff for sleepwalking currently according to medical standards? My son's was a one time occurrence. I do understand why a waiver would not be issued and fully support the decision, should my son's review result in a DQ; it is still at DoDMERB right now.

After 13 years old is the standard if I remember correctly.

 

[AndeMom]

Thank you. I will post updates as we hear more. My son's medical information is currently being reviewed by DoDMERB.

 

[usna1985]

Yeah I put down something that was self diagnosed and totally regret it because I have to do a bunch of waivers to prove that I'm okay now. If you don't have any doctors records of it DO NOT PUT IT ON. I truly regret it.

This is good advice . . . to a point. Some conditions require medical diagnosis; others are statements of fact. For example, "Have you ever had a headache?" Or "Have you ever lost consciousness?" One need not have a medical diagnosis to know he/she had a headache or lost consciousness. Compare that to: "Have you ever had migraines?" "Have you ever had a concussion?" That requires a diagnosis and one shouldn't guess or assume that a headache equals a migraine or unconsciousness means concussion without a diagnosis from a medical professional.

To me (as to the above poster), sleepwalking is a factual issue and the OP was correct to answer in the affirmative if certain it has occurred.

The fact is that virtually all disqualifying medical conditions are disqualifying for a reason -- typically to protect the individual and/or to protect other members of the unit. Thus, lying about/not disclosing a medical condition is not only an issue from an integrity standpoint, it's stupid and could get you or your colleagues killed.

 

[5Day]

Thank you, Dr. Mabry. What is the age cutoff for sleepwalking currently according to medical standards? My son's was a one time occurrence. I do understand why a waiver would not be issued and fully support the decision, should my son's review result in a DQ; it is still at DoDMERB right now.

The DoDMERB standard is After the age 0f 15
http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf
Page 46

Based on a 2014 document it is non-waiverable if within the past 12 months.

 

[MabryPsyD]

The DoDMERB standard is After the age 0f 15
http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003p.pdf
Page 46

Based on a 2014 document it is non-waiverable if within the past 12 months.

I don't know if DODMERB is going to post an update to their medical standards in the near future. The Army updated their medical standards (AR 40-501) 14 JUN 2017 with the age of 13 for sleepwalking. Granted it's for enlisted standards, but rule of thumb is commissioning medical standards are the same or more stringent than enlistment standards. Regardless, any occurrence while serving is an automatic exit from service. Thank you for the link.

 

[AndeMom]

21-NOV-17 Date exam reviewed

Agency: US Air Force Academy
Cycle Year:2017
Current Medical Status: Qualified

Agency: US Naval Academy
Cycle Year:2017
Current Medical Status: Qualified

Agency: US Merchant Marine Academy
Cycle Year:2017
Current Medical Status: Qualified

Whew!! Now just need nomination and appointment. My son has worked so hard for this. Prayers were what helped, God is good!

 

[MabryPsyD]

Congrats! Hopefully he won’t get the diagnosis between now and graduation. Good luck in his degree program.

 

[AndeMom]

And....DON'T lie on your physical to get into the academies! My son was completely honest on his. Just pray and have faith; my son is teaching me that in so many ways along this application process