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spondylolysis waiver
- Thread starter mxschool08
- Start date
charlieschwarzbear
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- Feb 28, 2017
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Hello, I'm going through the exact same issue! Could you share some of that advice with me? It will be of immense value to me!
This thread has given me such hope for my son. We just read this morning that Spondylolithesis is a DQ (He is a grade 1). I have been scouring the internet for a glimpse of hope. I just joined and appreciate how willing you are to help and will Pm for some guidance. TIA
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Good luck to your DS and welcome!
Just FYI, you will need at least 5 posts before you are able to send PM's (private conversations).
Thank you.
Hi! I am not sure where I am in the recruiting process. I have seen a couple of recruiters, and have told it would be hard for me to join the military with my spondylothesis. I am dead set on joining the military because of my history with it. I don't have any pain from my back almost ever, and if I do it's only minor, like I said if at all. I am seriously curious as to how I can obtain a waiver.
My son just got a spondylolysis DQ from a stress fractured pedicle in L4 in 2015. He fully recovered and was cleared back to ski racing approximately 11 weeks after the MRI results. He has had no residual issues and has continued to play Varsity soccer, Alpine racing(endured several crashes), and Varsity track over the last three and a half years. From what I have read, it appears USAFA will determine whether they will bring a waiver forward on his behalf or are we suppose to do something? They requested remedials which we provided and his orthopedic specialist provided a statement that he has been cleared back to all activity and he has no reservations of him serving in the armed forces.
Any additional insight on any necessary steps would be great or any idea how likely he might get a waiver? The waiting has been rough especially with him getting this far through the process.
Any additional insight on any necessary steps would be great or any idea how likely he might get a waiver? The waiting has been rough especially with him getting this far through the process.
I reviewed my son's MRI report and it clearly says there is no indication of spondylolysis. I also talked with his orthopedic doc and he was very surprised that was his disqualification because he is certain he does not have the condition after reviewing the MRI again from almost 4 years ago. My son's admission's counselor at USAFA said they are deciding next week on candidates that they will bring a waiver forward on. So do we just sit and wait? It bothers me that he is being disqualified for a condition that his reputable orthopedic doc says he does not have.
My son would like to pursue ROTC if he is not accepted into the academy, will this medical disqualification affect his ability to do that?
My son would like to pursue ROTC if he is not accepted into the academy, will this medical disqualification affect his ability to do that?
FMHS-79
Parent (no longer active on SAF)
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Yes, each commissioning source needs to approve waivers for conditions that results in DoDMERB DQs. The branch of ROTC you will be pursuing will need to approve a waiver for this but, as each has their own set of standards, there is a possibility of an ROTC waiver even if USAFA does not provide one.
Thank you for responding- I have felt so lost in this whole process. Do you know if we should get a statement from our doctor stating he does not have this condition that DoDMERB is saying he has. My son called them yesterday and spoke to someone who literally was reading his MRI report, but then excluded the statement that there is no indication of the spondylosis. It seems odd that the doc there could make that determination without seeing the actual images. Should I be concerned that the USAFA will only get what their doc states as their evaluation? Or will DoDMERB send over the report in it's entirety?
marioncreek
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- Jan 27, 2020
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I just came across this thread, as my son has essentially the same issue with a "weak or painful back." Wondering if people were generally able to get the DQ removed from DODMERB with more recent xrays/MRIs, doctor note? Or did you have to wait for the SA to request the waiver.
Thanks for any insight.
Thanks for any insight.
Can you help? Just got a request for Spondylosis doctor records. Any advice on getting a waiver for this?
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That post was from 2008. Hopefully someone currently on the forums has some advice for you.
Stealth_81
Did you get any help? I will be dealing with this as well.
I received a conditional appointment from USCGA. About 2 weeks ago. I received a waiver denial on Thursday for a stress fracture ( Spondylosis) from a wrestling/baseball injury from 7/2022 and in that CT from a year ago there was bilateral small renal calculi seen. I am completely recovered from the stress fracture after 6 weeks of PT. I scored an 259 on the PFE and I play collegiate baseball. I also went to a urologist who did a KUB X-ray and saw no evidence of any kidney stones.?Is there anything I can do?My DS was also DQ'd for spondylolisthesis and was waivered by both USNA and USAFA. He is currently a 1/C at USNA and having no issues, however he was not medically cleared for aviation because of this (fortunately that wasn't his intent anyway!). The process was actually pretty staightforward, and he got both waivers in just a couple weeks from the time of the DQ.If you have any questions, ask away!
You were denied a waiver for the spondylosis, the kidney stone or both?
Uric acid stones are not seen on plain x-ray but picked up on CT. Urologists sometimes order an x-ray after a CT to help determine what type of stone it is and the best course of treatment. They are common when you have a high protein diet, not enough water intake and are genetically prone.
I can only speculate on likelihood of a waiver. Congratulations on your conditional appointment, good luck in your pursuit of a waiver, and your Plan B if the waiver never happens.
Denied the waiver for both. I am sure the high protein diet played a part. Should I do another CT scan? Do you think it would help? My thinking is that I f the orthopedic and urologist can verify that that I am fully recovered and have no stones. Any thoughts?
I wish I could be helpful. I am green to this whole experience. I'm just familiar with radiology in the diagnosis and treatment of a few of the conditions that pop up here. My heart hurts for those like you who are qualified in every other way. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can provide direction for you. Other than that, hopefully your plan B is solid and you'll find it just as satisfying.