Spondylolysis waiver

[clanwick]

My son is applying to West Point, and is a also a recruited athlete (lacrosse). Four years ago he had some lower back pain. His doctor didn't see anything on his scans, but suspected a small stress fracture. He rested for six weeks, and had no pain at all for three years. He plays football and lacrosse year round. Last fall his back started aching, but the images were again inconclusive. He rested for two months during the off season, and again returned with no pain. He has played lacrosse extensively since then with no pain.

Because his medical records state he possibly had spondylolysis, he was disqualified. In these forums, someone wrote it was very difficult to get a waiver for this. We are completely stressed out because he has gotten through everything else he needs to be accepted, included being recruited for the Army varsity lacrosse team. Is this really a show stopper medical condition?

 

[CRK]

Result?

What was the result of your waiver process? I am currently in the process of joining the Marines OCC program and was diagnosed with this. I am a former two sport collegiate athlete (football and lacrosse), and its been over three years since my injury. Did you guys get cleared and it disapproved? Thank You.

 

[Pima]

If you notice the OP had one and only one post. They left the forum about a yr ago very slim chances of them responding. Good luck on your journey.

 

[CRK]

Hahaa yeah..I noticed... but I had my fingers crossed. Also I am able to email them privately after a certain amount of post. I may have 2 to go.

 

[daw]

My DS wa DQ'd for spondylolisthesis and was waivered by both USNA and USAFA. He is currently a 3/C at USNA. I can try and answer any questions if you have them!

 

[CRK]

what was your waiver process like? and did you get a second/third opinion?

 

[daw]

All of his medical records in regards to his back issues were sent when he got the remedial, so all that we really sent to DoDMerb after the DQ was a medical "release for military" from the last doctor he had seen, and a personal statement from my DS in which he gave examples of his physical activity over the past year since his diagnosis (gave YouTube links too!), and that he knew he'd be able to handle the high physical demands of the academy... He had already had a second xray that had shown no movement of his vertabrae, so we never did get another opnion or anything. We found the waiver process itself was pretty straightforward and took only a few weeks...