Surgery Waiver

[Eagle8201]

Good afternoon,

I received maxillofacial (jaw) surgery in October '15, which is considered a disqualifier. Is there any specific information I can attain and forward to DoDMERB to support a waiver?

Additional info:
I am active duty
The surgery was completed by military Drs
Surgery was a part of orthodontics
I contacted DoDMERB and asked the same question, informing me they cannot say.

Any advice or information is greatly appreciated.

 

[VanGoose]

I was actually hoping to get braces and jaw surgery during my enlistment. I assume you got it waived? Should I just wait and try to get into the academy before getting the surgery?

 

[AJC]

There is a 6 month "waiting" period after any surgery.
DoDMERB will most likely want the operative report and notes from the Doctor regarding the last two follow up exams. You can also send a personal statement regarding your recovery. You cannot send too much information.
The information will be forwarded to those that review the information for the waiver.

 

[Eagle8201]

I was actually hoping to get braces and jaw surgery during my enlistment. I assume you got it waived? Should I just wait and try to get into the academy before getting the surgery?

Receiving braces is dependent on how bad your teeth and/or jaws align. However, yes it was waived. DoDMERB requires you do not have braces when you enter the academies or of had jaw surgery within 6 months. I had surgery October of 2015 and had my military orthodontists sign a paper stating I would be healed by a certain date and braces removed before entry. Once DoDMERB received the memorandum, they immediately (within 2 weeks) gave me a waiver.