Surprised and Disappointed - D241.30 - Input please

rholt

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Mar 13, 2018
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I really thought my son's remedial package made it clear that he had no asthma symptoms after age 13 (even after age 12). But, he got the DQ anyway.

Can anyone tell me what the next steps are? I had really hoped he could avoid the whole waiver process. Does he need to do something affirmative to initiate that?

He is applying to both the USNA and NROTC.

Thanks,
 
Is there some kind of test that asthma DQ'ed people are asked to take to demonstrate they no longer suffer from asthma?
 
Thanks AROTC Dad, that said - even after reviewing all of that - I am still stewing on two questions.

a) Is there anything we can do to proactively address this, or do we just wait to see if USNA initiates the waiver process?
b) Should we consider the Methacholine Challenge Test referenced in that other thread ?

I guess some of my questions might be answered in the letter from DODMERB that I presume we will get at some point.
 
If you have already send all your relevant medical records (when you send the remedial AMI), there's nothing left for you to do. You simply wait until USNA and/or NROTC initiates the waiver process, as described in the flow chart linked above by AFROTC dad. For USNA, they will not initiate that process until they are very likely to offer an appointment. For NROTC, I believe it is not initiated until after you are selected for a scholarship.

However, you can be proactive, and put together additional info that will support a waiver decision. My DS was DQ'd for asthma and was able to get a waiver, and is now a plebe. He obtained a methocholine challenge test along with new pulmonary function testing, and submitted those results along with a current evaluation, and opinion from the pulmonologist stating that all his records did not support a diagnosis of asthma (you would obviously need to pass the tests). Letters from coaches etc, that state current levels of activity without any adverse affects can be helpful, but are much less impactful than new medical data provided by a specialist.

In my son's case, we tried to be as proactive as possible, and make it as easy as possible for the waiver authority to render a positive decision. It is also possible that you could do nothing, and later on (maybe Jan or Feb) find out that USNA is initiating a waiver, and the may ask you do get the testing done. If you wait till they ask, then Navy will pay for it. If you do it on your own, then you pay for it. The risk is that it's possible that they may consider and then decline the waiver without ever asking for any new info.

best of luck
 
Thanks. I think we will look into taking the breathing tests you mentioned. The idea of just sitting on our hands and waiting is just too painful to contemplate.
 
My son had to do the spirometry test and had no issue passing it. He never had the dq but was a remedial. Hopefully, it can be cleared easily. Best wishes.
 
Hind sight 20/20 - I wish we had done the spirometry early on and submitted it with the remedial info. No point in looking in the rear-view mirror.
 
Keep in mind, you could do all the things suggested, then submit a bunch of new medical records and still never hear anything till April. In our case, DS did everything described above, and submitted a complete 'package' to DODMERB to support a waiver around September or October. He was CPR at that time, and didn't hear anything further until around April 1, when he was turned down by USNA. He re-applied the following year, and didn't do anything related to DODMERB (since he was already DQ'd and had already sent in new info). The first thing he got was a phone call from DODMERB in December, followed by a letter stating that he got a waiver, then an appointment in January. So 14 months before he heard anything regarding a waiver.
So, do everything you can to put forth the best set of records, but be prepared to wait a while.

also, be sure to read every detail re: asthma in the DOD 6130.03. there have been some changes in the new version. doesn't hurt to print the asthma section and bring it to the doc so he/she knows what the standard is.
https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/WaiverGuide/DODI_6130.03_JUL12.pdf

Good Luck!
 
Hind sight 20/20 - I wish we had done the spirometry early on and submitted it with the remedial info. No point in looking in the rear-view mirror.

The spirometry test was ordered as a remedial. He lucked out on that aspect. Keep positive!
 
DS did a Methacholine Challenge test and had great results which proved no Asthma/Reactive Airway Disease and the Subsequent Test Results, Dr's Letter, letter of appeal from DS along with a letter of recommendation from NROTC CO and also his Commanding officer for Marine Unit detailing all of the PT, PFT and CFT's he had completed without assistance or without any medications proved enough to overturn DQ and was given a waiver. We paid out of pocket for test so that we would see results first. If you do so just make sure that you are careful on how your Doctor orders test on coding so it does not say for any sort of Asthma. This process takes time if they will allow your DS to participate in NROTC and he does the right things in school (Good Grades, Good Behavior, active participation in unit, etc) then after 1 semester all of those things should help his case. My DS is now in his second year and loving NROTC (MO). Good Luck and be patient. We started our process in July and didn't get the waiver until last day of 1st Semester of college.
 
Keep in mind, you could do all the things suggested, then submit a bunch of new medical records and still never hear anything till April. In our case, DS did everything described above, and submitted a complete 'package' to DODMERB to support a waiver around September or October. He was CPR at that time, and didn't hear anything further until around April 1, when he was turned down by USNA. He re-applied the following year, and didn't do anything related to DODMERB (since he was already DQ'd and had already sent in new info). The first thing he got was a phone call from DODMERB in December, followed by a letter stating that he got a waiver, then an appointment in January. So 14 months before he heard anything regarding a waiver.
So, do everything you can to put forth the best set of records, but be prepared to wait a while.

also, be sure to read every detail re: asthma in the DOD 6130.03. there have been some changes in the new version. doesn't hurt to print the asthma section and bring it to the doc so he/she knows what the standard is.
https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/WaiverGuide/DODI_6130.03_JUL12.pdf

Good Luck!

Can you share what your DS did for that year? To prepare? Always good for applicants to hear. And congrats to your DS!
 
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