The Dreaded Concussion AMI

[TexasApplicant]

Hey all,
I'm applying for the USNA with two noms and I've hit the dreaded concussion AMI roadblock. I've already followed the directions in the letter DoDMERB sent me and submitted the requested documentation, but I am still left with a few questions.

1. Will my slot be given away while still under review?
2. is it normal for my application to have a red block that says, "Incomplete" next to the DoDMERB side bar?
3. Is it possible to receive an offer of appointment while still under review?
4. How long does it typically take for DoDMERB to write back? I've heard it differs between SA's.
5. I'm scared, can someone reassure me that I'll be fine?

Some further context about this whole process would be greatly appreciated if provided.
Thanks!

 

[justdoit19]

Don’t be scared. You are being looked at, and more information is needed. Provide it in a timely manner. It’s alllllll part of the process. It’s a very long and detailed process. No quick answers.

What do you mean by ‘your slot’? Do you have an LOA? If that’s the case, your LOA is there. You either clear the conditions of the LOA (and the appointment is offered) or not (and the appointment isn’t offered). Read the wording in your LOA. It’s a spot, pending clearing of its requirements.

You cannot receive an appointment unless your are fully qualified, or a waiver is granted for a medical DQ.

The timing of all of this varies for each case. If found Q by DODMERB, then that’s it. If you are found DQ, then the individual program (USNA in this case) can further grant a waiver for your DQ.

Hang in there. Work through the process. And always have a solid back up plan. Good luck to you!

Adding: scan the DODMERB forum for more reading.

 

[TexasApplicant]

What do you mean by ‘your slot’? Do you have an LOA? If that’s the case, your LOA is there. You either clear the conditions of the LOA (and the appointment is offered) or not (and the appointment isn’t offered). Read the wording in your LOA. It’s a spot, pending clearing of its requirements.

I guess it's not MY slot (yet ), but the slot that I was nominated for is what I meant (no LOA).

 

[ThomasJ]

5. I'm scared, can someone reassure me that I'll be fine?

God has a plan for you no matter how your application ends up. What often seem like setbacks or a door closing can often turn into other opportunities.

 

[justdoit19]

I guess it's not MY slot (yet ), but the slot that I was nominated for is what I meant (no LOA).

Well….as you probably know….you are competing for that ‘slot’ with the rest of your slate.

 

[justme]

I guess it's not MY slot (yet ), but the slot that I was nominated for is what I meant (no LOA).

DS had a DQ and waiver request that took until May. At some point in March, he received an LOA, which we took (maybe naively) as him being 'selected' from his slate but awaiting the waiver decision. I would guess a 2nd candidate from that slate was waitlisted until then, but that is purely a guess.

 

[TexasApplicant]

To add an additional question:
My initial doctor's visit produced results that... might frown upon me. I was later referred to another doctor who released me with a note. Would it be worthwhile to have another appointment with the initial doctor in order to be cleared by the as well?

 

[justdoit19]

To add an additional question:
My initial doctor's visit produced results that... might frown upon me. I was later referred to another doctor who released me with a note. Would it be worthwhile to have another appointment with the initial doctor in order to be cleared by the as well?

Talk to your parents about this but a ‘referral to another doctors care’ would be closure of the first doctors treatment plan I would think.

Your private physicians aren’t going to be the ones to decided for the military. Their notes *may* be requested, idk. Certainly having all medical records buttoned up isn’t a bad thing.

Be patient, and work through your process. AMI is requested at the DODMERB level to help them determine Q/DQ. AMI isn’t. Bad thing. It’s simply additional information is needed. Provide it.

BTW concussions aren’t uncommon in the applicant pool for a SA. Lots of varsity athletes. My son had to provide AMI. Dont worry, just respond as asked.

 

[ChaggyC17]

Jumping in to add another data point. DS completed DODMERB in July and was DQ'd due to concussive symptoms lasting longer than 30 days. This happened when he was 8 years old. No AMI request was made, but I still contacted the treating Pediatric Neurology Clinic and they supplied a letter stating he was seen for a concussion and that he was subsequently cleared with no restrictions. The Clinic was familiar with what I was trying to do which gave us some comfort. I provided the letter to DODMERB via the appropriate case manager. To date, there has not been another request for more AMI.

Since then, DS received appointment to USMMA and their waiver was granted. DODMERB site shows USAFA/USNA/USCGA "under waiver review." And just within the last few days, DS USNA application portal changed from "MEDICALLY DISQUALIFED" to "WAIVER PENDING." This is a very positive step forward.

As many have said, the process is long and the waiting is difficult. I hope our experience provides some insight and maybe even some comfort.

Feel free to PM if you want more specifics.

 

[TexasApplicant]

Thank you all for your help! I finally got my records squared away (clinic used a third party company that dragged their feet)
Now all I can do is sit and wait
Edit: After doing a lot of digging, it seems that the nature of my concussion will most likely result in a DQ :/
So I guess I now wait for a waiver