Tough Position (LOA received but medical issues)

[sbservice]

Hi,

I have received an LOA last week for USNA. The only issue is that I might have compartment syndrome in my legs, and if so, I would need surgery for them down the line. The issue is that I really want to go to the academy but I don't want something like this stopping my dream as a whole (especially when I worked this hard up to this point). I have heard about the 6 month before I-day surgery rule which is reassuring, but I was reading somewhere that compartment syndrome is a nonwaivable condition for the Navy in general even though it completely resolves the issue and allows you to run at full pace again. Of course, I wouldn't lie and have it done without telling DODMERB or USNA because that's wrong on so many levels, but at the same time, I don't want my dream to be over. Does anyone have any clue for how to go about this? I have completed my dodmerb physical a while ago and should be fine to get qualified with my current status, but if I do get the surgery, I know my situation will be completely different. Please help if you can.

 

[Capt MJ]

Congratulations on your LOA.

First things first - your health. You only get one body, so taking care of that takes precedence. “Most likely have compartment syndrome” - have you seen and been diagnosed by doctor? If you have, do what you need to do for your health. If you haven’t seen a doctor for related symptoms, you should. See comment about health and one body.

Now, the DODMERB piece. You are required to update them on conditions that have occurred since your first medical history with them.

Continue with all other aspects of your application, as needed.

If and when you get a DQ from DODMERB, you submit required information.

Step by step.

Take the long view. If you are DQed and not waived, go with your Plan B, get a year of college under your belt. Do everything the USNA college re-applicant admissions page tells you to do. Get healthy, strong and fully functional, and try again, with a solid period of full recovery and documented support for the complete resolution of the issue.

Unless you are told that this is permanently unwaiverable - then, welcome to adulthood with its joys and disappointments. You have another 60-70 years on the planet and a good mind, and this is just a bend in the path that stretches in front of you.

Health first.
Honesty always.
Step by step.
Plan B or even C.

 

[sbservice]

Congratulations on your LOA.

First things first - your health. You only get one body, so taking care of that takes precedence. “Most likely have compartment syndrome” - have you seen and been diagnosed by doctor? If you have, do what you need to do for your health. If you haven’t seen a doctor for related symptoms, you should. See comment about health and one body.

Now, the DODMERB piece. You are required to update them on conditions that have occurred since your first medical history with them.

Continue with all other aspects of your application, as needed.

If and when you get a DQ from DODMERB, you submit required information.

Step by step.

Take the long view. If you are DQed and not waived, go with your Plan B, get a year of college under your belt. Do everything the USNA college re-applicant admissions page tells you to do. Get healthy, strong and fully functional, and try again, with a solid period of full recovery and documented support for the complete resolution of the issue.

Unless you are told that this is permanently unwaiverable - then, welcome to adulthood with its joys and disappointments. You have another 60-70 years on the planet and a good mind, and this is just a bend in the path that stretches in front of you.

Health first.
Honesty always.
Step by step.
Plan B or even C.

Thank you for your help!