USMA Waiver Denial HELP

[USMAcandidate839]

I am currently a contracted freshman ROTC cadet. Last year I applied to USMA but my medical file was never completed and no waiver was requested for me so I was not accepted.

I am currently reapplying to USMA. Based solely on my podiatrist’s office notes from my freshman and sophomore years in high school I had a waiver denied for flat feet, which was diagnosed to have been the cause of shin splints during my freshman and sophomore years of cross country and track. I was given orthotics for the issue, but stopped using them over three years ago.

I appealed the waiver denial and submitted a substantial amount of evidence from multiple sources, including the doctor who made the original diagnosis, ROTC cadre, current and past army officers, my high school coach, and a podiatrist from Keller Army Hospital. They have noted that I have had no physical problems past sophomore year, no issues completing military activities in ROTC, and that my condition was a misdiagnose and was caused by a pair of very inadequate shoes I used for my sport between my freshman and sophomore years (as soon as I bought a pair of adequate running shoes my issue with shin splints disappeared and never returned). My waiver appeal was also denied.

For the past 6 years of my life I dedicated everything I did to getting admitted to USMA. Everything and anything I achieved or participated in was ultimately just a step to achieving admission to the Academy. I was told by multiple sources that an issue like mine would be an easy waiver even before I was re-evaluated and told it was a complete misdiagnosis. Now even though multiple doctors have said that this issue was never real and was simply caused by a bad pair of shoes, I can’t receive a waiver and my goal of achieving admission is seemingly unattainable.

Is there ANY way I can rectify my situation? I would appreciate any suggestions or advice. I am absolutely willing to do anything to gain admission to the Academy. A month or two ago my field force representative suggested it might be easier to gain admission if I enlisted and then tried to apply. Would this be a possible option for me?
It seems like a long stretch, but do you think it would be possible for me to reach out to the Presidents staff concerning this issue? This option was suggested to me by multiple people.

I’m just extremely confused about how this waiver could be denied over an issue such as flat feet, which I have been told is relatively minor as far as waivers are concerned-especially now that I have sufficient evidence my issue was never an issue at all.

 

[DrMom]

Do not enlist thinking you will get a waiver from DODMERB for your feet.
You will not. You will be enlisted and disappointed because you are still ineligible for clearance to become a West Point cadet.
Have you written to @DoDMERB - Deputy Chief

You are in ROTC. Have you had the scholarship physical that says you are fit to serve? You might wish to stay the course.

 

[USMAcandidate839]

Do not enlist thinking you will get a waiver from DODMERB for your feet.
You will not. You will be enlisted and disappointed because you are still ineligible for clearance to become a West Point cadet.
Have you written to @DoDMERB - Deputy Chief

You are in ROTC. Have you had the scholarship physical that says you are fit to serve? You might wish to stay the course.

I received a waiver for my issue for ROTC and am currently contracted. I am definitely going to stick with ROTC, but would very much like to receive an appointment to the Academy.

 

[CLE_42]

Hey man,

I am literally in the same shoes as you. I am also a freshman at AROTC with a 3yr scholarship, medically qualified for ROTC, and am reapplying again for West Point. It was my mistake to put down that I had minor allegies for almonds and pressumed that I had shin splints from track based on no evidence. I was disqualified for those things. In addition, I handed in all required documents that Dodmerb requested. I am currently under waiver review. I talked to a dodmerb representative and she said only when I am competitive enough for an appointment to West Point only will dodmerb start the waiver process because since there are thousands of applicants they only have time to waiver the ones that are going to get in. Then, you will become medically qualified.

If you truly want to go West Point, then enlist. Just be careful what you are getting yourself into because you could be required to do some time after basic before reapplying. Also, if you do not get into West Point you may have to reapply to school again. Even then, enlisting is not always a golden ticket in. If there is something serious with your medical such as requiring to have a epi pen, you will not recieve any waiver therefore cannot be medically qualified. The only reason why I did not decide to go to basic and AIT over the summer for guard is because I want to focus on academics. I dont want to have to balance academics, ROTC and guard all at once especially the major im majoring in even if Ill be receiving bonuses every month. I know its a long journey and a goal that seems impossible but you can do it! Im giving it my all man. If you want to talk, let me know!

 

[MullenLE]

FACTS:

1, DoDMERB does NOT grant or deny waivers.

2. The ONLY intelligent way to proceed is for USMAcandidate839 and CLE_42 would be to comply with the FAST sticky on the DODMERB tab of SA Forums.

3. I I receive later today, I will reply today, Sunday night.