USNA Medical Waiver

[basketball2squid]

I just recently found out that I am medically disqualified for a "history of joint replacement or resurfacing of any site."

I'm assuming this was from knee surgery three years ago, but everything is 100% okay now. I don't know how this medical waiver process works: am I allowed to request a medical waiver, or does the Naval Academy have to issue one to me?

Edit: In the USNA portal, I am disqualified but I am Under Waiver Review in DoDMERB. What does this mean?

Will USNA still review my application even if I'm deemed medically disqualified, or will they wait to review it until a waiver is approved?

 

[tkinion]

It appears that you are under a waiver review by USNA. They should send you correspondence in the mail indicating this. Best of luck.

 

[blinkus]

It appears that you are under a waiver review by USNA. They should send you correspondence in the mail indicating this. Best of luck.

You will see “Waiver Pending” in your USNA portal instead of Disqualified if USNA is pursuing a waiver for you. And yes, USNA will review you’re application despite being medically DQ.

 

[basketball2squid]

You will see “Waiver Pending” in your USNA portal instead of Disqualified if USNA is pursuing a waiver for you. And yes, USNA will review you’re application despite being medically DQ.

Thank you. Do you know the timeframe that USNA issues medical waivers? I feel as though it's pretty late in the game, as I am nearing spring without having heard anything from them.

 

[blinkus]

Thank you. Do you know the timeframe that USNA issues medical waivers? I feel as though it's pretty late in the game, as I am nearing spring without having heard anything from them.

Unfortunately it seems like a lot of people are still waiting for waivers. I was fortunate enough to have my waiver process start a month ago, still awaiting the final decision though. Sometimes, medical can go beyond the April 15th deadline, so I won't worry about it too much!

 

[futureusmcmom24]

Be sure to check your USNA and DoDMERB portals daily. For USNA, you are looking for the “disqualified” to change to “waiver pending” - this will indicate that you are actually under waiver review from USNA (the “under waiver review” in the DoDMERB is misleading in this respect). In DoDMERB you are looking for a new correspondence with an AIM request pertaining to your DQ. If you receive this, respond asap. In the interim, you may want to gather all relevant medical records that show the issue is 100% resolved. My understanding is that USNA only seeks waivers for those who are competitive for an appointment. We are in the same boat, just hoping every day to see a portal change and that a waiver has been requested. Good luck!

 

[usna1985]

My understanding is that USNA only seeks waivers for those who are competitive for an appointment.

This is generally correct. There can be exceptions, such as for colorblindness. It's easy for USNA to waive everyone and then decide who among them will receive an appointment (which is <2% of the class).

Also, there may or may not be a request for additional information from USNA -- depends on the issue.

 

[futureusmcmom24]

This is generally correct. There can be exceptions, such as for colorblindness. It's easy for USNA to waive everyone and then decide who among them will receive an appointment (which is <2% of the class).

Also, there may or may not be a request for additional information from USNA -- depends on the issue.

Great to know - thank you!

 

[hopefulhockeymom]

Is there any rhyme or reason on the timeline from being DQ, to getting the waiver review, to when the waiver is granted? Just wondering bc it seems like the timelines are all over the place, with some people waiting a really long time for the waiver to be initiated and/or the info being submitted for review and approved. Just curious!

 

[A1Janitor]

Is there any rhyme or reason on the timeline from being DQ, to getting the waiver review, to when the waiver is granted? Just wondering bc it seems like the timelines are all over the place, with some people waiting a really long time for the waiver to be initiated and/or the info being submitted for review and approved. Just curious!

No.

You are looking at this from a single candidate’s perspective.

There are thousands of candidates that need to be reviewed. They all have to clear medical. They all have to be compared to others on slates. Nominations come in when MOC want.

There are so many moving parts.

What we do know is they will get to almost all decisions by April 15. Every candidate will get their fair review.