Waiver Denied - USMA

Joined
Jan 5, 2018
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19
I have been submitting information to West Point about my medical issue, I have astigmatism in excess of 3.00 diopters. I have had to send in corneal topographies and a belin ambrosio enhanced ectasia display. I just got news that I was my waiver was denied and was utterly heartbroken. Currently based on the opinion of 3 optometrists I have mild with the rule astigmatism and am correctable to 20/20. I am physically and academically qualified. I do a lot in and outside of school and eyesight has never been a problem. I would even be willing to pay for PRK out of pocket to receive an appointment, but have been told this is disqualifying. I have a nomination and now everything seems to have been a waste. Is there anyway I can appeal this evaluation of my eyes and still receive an appointment to the class of 2022?
 
That is an absolute bummer.

You said mild astigmatism. What exactly is your eye glasses prescription?

Also, was your corneal topography and BAD testing completely normal? Sometimes a BAD report is requested if there is some type of abnormality (eg inferior steepening) on the corneal topography.
 
I don't know the exact numbers, I'm pretty sure it's above 3, but I know my topography showed normal astigmatism. I have another eye appointment with my optometrists on the 26th. Do you think if I get him to conduct another test and send it in with a letter stating he has cleared me for anything and everything I'd have any luck? I don't think I'd have an issue securing an appointment if this went through so this feeling really sucks.
 
I am sorry about your issue. One thing to understand though is what your civilian optometrist think is "anything and everything" can be very very different than what the military thinks. Not many civilian docs consider pulling Gs, operating in a FOB, lack of available medical care, carrying 150 lbs on your back over extended distances and time. "Anything and everything" in a civilian job sitting behind a desk is one thing and not even remotely close to "anything and everything" in a military environment where your and other lives are on the line and sometimes in extreme environments for long periods of time.

I do wish you the best of luck!
 
@WestPointBound

Letters from civilian healthcare providers stating someone is cleared for something military doesn't hold a lot of water. First, most know very little about the 2nd and 3rd order effects of what a medical condition may have on the safe and satisfactory performance of military duties. Second, most don't know the military medical standards. So whoever reads the letter from your optometrist won't care if he/she cleared you. The person reading the letter will care about the numbers (i.e. the "cylinder" portion of your eye glasses prescription which tells the degree of astigmatism).

I don't work for any of the waiver authorities but I'm thinking the level of your astigmatism is well beyond 3.00 diopters. Is your eye doctor going to see if he can squeeze out 3.00 diopters on you with the next exam?
 
I’m by no means an expert but I know DS rec’d DQ for his shoulder surgery ( this was expected), but USMA did not pursue a waiver even though surgical notes said full range of motion, no limitations, cleared for all activity, etc.DS was upset and reached out to RC. His RC commented that not pursuing waiver at “this” point bc few others on his slate above him. If things change, they’ll let him know. That might be the case with you. Your condition might be waiverable but not quite competitive enough. Just a thought based on the feedback my DS rec’d. As they say, it’s still not over til TWE. DS Rex’s waiver from AFA and will just wait until we hear otherwise. Good luck!
 
It's also my understanding that there are only x amount of waivers allowed per conditions ( derm/vision/etc). If that is true, and you aren't #1 or #2 on your slate, that waiver may need to be used for someone else. It sucks! I know. I have heard some incredibly crazy stories of what gets waived and what doesn't and there "seems" to be no rhyme or reason. I'm sorry. Take a moment to mourn than hold your head up and charge forward to Plan B. Make something BIG of yourself and MAKE A CHANGE in the world and never look back. No regrets!
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.
That's amazing!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Hang in there now for an appointment!
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.
That's amazing!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Hang in there now for an appointment!
Thanks, I'm super eager to hear from the Academy soon. Getting thrown a curve ball like this after thinking I was completely out was an amazing feeling. My liaison officer who had originally canceled my interview now wants to meet Thursday and told me this type of thing never happens!!
 
I’m by no means an expert but I know DS rec’d DQ for his shoulder surgery ( this was expected), but USMA did not pursue a waiver even though surgical notes said full range of motion, no limitations, cleared for all activity, etc.DS was upset and reached out to RC. His RC commented that not pursuing waiver at “this” point bc few others on his slate above him. If things change, they’ll let him know. That might be the case with you. Your condition might be waiverable but not quite competitive enough. Just a thought based on the feedback my DS rec’d. As they say, it’s still not over til TWE. DS Rex’s waiver from AFA and will just wait until we hear otherwise. Good luck!

My DS was DQ'd for similar shoulder injury, shoulder dislocation, but he is the principal nomination for his slate for USMA so his waiver went in right away and it was approved. However, we are in the same situation with USNA, USAFA, & USCG. They have not pursued a waiver, but USMA and USMMA did and he was cleared for the injury if that gives you any consolation.
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.
That's amazing!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Hang in there now for an appointment!
Thanks, I'm super eager to hear from the Academy soon. Getting thrown a curve ball like this after thinking I was completely out was an amazing feeling. My liaison officer who had originally canceled my interview now wants to meet Thursday and told me this type of thing never happens!!
Congratulations!!! Onward and Upward!
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.
That's amazing!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Hang in there now for an appointment!
Thanks, I'm super eager to hear from the Academy soon. Getting thrown a curve ball like this after thinking I was completely out was an amazing feeling. My liaison officer who had originally canceled my interview now wants to meet Thursday and told me this type of thing never happens!!
Congratulations!!! Onward and Upward!
Thank You!
 
...Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment...

The fact that they pursued a waiver is certainly a good sign - but unless you have an LOA - don't count your chickens just yet.
Good luck!
 
...Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment...

The fact that they pursued a waiver is certainly a good sign - but unless you have an LOA - don't count your chickens just yet.
Good luck!
Yup I know, I'm just happy as a month ago I got a letter saying my waiver was denied! This at the very least gives me a fighting chance.
 
Today I just received an email from my regional commander stating as followed,

"I've been trying to get an answer from our doctors for you. I finally got one.
Apparently the test results that were given to them did not have some of the
numbers and they requested a new test. Your waiver for West Point was approved
today. Apologize for the delay on this."

So apparently my civilian healthcare providers were correct about how safe and satisfactory my condition was. Somehow I even received a waiver for it this late in the process. Now I guess I sit tight and wait on an appointment.

Thanks, I'm super eager to hear from the Academy soon. Getting thrown a curve ball like this after thinking I was completely out was an amazing feeling. My liaison officer who had originally canceled my interview now wants to meet Thursday and told me this type of thing never happens!!

Yup I know, I'm just happy as a month ago I got a letter saying my waiver was denied! This at the very least gives me a fighting chance.

WestPointBound
Congratulations on getting over another hurdle and getting your waiver, you have had a fighting chance all along because "you" never gave up, now meet with your Liaison Officer and do well in the interview. Would love to see you get an appointment. But as often said, have a solid plan B and C.
 
Update:
Today as of 10:36 am I received the news that I was offered an appointment! I will absolutely be accepting it and am over the moon. I got an email from my Congressman's office stating as followed.

"Congratulations! We were just advised that you are receiving an Offer of Appointment to the United States Military Academy! We were told that your appointment letter will be mailed on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

Please advise us of your final decision.

Once again, Congratulations!"

The wait is over!!!!!!!!!
 
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