What can we do now

[nervousmom79]

My son currently has 4 nominations. He is MD for something easily waiverable. Is there somewhere he can send his medical file? Someone he can contact to make himself known? What’s the best advice besides sit back and wait? He wants to be proactive and show he really wants this.

 

[justdoit19]

You don't need to answer, but keep in mind that what you refer to as "easily waiverable" may indeed be something that is completely disqualifying. I don't know your understanding of it all, but we (parents, our doctors, our opinions) don't matter as far as if a condition is "easily waiverable" or not. It is up to the SA's. And unfortunately, some conditions aren't waiverable. Some things have a few waivers available to give out. The important thing to remember is that it is up to the SA's to pursue a waiver. Another thing to know is that they have reasons for how conditions are treated (waived or not). That may or may not make sense to us.

 

[Capt MJ]

My son currently has 4 nominations. He is MD for something easily waiverable. Is there somewhere he can send his medical file? Someone he can contact to make himself known? What’s the best advice besides sit back and wait? He wants to be proactive and show he really wants this.

While you are waiting, if you haven’t already done so, read every link on the left side at the DODMERB site. The process is explained, workflow charted, FAQs, etc.

DoD Website Consent

Keep in mind the waiver policy for each SA may be different, as missions/gear/operating environment are different.

His focus should be on a strong finish to HS, tending alternate plans, doing plenty of PT for stress management, doing projects for you during his potentially last 6 months as a resident of your home, enjoying friends and family.

 

[MullenLE]

Nervous Mom =

1. Have your son, "THE APPLICANT, send me an email at DoDMERB_SAFORUMS@yahoo.com with his complete name. I can take it from there.
2. YOU, Nervous Mom, READ THIS:

APPLICANTS ONLY (If your parents read this part, you’ll know why I wrote it this wayJ) – This is YOUR future, YOUR application, and it needs to be YOUR decision. Parents are very useful in providing YOU sage advice and counsel…in the background…say again, IN THE BACKGROUND. YOU should take all actions regarding YOUR application. If YOU are offered an appointment to one/more Service Academy and/or are awarded a scholarship to an ROTC Program(s), guess what? Your parents do NOT get to attend with YOUJ While the Service Academies and ROTC programs have bunk beds---those are for your roommates, not your parents! Therefore, this process begins that transition of YOUR independence. Again, they can assist YOU, but YOU should be the lead on all application actions. They should be like the military guidon bearer --- YOU are the Commander and they should be one step to the right and one step behind YOU. They can discuss
anything and everything with YOU, just not DODMERB. Go easy on them. This will NOT be an easy thing for them to do…to start to let goJ

PARENTS: While I’ve emphasized the above to a fault, I can only share with you my vast experience in this area. Your wisdom will be deeply appreciated by your son or daughter, but the “action” part of this exercise is best for all, when the applicant takes direct ownership of THEIR process, with Admissions, Congressional Nominations, DoDMERB, etc.

 

[nervousmom79]

Nervous Mom =

1. Have your son, "THE APPLICANT, send me an email at DoDMERB_SAFORUMS@yahoo.com with his complete name. I can take it from there.
2. YOU, Nervous Mom, READ THIS:

APPLICANTS ONLY (If your parents read this part, you’ll know why I wrote it this wayJ) – This is YOUR future, YOUR application, and it needs to be YOUR decision. Parents are very useful in providing YOU sage advice and counsel…in the background…say again, IN THE BACKGROUND. YOU should take all actions regarding YOUR application. If YOU are offered an appointment to one/more Service Academy and/or are awarded a scholarship to an ROTC Program(s), guess what? Your parents do NOT get to attend with YOUJ While the Service Academies and ROTC programs have bunk beds---those are for your roommates, not your parents! Therefore, this process begins that transition of YOUR independence. Again, they can assist YOU, but YOU should be the lead on all application actions. They should be like the military guidon bearer --- YOU are the Commander and they should be one step to the right and one step behind YOU. They can discuss
anything and everything with YOU, just not DODMERB. Go easy on them. This will NOT be an easy thing for them to do…to start to let goJ

PARENTS: While I’ve emphasized the above to a fault, I can only share with you my vast experience in this area. Your wisdom will be deeply appreciated by your son or daughter, but the “action” part of this exercise is best for all, when the applicant takes direct ownership of THEIR process, with Admissions, Congressional Nominations, DoDMERB, etc.

Thank you so much. He has done this entire process all on his own I am very proud of him. This is his future not mine so I find it important that it’s his skin in the game not mine. I do appreciate the direction that you have provided for me to pass on to him.

 

[ThePatternisFull]

My son currently has 4 nominations. He is MD for something easily waiverable. Is there somewhere he can send his medical file? Someone he can contact to make himself known? What’s the best advice besides sit back and wait? He wants to be proactive and show he really wants this.

MD=DQ? How do you know it is easily waiverable? I would do as @MullenLE recommends.

 

[nervousmom79]

MD=DQ? How do you know it is easily waiverable? I would do as @MullenLE recommends.

I guess I shouldn’t say it’s easily waiverable, it was probably the wrong choice of words. We are a military family and have seen waivers thrown around like candy. I know the process for the SA is completely different and throughly respect that I hope it is waiverable is what I should have said from the beginning

 

[Capt MJ]

The bar for pre-comm accession DQ/waivers is set high. Once on AD post-commission, it’s a matter of being medically fit for full duty after a serious injury or illness. I’ve had friends have melanoma, cervical cancer, Hep C, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, breast cancer, spinal injuries, and depending on their warfare specialty, where they are in their career and, of course, needs of the Navy, a medical board may allow them to stay in. I accumulated a few things myself that never would have been waivered had I had them pre-comm.