I read RetNavyHM’s sticky post “meet the new moderator” and this helped me quite a bit to understand the DODMERB/waiver process. My question deals with the transition from DODMERB DQ review to waiver reviews and when medical records are requested along with a statement from the applicant about a DQ.
For example, let’s say an applicant had laparoscopic surgery 4 months ago. Based on the Section E1.11.11.2 of the Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces, “History of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery during the preceding 6 months is disqualifying.” In such a case, I assume DODMERB would reach a pretty quick decision that this applicant has a DQ because the surgery was only 4 months ago. That seems pretty black and white, which is how I understand DODMERB works.
After the DQ , the applicant can apply for a waiver. At some point DODMERB or the waiver team will gather medical records on the applicant’s condition and perhaps review a letter of explanation from the applicant. Based on this information, the waiver team will decide whether the specific individual’s DQ was significant enough to impede their expected success in that branch of the military. They could, for example, review medical records for the laparoscopy procedure and determine it was not a major issue and was not an indicator of a future problem. In such a case, it would be likely they would grant a waiver. Or they might determine the individual is likely to have additional problems in which case they would not grant a waiver.
Questions:
1. Is my scenario above generally accurate, if not, where is it wrong?
2. When in this process would the medical records and applicant statement be requested? By DODMERB prior to issuing the DQ, or by the waiver team?
For example, let’s say an applicant had laparoscopic surgery 4 months ago. Based on the Section E1.11.11.2 of the Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces, “History of open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery during the preceding 6 months is disqualifying.” In such a case, I assume DODMERB would reach a pretty quick decision that this applicant has a DQ because the surgery was only 4 months ago. That seems pretty black and white, which is how I understand DODMERB works.
After the DQ , the applicant can apply for a waiver. At some point DODMERB or the waiver team will gather medical records on the applicant’s condition and perhaps review a letter of explanation from the applicant. Based on this information, the waiver team will decide whether the specific individual’s DQ was significant enough to impede their expected success in that branch of the military. They could, for example, review medical records for the laparoscopy procedure and determine it was not a major issue and was not an indicator of a future problem. In such a case, it would be likely they would grant a waiver. Or they might determine the individual is likely to have additional problems in which case they would not grant a waiver.
Questions:
1. Is my scenario above generally accurate, if not, where is it wrong?
2. When in this process would the medical records and applicant statement be requested? By DODMERB prior to issuing the DQ, or by the waiver team?