WILL DOD MERB Accept Personal Dr's Input

goldtrim3

goldtrim3

5-Year Member
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Jul 25, 2013
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My son had one asthma like event in 2011 (Age 14). His pediatrician just did a spirometry exam which was normal (this is the second normal exam in a year) and noted in a letter that the diagnosis for asthma is resolved. How likely is DODMERB to use this to qualify him OR will a Waiver be necessary?
 
Dont hold me to it but i heard any asthma symptom after 13 is a dq so youll jave to go through the waiver process
 
Anything over 13 is typically automatic DQ. Had a friend who had one inhaler in high school for a cold, not even dx'd with asthma, had letters from doctor and tests from lung doctor saying he didn't have asthma, still dq'd. It's really up to how the examining doctor puts it. Still can get a waiver but Usafa has to ask for it if the rest of the file is really good.
 
Asthma diagnosis or meds (even if meds not taken) after 13 is a DQ for every SA, to the best of my knowledge, Whether it's waiverable really depends on whether the SA medical folks/DODMERB believe you still have asthma. If they do, a waiver is unlikely. If they believe the diagnosis was made "in error," you have a chance.

Sometimes you are asked to take a test that, to the best of my knowledge, essentially attempts to induce an asthma attack -- not sure the name of it. Passing it can really help. However, I'd wait until you hear from DODMERB as to what it is, where to take it, etc.

Being honest, I would make sure you are pursuing your Plan B that doesn't involve the military in parallel to your applications USAFA and/or ROTC. There are definitely cases of people in situations like your getting the waiver so there is hope. However, asthma is a tough one and, if the medical folks think you still have it, a waiver is virtually impossible.
 
Actually, it isn't impossible. I know someone with exercise induced asthma on meds got waiver to attend West Point.

Bottom line, be honest and you just never know. You will get DQ first and may not find out until much later that they have asked for a waiver. Nothin you can do to influence/speed up that process. Waiting game as always.
 
Thanks for the information. This is helpful. Son is fully prepared to take the methacholine test if remedials are required.
 
Last edited:
Wishful

Wishful, thanks for the PM. I havent posted enough to reply to your PM but your advice was helpful. I am requesting a referral from pediatrician for the methacholine test.
 
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