Anyone ever had a DODMERB exam for ROTC?

College Life
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<p>Hi guys im new here. I couldnt find a specific forum for this topic so I put it here hoping some college kids with experience with the DODMERB could answer.</p>

<p>I have had my heart set for a while now on going into AFROTC and commissioning as an officer (hopefully a pilot, its been my dream).</p>

<p>Anyways, I understand that I will need to have this medical exam done by the DODMERB. Now, I have some medical issues.</p>

<p>I was born with a smaller left hand. The fingers were born all the same length, and two of them were fused together. Each finger (not thumb) is missing the same middle knuckle. By the way my right hand is perfectly normal. Anyways, I thank god my parents took me to the number 2 plastic surgeon in the nation at the time, he did a hell of a good job.</p>

<p>Basically, each finger moves completely seperately. Oh I forgot to mention each finger is the SAME length and they are all about .5 inches shorter than normal fingers. Anyways, each is able to move freely. It has never affected anything I do in life. It feels perfectly normal, in fact, I was at the top of my info-processing class in terms of speed and accuracy. I have adapted and grown up with it so obviously im very proficient with it. I have taken a flight lesson also and obviously it didnt affect anything.</p>

<p>Im worried that they will not pass me because of this hand. I could definetly demonstrate functionality, hopefully that will work. Im hoping he doesnt think that I might have an issue with military gloves. Of course, the one would not completely fit on my hand but im used to that. It really wouldnt affect me. </p>

<p>Also, I have ADD and anxiety, and am on medications for them. I will have been off of them for a year by the exam (I need to be or else I wont qualify). What do you guys think about my chances of being passed? I will also have the surgeon that worked on my hand right the DODMERB doc a note saying im fine for the military and blah blah blah.</p>

<p>Im not going to lie, I will be devastated if I dont make it. This has been my dream and i'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.</p>

<p>Some kid that was in the Naval Academy was selected for a pilot slot. He was scheduled to get his flight medical done, but before he went he was at a party where he got SHOT IN THE FACE. If you have watched the movie speed and angels you know what im talking about. He went on to become a fighter pilot. If a kid that got shot in the face can pass a flight class 1 medical, I sure as hell can (theoretically speaking).</p>

<p>Please offer me some advice anything you got. Be honest, there no point in lieing to me, or me lieing to myself. Everything I said was true, im not exaggerating about its functionality.</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post! :)</p>

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<p>Read this [Military</a> Medical Standards for Enlistment & Appointment – Upper extremities](<a href=“http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/extremities.htm]Military”>http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/extremities.htm)</p>

<p>From the sounds of it you’ll be fine.</p>

<p>edit: Not so sure about the anxiety thing though.</p>

<p><a href=“http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm[/url]”>http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You might be able to get a waiver for it.</p>

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<p>OP, by far your best bet is to post your question at [DoDMERB</a> - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20]DoDMERB”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20) and direct it to MullenLE. Larry Mullen answers questions such as this one and is the DODMERB Deputy Director.</p>

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<p>Iron,</p>

<p>Yes I have talked to him quite a bit. He seems like he would be very helpful but he cannot give me an answer because I have not had the examination done. He just keeps referring me to this paragraph saying that they cannot give definitive answers unless i have been examed.</p>

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<p>Then I don’t understand why you are asking for help on CC. Larry is the authority and is in charge of the exams. If he tells you he can’t help until you get the exam then that is it. </p>

<p>If you are looking for a guess based on a parents experience with DODMERB then my guess is you will be DQ’d. Sorry</p>

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<p>why would i be DQ’ed?</p>

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<p>Read the second link I posted. Anxiety is a disqualifying condition.</p>

<p>IDK if one can get a waiver for it.</p>

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<p>Yes I have heard of people getting waivers for that though. Its the hand that has me worried.</p>

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<p>Almost anybody who’s ever been diagnosed with anything gets initially DQed by DoDMERB. But if you’re persistent enough you’ll get a waiver unless you have a heart conidition or are missing a limb or something.</p>

<p>This is just based off my personal experience in Army ROTC. A flight physical may be a little stricter than a regular DoDMERB physical though.</p>

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<p>I was DQ’d for braces. I just sent back the waiver and had my orthodontist speed up the bracing process. I am qualified now.</p>

<p>Pilots have stringent exams. If you can function in a perfectly normal capacity without medication for ADD and anxiety, I think you will be okay. As long as you stick to your plan to be off of them for a year before your exam.</p>

<p>BTW, how old are you?</p>

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<p>I am 17 turning 18 june 23rd. Still really hoping for a waiver, I am willing to go through great lengths to obtain one.</p>