docfrance

<p>My son applied for a waiver for asthma and all he’s heard is that it was sent to USAFA for review. What are his chances for a waiver since he is a principal nominee?</p>

<p>The fact that he is a principal nominee--or any of his other qualifications for USAFA--are irrelevant to the waiver process. (Reminder: I'm not an expert on the medical waiver process. I'm not a medical doctor. What I say is in NO WAY official--it's based on past experience) If he's taken asthma medication in the last 2-5 years or had any attacks in that time, my guess is his chances of getting a waiver are near zero. The few whom I've seen get waivers for asthma were kids who haven't taken medication in years, had "an attack" or two when they were little kids--and it probably really wasn't asthma. Anyone who is currently taking asthma medication should simply not consider going into the military. They are generally VERY strict about this.</p>

<p>The services are all being swamped with medication issues these days--in large part because of the trend to medicate everything. The philosophical question of medicating our kids (discussed in MANY a forum and magazine) has changed, but the services' standards generally have not. I'm not picking on you or implying that's the case with your son at all--just pointing out something that is, in one way or another, affecting lots of applicants these days...</p>

<p>docfrance
The doctor my son has gone to since birth wrote a letter with the request for waiver stating he hasn't had any asthma since age 8 and that it was an inflammation issue since. He also included that he has never missed school, played competitive soccer since 11 and runs cross country. Hopefully they will listen to his doctor.
Thank you for answering...Texpar</p>