<p>I recieved my LOA back in October and I have verbal confirmation of a nomiation. Currently, I am trudging through the DoDMERB process. I have a few quick questions. I had my physical back in august and made the mistake of stating that one of my legs was 1/2in shorter than the other (I am an idiot). I have been sending in paperwork of that chain and now DoDMERB wants me to schedule another appointment with an orthopedic doctor which I have done. I see nothing on my DoDMERB page about waivers though. All I see is that USMA is requesting a remedial, and it lists my corrospondence (which includes me sending them about 5 different mailings of X-rays). What is the difference between a remedial and a waiver? Do I need a waiver? Is there a possibility that USMA will see my doctors note and then I should recieve my appointment a few days later? Thanks,</p>
<p>Ummm, I hope they realize that everyone's body is uneven. I mean one of my feet is about a centimeter longer than the other... and the ratio of a 1/2 inch to a foot is much larger than that of a leg. Don't worry. They would be crazy to disqualify you for something I bet most people "suffer" from. Unless your spine is crooked or something due to I would hope you don't have to worry. (And how in the world would you find something like that out?) Or why would anyone care?</p>
<p>michaelburt: Don't blame yourself for giving your true medical history - it is what it is. With an injury like that, I imagine that DoDMERB would have requested a full review anyway. Good luck with the process - I know it is tough waiting.</p>
<p>Regarding remedials -- respond to their question, as quickly as feasible. My daughter's experience was that as soon as she finished one remedial, they would send her another list of data requested. DoDMERB will ask about everything on the physical and questionnaire that is not "perfect health".</p>
<p>When in doubt, also supply info that might reflect no further limitations. For example, she broke her elbow while we were living in China. Remedial request was for xrays, physical therapy records, etc. Well, all the records were in Hong Kong, I didn't have the orthopedic's name -- so I described the treatment, reiterated that no pin was needed, that there was no discernable difference in strength or degrees of rotation. As evidence of no on-going issues, I listed her wilderness experiences (rock climbing and canoing) and ability to do 6 pull-ups (documented in PAE). There were no further requests for info on the topic. At the end of the process, she was pilot-qualified.</p>
<p>and to add to that - if you really want to go academy, pay for extra tests by your own physicians. The sooner the better. And make friends with the admissions people who can be helpful in getter paperwork from Dodmerb. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with Ann. You don't want to enter any military academy looking over you shoulder and wondering when "they'll find out". And it is very possible that the remedials are more of a result of the injury than the leg difference. Just keep copies of everything you send in for remedials! They can help you make sense of things if you need to contact DODMERB later. Keep plowing through the paperwork!</p>
<p>Also, in response to 09Mom_USAFA, we had the same experience. It was my understanding from when I talked to someone from either DODMERB or one of the Academies' medical offices that DODMERB works through each file until they come to an issue that is potentially disqualifying. Then they request information. If that issue is resolved, they continue to work through the file until they find something else, and the process is repeated (as many times as necessary!)</p>
<p>There are also possible positives and negatives to using your own doctors. We pursued remedials using our physicians because we live in a rural area. We have friends who followed the military route because they felt that they would trust that opinion more. Both processes worked out favorably. Your own doctor may spend more time. The base doctors are more objective and know what to look for and how to state it. Your call.</p>
<p>Another way to look at all this is that this is just another test or hoop for you to jump through -- that you will face forever in the military. If you have the ability to keep plowing ahead, doing all the paperwork, no matter how illogical, you will be a perfect officer! Don't give up - just keep getting more medical records, making copies and sending to dodmerb! Persistance pays off!</p>
<p>They will not require me to send any more documents will they? I also stated that I was allergic to beestings, will they ask for this next after the leg issue is cleared up? I talked with an admissions guy at USMA and he said all they were waiting for was DoDMERB and then I would recieve an appointment.</p>
<p>michaelburt - When a potentially disqualifying condition is flagged up DoDMERB will ask for further information until they have enough information to clear you or disqualify you. Just follow their instructions to the letter, and do it ASAP. They may well ask for further information about your bee sting allergy. Good luck!</p>