<p>I got a letter today that said West Point would not pursue a waiver. I am wondering if there is any course of action to overturn this. I have heard that it is possible to get waivers for the same condition for ROTC and not West Point, so does anyone have experience with this? Would it be worth it to apply again next year if nothing can be done, if the condition improves? Goodluck to everyone still waiting and congratulations to those who have heard, I would give anything to be in your position.</p>
<p>why were you disqualified??</p>
<p>vision worse than -8.00 diopeters (-7.75, -7.5 actually)
Congentital Heart Abnormality (VSD with no physical limitations)
Hypertension (my blood pressure was about 145/90, but now it is consistently 125/80)- I am on medication for it, but my cardiologist says that he will take me off soon as long as my blood presssure is normal when I next see him.</p>
<p>TampicoTrauma: I am sorry to hear your news. WP has to initiate the waiver process (a candidate cannot do this alone), and if they have said they will not, there is little that you can do. Your only recourse is to rebut the diagnosis with DoDMERB if you feel you have been incorrectly diagnosed.
If the army is where you want to end up, and ROTC will give you a waiver it is worth persuing that avenue. We had a candidate on CC last year who was really disappointed that he did not get into WP - he went the ROTC route (AF I think) fully expecting to reapply this year. He is having such a great time where he is that he has decided not to. When one door closes, another often opens.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Ann,</p>
<p>You could be talking about taffy. He is in AFROTC at the U of I and every time he has posted, he talks about how much he is enjoying both the civilian college and ROTC.</p>
<p>Hi MOT - yes, I was thinking of Taffy.</p>
<p>a legend in his own time...</p>
<p>taffy, how ya' doing?</p>
<p>Tampico-</p>
<p>I think WP may be looking at the "what ifs." Did you have surgery to close the VSD (I think we're talking ventral septal defect, yes? PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong)? </p>
<p>If you didn't, there is a possibility you could have vessel damage and leading to an enlarged heart (very dangerous stuff). Plus, with the hypertension, I'm sure you're already aware of what dangers may lay ahead.</p>
<p>I'm not trying to rain on your parade at all! I admire your determination to serve. WP may be looking long term if you're in the field somewhere, and if you graduated from there, you would be in a key position, and your past health issues come back to rear their heads and you would not be able to perform your duties. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you in your mission to serve. :)</p>
<p>I'm going to be as frank as possible because this was what destroyed me for 2010. No, it's not a final decision. If you were a strong candidate you can have your candidacy rolled over. You will need medical evidence to prove that you are within acceptable parameters and may need to pursue something that would make your file more attractive- the same sort of stuff they want from high schoolers, but one up it. Go out for a varsity sport, go get an internship, and most of all do well in your classes and passions. </p>
<p>My diopters were at 12, I have an inherited congenital heart defect (everyone on my mother's side...but at least my blood pressure numbers are double digit), and allergies. All of it was eventually covered by waivers. Get the additional medical tests even if its at your own expense if you really want to go. You'll most likely need a TTE for the heart thing.</p>
<p>How does your Regional Commander feel about you? He's your biggest advocate and can help you most.</p>
<p>Tampico,</p>
<p>Watch the Speed & Angels DVD then see if you don't feel compelled to pursue the waiver with more determination. The pilot featured in the movie was SHOT IN THE FACE in high school. He was DQ'd left and right. He's a Naval Aviator now....Nothing is impossible. Good luck.</p>
<p>flymom : "see if you don't feel compelled to pursue the waiver with more determination"
Candidates cannot pursue a waiver at WP; this process has to be initiated by WP admissions and they have told TampicoTrauma that they would not pursue one. The only option the candidate has in this case is to rebut the diagnosis.
As others have noted, a stronger admissions file, and a possible change in medical status may result in a different outcome if the candidate reapplies next year.</p>
<p>I am a prime example that no DoDMERB d/q is ever final. I really think the more noise you raise, letters written to congressmen, etc...PROVE to them you're fit to train, and it'll happen. (PM me for more info if you want it.)</p>
<p>The best chance you have is if you can prove that their disqualification is inaccurate.</p>
<p>I currently have a hold that disqualifies me on the basis that I do not have vision correctable to 20/20, while that is not the truth. I had a second exam done, which indicated that my vision not only can be correctable to 20/20, but is within the non-waiver standards for admission. You have to make a cover sheet indicating that you wish to include the form as a rebuttal, and attach the rebuttal examination to the form, then mail the whole package to DODMERB.</p>
<p>If you don't get your waiver for '11, they might give them to you for '12. Just keep at it.</p>