<p>I recently got my letter of assurance last week and all I'm missing is a nomination and a medical waiver. I failed my medical test because I have color vision deficiency and that was in July or August. However, I still received the LOA and I'll probably get a nomination. What are my chances of actually getting an appointment to USNA? I know that 2% get a waiver for CVD but since i got the LOA does it mean that I'll defaintely get a waiver since so few get a LOA?</p>
<p>As a general rule, it's tough to get a waiver for color vision deficiency. However, if you want the real scoop email this guy:</p>
<p><a href="mailto:Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil">Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil</a></p>
<p>He's the deputy director of DODMERB. He responds lightening fast and has accurate info for YOUR particular case. Be sure to include your full name and LAST 4 of your SSN in your PM. Don't rely on what anyone else tells you (including me).</p>
<p>Ditto above, but he'll likely tell you to get a Farnsworth Lantern test. Just our experience. Our son had to do it to get medical clearance, was almost turned back on I day until he insisted on the test, and has to go through it every time he has his aviation physicals. </p>
<p>Just our experience, your mileage may vary. ;)</p>
<p>thanx for replying..andd...i got the farnsworth lantern test at west point ...it was my remedial and i failed that too....and last i heard im up for a waiver but thats all i know...if it wasnt for that..i basically be in already</p>
<p>gush716,</p>
<p>Exactly one year ago my son was in your shoes. He had an LOA and was DQ'ed with a color vision deficiency. He failed the PIP and the Farnsworth. We never knew he had a problem while he was growing up and he can distinguish red and green. You will still need to go get the Farnsworth test so that your remedial is recorded. Expect a DQ. Does the LOA mean that you will get the waiver? No. Please promise me you will prepare a plan B but there are a handful given each year. An LOA shows that you are one out of around 200 who have been given a heads up that they are definately interested in you but you HAVE to get the waiver. You can do the math from there as far as your chances. Figure the percentage of males with color vision deficiencies and substract the average percentage of females from 200. That will give you the average number of people with LOA's seeking a color vision waiver. </p>
<p>My son had an LOA from USMMA and did not get the waiver. He also had an LOA from USAFA and Navy and did get the waiver. He is now a plebe at USNA. He was granted his waiver the first part of April of last year. He also had to acknowledge by signature that he will have to be a restricted line officer if he chooses Navy. Google "restricted line officer Navy" and you will see what those choices are. Make sure that you will be satisfied with those choices. You will also be able to choose Marines but not any type of Marine Air. That means no Pilot or Navigator. </p>
<p>The Superintendant at USNA decides the color vision waivers. This is the only waiver that is decided by the Supe. Neither DoDMERB nor BUMED decide this waiver.</p>
<p>One last thing. Don't forget the nomination. You must get that to be appointed. Your LOA is not going to do it for you unless you get the waiver and the nomination.</p>
<p>Figure the percentage of males with color vision deficiencies and substract the average percentage of females from 200. That will give you the average number of people with LOA's seeking a color vision waiver. </p>
<p>Sorry, meant to say figure the percentage of males with color vision deficiencies, (8-12%)subtract the average number of females as that they do not have color vision deficiencies. LONG DAY here...</p>
<p>oh wow...april huh? i really wasn't expecting it to take that long to find out..and i have a lot of plan b's but this is something i worked for since i was in middle school so i'd hate to be rejected from there...especially if its just cause i have problems with lights.</p>
<p>question though, did your son do anything to improve his chances at getting the waiver? Did he for example take the CFA more times or do anything that would show more interest in the academies so he could raise his chances? And yes, i had have the failed remedial recorded, and it was sent to dodmerb months ago, too.</p>
<p>p.s. thank you for all the help! i really really appreciate it!</p>
<p>I would suggest you do as much as possible to show your determination and desire to attend USNA. If you need to take the CFA again do it. You will need to make yourself as competitive as possible. Remember the whole person score and, keep in mind, USNA will take letters to the Supe explaining how this deficiency affects you and why you still want to be in the Navy despite the restrictions, or in other peoples cases, their desire to be in the Marines which color vision deficiency would have less of a restriction.</p>
<p>i called my regional director and he told me two things...number one: no news is good news right now...so be happy to be waiting....and number two: nothing i can do will improve my chances which means no retaking CFA or anything...so basically..it really is just luck at this point and its all up to the superintendent</p>
<p>ok few things...larry mullen couldn't help me with anything since it's the superintendent that decides on waivers for color blindess...andd the other thing is that i just received my congressional nomination so all i gotta do now is hope that i get lucky and get that waiver!</p>
<p>Does the superintendent decide on all waivers? or just color blindness?</p>
<p>I just got my nomination on Saturday and have an LOA. I am Med DQ for ADD. I have good grades and excellent ACT and SAT scores. I am only 16 and and a female. I do not know why they consider ADD a learning disability. It has never stopped me. I am taking Ritalin right now. I don't know if this will hurt my chances for a waiver from the Naval Academy. Any help anybody?</p>
<p>Others will know with more certainty, and you should check on the other site under the DoDMERB link, but my understanding is that required, prescribed Ritalin is a DQ, even for females. Hoping I'm wrong.</p>
<p>I do not know the answer, but Larry Mullen will.</p>
<p>Here is his email: <a href="mailto:Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil">Larry.Mullen@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil</a></p>
<p>He posts regularly on the Service Academy forum and I don't think he ever sleeps.</p>
<p>DoDMERB</a> - United States of America Service Academy Forums</p>
<p>He usually asks for to email him with your full name and last four digits of your social security number so he can get answers for you. He pretty much walks on water.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I just got my nomination on Saturday and have an LOA. I am Med DQ for ADD. I have good grades and excellent ACT and SAT scores. I am only 16 and and a female. I do not know why they consider ADD a learning disability. It has never stopped me. I am taking Ritalin right now. I don't know if this will hurt my chances for a waiver from the Naval Academy. Any help anybody?
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>Your condition is considered active as you are on Ritalin to treat it- and Ritalin is a definate disquallifier. You must be off all medications for a specific period of time before you will be considered for a waiver (I am not sure of the time frame, but I seem to recall a period of one year for Ritalin). Contact Larry Mullen as posted above- he is very familiar with the DoDMERB and waiver process.</p>