Medical Waivers

Colleges & Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>From the 2005 BGO Briefing:</p>

<p>DODMERB reviews all available information, ensures record is complete and disqualifying condition is adequately documented. We may seek independent review and an advisory opinion from the staff of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. </p>

<p>65% of entering class will have 20/20 vision.</p>

<p>Eyes and Vision</p>

<p>This is the most common problem area.</p>

<p>An eye waiver is considered for candidates who are otherwise medically qualified, have exceptional scholastic and leadership potential, and meet the following additional requirements:</p>

<ul>
<li>Vision corrects to 20/20 in each eye with eyeglasses (not contacts);</li>
<li>Refractive error does not exceed 6.00 diopters (sphere);</li>
<li>Astigmatism does not exceed 3.00 diopters in either eye;</li>
<li>Difference in refractive error between eyes does not exceed 3.50 diopters.</li>
</ul>

<p>Color perception must be normal and will be retested on Induction Day.</p>

<p>LASIK, PRK and all other ?procedures? are disqualifying. Waivers are considered since March 1997 under LIMITED conditions. Candidates should contact Captain Hopkins (Senior Medical Officer) first.</p>

<p>Height and Weight</p>

<p>Minimum height: 62? for men and 60? for women.</p>

<p>Maximum height for all candidates is 78?.</p>

<p>Qualifying standard is weight for each height, as published in the catalog. </p>

<p>Disqualifying Skin Conditions</p>

<ul>
<li>Psoriasis</li>
<li>Eczema</li>
<li>Severe acne, until successfully treated</li>
<li>Taking Accutane - Ask for waiver!!</li>
<li>Tattoos, brands, body piercing which fail to comply with the policy of the Commandant of Midshipmen.</li>
</ul>

<p>?Inasmuch as midshipmen are associated and identified with the Naval Service in and out of uniform, and when on and off duty, tattoos and brands are discouraged. No tattoo or brand may be visible when wearing a regulation swim suit. Any tattoos or brands (regardless of location) which are prejudicial to good order and discipline, offensive, or of such a nature as to bring discredit to the Naval Service are prohibited.?</p>

<p>Dental Standards</p>

<p>No longer tested by DoDMERB</p>

<p>Candidates could be disqualified on I-Day if USNA unable to accept their dental problems</p>

<p>Recommend candidates have any known dental treatment completed before entry</p>

2

<p>Not sure that maximum height is enforced. Son @ NAPS is just over 78", and he's not the tallest kid there.</p>

3

<p>I have 20/40 vision, but did not require a waiver. Isn't it only necessary if your eyesight is worse than 20/40</p>

4

<p>the 20/40 vision was just changed for this past admission class (Class of 2010)...prior to that you needed a waiver for anything over 20/20, including 20/40.</p>

<p>acutane: it is a disqualifier unless you are off it for 6 or more months (DoDMERB wants to make sure your liver function tests are normal, and in some kids it takes up to 3-6 months for that to happen if treated with acutane).... </p>

<p>dental: you will be asked to complete all dental work prior to reporting; orthodonture work: may require a waiver (depends on how much longer you have to go with treatment)</p>

5

<p>I don't think they have given any waivers for red/green color blindness (the most common form of color blindness) in the last couple of years. If you have a problem in that area consider West Point.</p>