<p>i am planning on applying to the usafa for the graduating class of 2011. does anyone know about the usafa’s policy on scoliosis? mine is pretty bad. 47 degrees or something like that. the doctor i’m seeing says that anything above 30 degrees is an automatic dq from admission. but she also says that having surgery would disqualify me from attending also. anyone know for sure? it dosen’t limit me physically in any way, but it’s really visible. is there any way to get an exemption or is it too bad. if anyone can give me a sure answer that would be great. thanks.</p>
<p>well, I can tell you that things we don't find limiting, DoDMERB does. I voluntarily took allergy shots and it disqualified me from everything (until I got waivers). I'm pretty sure I remember them asking about scoliosis on the DoDMERB questionarre, so unfortunately I bet that's something that's disqualifying. Can you find out who your ALO is in your area? they act as a liason to the academy for you and might be able to advise you on what to do.</p>
<p>One thing about the ALOs they are repeatedly advised to avoid all things medical because of previous problems. My ALO said that there were problems with other ALOs telling cadets "Oh thats no worry, you should be fine" when it turned out the kid was DQd.</p>
<p>Your best bet is to call DoDMERB and advise you. Or just wait for your medical exam and let it get delt with that way. Make sure you do your exam early so in case you need to waiver/rebuttle it.</p>
<p>Here is what the DoD Instruction (DODI 6130.4) indicates as disqualifying:</p>
<p>E1.32.3. Deviation or Curvature of Spine (737) from normal alignment, structure,
or function if:
E1.32.3.1. It prevents the individual from following a physically active
vocation in civilian life.
E1.32.3.2. It interferes with the wearing of a uniform or military equipment.
E1.32.3.3. It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical findings and demonstrable by x-ray.
E1.32.3.4. There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic
scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, and kyphosis or lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that some disqualifying conditions are waiverable.</p>
<p>There are also braces available for curvature reduction. My co-worker's daughter wore a "clamshell" brace 23 hours a day, for 2 years, and achieved significant reduction. Her brace was from top of hip to bottom of neck, and was not obvious. Except that she "thunked" when tapped (grin). But her classmates were very supportive, and she was able to continue swimming thruout the treatment. </p>
<p>Bracing options depend on where the curvature is and the degree. My recco would be to get a few more opinions, and ask specifically about a brace. Yes, it was a pain for the girl, annoyingly hot in the summer, but worth it in the long run. And she looks so good now that it's off!</p>
<p>Good luck finding a way forward towards your USAFA goal.</p>
<p>Careful... braces i think would make the situation, DoDMERB wise, far worse. Indeed you might fall into those disqualifications. If you can still perform physical activities and still wear a uniform you most likely will be okay, at least waiverable.</p>
<p>But i think putting a brace on would be much worse Dodmerb wise. I say this because any sort of active treatment (such as a brace) would immediately disqualify you and probably make getting a waiver (even if you stop wearing the brace) harder.</p>
<p>However, if you need a brace - do it. You need to put your own personal healthy forward even if it means giving up the academy or anything. I just say this because i dont want to make it sound like im saying to risk your health for the academy. Make sense?</p>
<p>Best of luck and hope this turns out for the best!!!</p>
<p>quick question. i'm still learning the abbreviations for stuff. what is an ALO?</p>
<p>College Dad, do you know where you found that info for the DoDMERB DQ stats?</p>
<p>ALO: Admissions Liaison Officer</p>
<p>thanks for the wed site.</p>
<p>Guy4Christ:</p>
<p>DoD Instruction 6130-4 can be found at the following link:</p>
<p>Each service has its own implementing regulation, but they are all based on this Instruction.</p>
<p>Each Academy has its own waiver criteria and procedures as well.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>