<p>I guess this is my first real posting. Thanks to Wheelah44 who guided me to the "new thread" icon. I was really clueless as to how to do this. Not real indepth instructions on usage, especially for parents!</p>
<p>I'll give a quick background, same a listed on an earlier thread "reply".</p>
<p>My daughter received a guaranteed letter of appointment to USNA last December, nominations from senator, congressman and senior naval science instructor. Attended 2005 SS and CVW in February. She is however, in DoDMERB purgatory. She received her second DQ two weeks ago concerning a finding listed as "mild but well controlled eczema" on her elbows. We filed a dermatologist report stating "no condition exists" but still got the 2nd DQ. </p>
<p>We have been in constant contact with her Regional Diretcor and we have cofirmed the Academy has requested the additional reports, but still waiting.</p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with this condition, it's waiverability, other avenues to explore, buttons to push? This is getting very frustrating.</p>
<p>Any info appreciated. By the way, this site seems very active and helpful. Please keep it up!</p>
<p>just posted a reply on the other thread to your question!</p>
<p>You might also want to do a search.....if you go to the search option, you can limit your search to Annapolis- and then type in DODMERB or waiver and see what pops up- there might also be info from those that have already posted (this year and last) that can also be of help-</p>
<p>Thank you navy2010. I have looked at the "old" postings but found nothing dealing with the eczema issue. Mainly eyes, flat feet and asthma. But, in the words from Jose Wales, "we will endeavor to persevere".</p>
<p>I can't thank you enough for reply and please let me know if other info becomes available.</p>
<p>I promise I'll let everyone know the minute we hear something from USNA, either way.</p>
<p>What do you mean by "Second DQ"? Has she applied to a service academy in a previous year? Or do you mean you applied for a waiver and it was denied?</p>
<p>That's exactly correct Wheelah44. We opted for the rebuttal, went to an independent dermatologist, received a "no condition exists" clearance from him and forwarded to DoDMERB as such. But, they DQ'd the dermatologist report.</p>
<p>This has kicked her out of any ROTC scholarships also, which really hurts.</p>
<p>Given her background, LOA and the fact USNA HAS requested the additional dermatologist's report is encouraging. But I haven't seen anything concerning her "reported" condition and it's waiverability.</p>
<p>I do know the kid sweats blue & gold and is really going to take not getting in very hard, especially under the described conditions.</p>
<p>wvdad-
My son communicated directly with DODMERB via email at:
<a href="mailto:Navy@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil">Navy@dodmerb.tma.osd.mil</a>
They were very helpful and timely in communicating clearly about details of concern and on what to do to straighten things out.</p>
<p>Make sure Name and SSN are clearly included in any email traffic (My son put Name and SSN (just the number, no dashes) in both subject lines and body of all his messages.</p>
<p>Don't be shy on this one! Ask pointed questions and I think you'll find they will help you understand and counteract the issue at hand.</p>
<p>Thanks Dad2B'2010 & jtipton. To answer your inquiries, I have spoken with Anna and a Master Chief Ferrell at DoDMERB several times (called DoDMERB 21 times since 1-Jan-06).</p>
<p>He was very understanding and read that in my daughter's DoD physical the doctor noted "mild but well controlled" eczema. He did not have an answer as to why the dermatologist's finding s didn't at least solicit another examine.</p>
<p>He did state that it was noted by the Capt. reviewing my daughter's paperwork that he felt her condition was waiverable (then why put kids through this misery!).</p>
<p>According to MC, the Academy DID request the additional medical reviews, so that seems to be good news.</p>
<p>The language in the DoD Regulation indicates the following:</p>
<p>E1.31. SKIN AND CELLULAR TISSUES
The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, or induction are:</p>
<p>E1.31.2. Atopic Dermatitis (691) or Eczema (692). Occurring with active or residual lesions in characteristic areas (face, neck, scalp, antecubital and/or popliteal fossae, occasionally wrists and hands), or documented history thereof after the age of 8.</p>
<p>The fact that your daughter is currently symptom free is not sufficient to rebutt this standard. If she has "documented history (of Eczema) after the age of 8" then DoDMERB will indicate her as DQ. To successfully rebutt this I think you would have to show that the "documented history" was somehow incorrect or in error. DoDMERB usually considers the documented diagnosis of a Doctor as strong evidence that must somehow be overcome. I would think your best bet would be to secure a waiver of this condition through USNA. My son is currently going through a similar waiver process at West Point for a diagnosis of childhood Asthma.</p>
<p>Thanks College Dad and good luck with your son's waiver. That seems to be the consensus opinion, that at this point it is solely up to the Academy to grant/reject her waiver and no additional information will change this situation.</p>
<p>Does anyone know of others that have been waivered for similar skin conditions?</p>
<p>I do know that the concern for skin conditions such as Eczema can be the maintenance necessary to control the condition. Since it is purely subjective as to what maintenance is/has-been performed or required and what level of inconvenience or incapacitation is/has-been tolerated or endured.</p>
<p>That is why the waiver rules for conditions such as Eczema. They just want to make sure that it won't interfere enough (especially during Plebe Summer and Fall) to cause the Midshipman to have other issues.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, as with all waivers, if they can fill the class with an equally qualified individual that does not have any medical maintenance issues, it makes sense to take the medically cleared candidate.</p>
<p>It's just a waiting game now. Good Luck again....:)</p>
<p>You know, it's kinda funny (in a sick way). Back in my day, we never were able to figure out how waivers were granted.</p>
<p>I got one for my eyes (blind as a bat), but if you ask me now how and why I got it, I couldn't tell you.</p>
<p>I wish I could offer words of consolation and comfort, but all I can tell you is what others here have said: Grin and bear it until the final decision comes down.</p>
<p>Seems to be the SOP. I definitely know we're not the only one's in this situation but, in this case, misery DOE NOT love company. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!</p>
<p>Good luck and God bless to all. As stated earlier, I'll be posting any word, bad or good as soon as the Navy will allow. All prayers appreciated.</p>
<p>You got the prayers wvdad. Paren'ts hearts don't stop at senior year of high school either! This is said from a mom of 5. Please keep us informed about your daughter's status. She has to be a great kid if she wants to serve her country in military officer service. Great job, Dad! Tell your daughter she's got a ton of forum folks pulling for her!</p>
<p>Wow, thank you Peskemom! You have no idea how much that means. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have told my daughter that no matter what, I am so proud of her and that if she doesn't get her waiver, it is for a reason. </p>
<p>It is just so frustrating playing this little game, especially when it would seem we had all our cards lined up. Not to mention that we have other schools and scholarship money potentially going by the wayside due to this delay. Anyway, thank you again and I can assure you I will keep all abreast of coming events.</p>
<p>Just a quick note to thank everyone for advice and encouragement. This has turned out to be an unbelievable website. Lots of very good information. Peskemom, I sent you a quick reply but, I didn't see it posted as yet. If it doesn't show up, just know your words mean a lot.</p>
<p>Forgive my ignorance folks, I have sent two messages for peskemom but, apparently I didn't post them properly. I'm slow but sure.</p>
<p>The gist of the messages was simply thanks for ALL the input from forum people. This has been an outstanding website. Info from the likes of Mr. Watt, peskemom, Wheelah44, Zephod and others has been quite inspirational and encouraging.</p>
<p>I mentioned to peskemom that I am a firm believer in prayer and knowing so many people who only know eachother through a website, helping, caring and supporting all is unbelievable.</p>
<p>wvdad...you're a sweetheart. not wonder you have such an outstanding daughter! One thing you might consider....I've thought of this, but probably won't act on it, but let me walk through with you my thoughts.</p>
<p>The idea is to leave open all possibilities as long as possible.
Our kiddo, even with her appointment to USNA, wrote and accepted her MCROTC scholarship. It is hers until the day she raises her right hand on I-Day on June 28th. So that is one thing for you to consider if there is any chance her ROTC scholarships come in first as waiverable.It's not clear from your post if this is completely off the charts. Sometimes ROTC allows things waiverable that the Academies don't....have you checked with your ROTC people about this?</p>
<p>Secondly...in our case, one of the school's our daughter got into was UCLA...and they require a 100$ deposit to reserve a slot, due May 1st. That's it until later in the summer. Frankly, that's pocket change to leave an option open in case things fell apart. In our family's case - we've opted not to go this route..but if you have any chance to leave options open like this one is for us, perhaps you could consider it, if finances allow such flexibility.</p>
<p>Boy, hindsight IS 20/20. We just found out this past week that we COULD have aplied to a couple additional schools she wanted to attend through NROTC but didn't due to the DQ letter from DoDMERB. Consequently, it is so late that applying now is nearly impossible. That's what we get for not knowing and also figuring that once we received an "all clear" from a second dermatologist that there would be no issue with USNA appointment - like a second DQ from DoDMERB.</p>
<p>But, yes, we are sending app fees to a couple "secondary" schools just to keep our foot in as many doors as possible.</p>
<p>I blame myself for not having her persue NROTC waivers to her other top choices. Ignorance IS NOT bliss.</p>
<p>I sincerely hope others check out this site. I wish I had months ago.</p>