Medical Disqualification

[basketball2squid]

Hi! I've applied to USNA and West Point for two years in a row now, both times being medically disqualified. I will apply to both for a third time. My medical disqualification is due to having knee surgery almost three years ago. The issue is now completely resolved. Would either service academy grant me a waiver for this? Is there something I can do to help my chances of getting a waiver?

 

[justdoit19]

I’m sorry no one answered your other query, but the reason for that is because no one here knows the details of your procedure and/or medical history. This would be a good question to ask. Perhaps getting a contact via your admissions rep, or a contact on DODMERB. Others here have posted that Mr Mullen, of DODMERB, is still available to answer email inquiries. Search for those posts and perhaps reach out to him.

I have a son whose prior knee surgery precluded him ever attending a SA. Even though it was ‘completely healed and didn’t affect him anymore’. It did not, however, preclude a waiver via MEPs and he is serving in a different capacity. And can work up the ranks that route if he chooses. So I understand your post.

The lack of response, here, is simply bc no one here knows the answer. I would want my own to know definitively as well before they tried for a 3rd time. Good luck!!

 

[MoreQuestionsPls]

Hi! I've applied to USNA and West Point for two years in a row now, both times being medically disqualified. I will apply to both for a third time. My medical disqualification is due to having knee surgery almost three years ago. The issue is now completely resolved. Would either service academy grant me a waiver for this? Is there something I can do to help my chances of getting a waiver?

When you received a DQ, did either service academy request a waiver review on your behalf?

 

[basketball2squid]

When you received a DQ, did either service academy request a waiver review on your behalf?

No, neither service academy requested a waiver the previous times I applied.

 

[MoreQuestionsPls]

I encourage you to review the posts in the DODMERB section. If a waiver has not been requested by admissions on your behalf, then not receiving an appointment is not likely related to your DQ. As was explained by the DODMERB representative that once frequented this board and can be confirmed by others, if a waiver review hasn't been requested then the DQ is a moot point. First, your application needs to be considered competitive or "in the running." Whether your DQ has the potential to be waived or not is unknown until a review is initiated...and for that you need a competitive application. The upside, maybe this is something you can influence? Lots of advice on this board about trying to gather information about your application.

It was also explained that a waiver is initiated before the DQ card is "flipped over" as they say. So if an applicant is competitive, they will at least get a first look or a shot at the waiver process. From there are thousands of variables that go into outcomes and decisions.

Again - please read through the threads in the DODMERB section if you haven't already. You will see comments by the DODMERB rep that once assisted applicants on the board. Your persistence is admirable - I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Capt MJ]

No, neither service academy requested a waiver the previous times I applied.

This us an important fact.

Have you talked candidly with Admissions about whether are were/are a competitive candidate? Asked the hard question about what the reason for no waiver being requested for you, two cycles running? It could be any number of reasons - you haven’t stacked up against your slate competitors well, so they didn’t request a waiver. Or there is a big weakness in your application that prevented them from qualifying you in that are? These are all rhetorical questions.

Start with USMA - they often tell candidates if they are fully qualified.

Hard questions to ask, given your clear desire to gain an appointment. Ask for feedback straight and tough, if needed. Then you will know where you are, take a deep breath, and make adjustments.