DODMERB Waiver Request w/LOA: What do I do now?

M

ma0305

USNA ‘27
Joined
Nov 4, 2022
Messages
47
Sorry for the lengthy question, but a little background:

I am a Class of 2027 applicant who has received two LOAs to USNA and USMA as well as noms to both from my local MOC. When the DODMERB site was up, the two waiver requests from both academies appeared for the same condition in early September: my astigmatism. I find it odd, but I actually received both of my LOAs after the DQ conditions/waivers were listed, and in fact, received my USNA LOA the same day as my nomination (very recently). Since my medical is the ONLY thing I have not yet completed in my application to both academies, and literally the only thing preventing me from receiving an appointment to both, is there any way to find out the progress of my waiver or to see if any additional records/examination is being requested even if DODMERB is down? Prior to the site being down, I had an additional exam requested by USMA and that info was forwarded to them. My main goal is USNA, but I know there’s no way to see if they requested anything similar currently. I know it is probably unrealistic to expedite this process, but I am getting anxious because I’ve heard of how long the waiver process can take. Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
ma0305 said:
Sorry for the lengthy question, but a little background:

I am a Class of 2027 applicant who has received two LOAs to USNA and USMA as well as noms to both from my local MOC. When the DODMERB site was up, the two waiver requests from both academies appeared for the same condition in early September: my astigmatism. I find it odd, but I actually received both of my LOAs after the DQ conditions/waivers were listed, and in fact, received my USNA LOA the same day as my nomination (very recently). Since my medical is the ONLY thing I have not yet completed in my application to both academies, and literally the only thing preventing me from receiving an appointment to both, is there any way to find out the progress of my waiver or to see if any additional records/examination is being requested even if DODMERB is down? Prior to the site being down, I had an additional exam requested by USMA and that info was forwarded to them. My main goal is USNA, but I know there’s no way to see if they requested anything similar currently. I know it is probably unrealistic to expedite this process, but I am getting anxious because I’ve heard of how long the waiver process can take. Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

The waiver process can take a long time, yes, but you are sitting pretty with 2 LOAs.

If a medical waiver is the only condition, all you can do is wait, focus on things you can control, dial down the anxiety (which you control), continue to tend your alternate plans (in case of no waiver or injury/illness which presents you from reporting to either USNA or USMA), perform well in school, enjoy friends and family. And go PT to bleed off that anxiety and stress. This is a life skill, figuring out how to manage things like this and coach yourself down from getting wound up about things.

Be absolutely sure your letter from USMA is not a Letter of Encouragement, as a few applicants here have reported and then realized after close reading it was an LOE. Those encourage applicants to finish their application, says you could have a place in the class. An LOA usually specifically says you will be offered an appointment pending successful completion of specific items.

There are likely hundreds if not thousands of medical waivers in queue from various commissioning sources, and the medical waiver authority will work his or her way through the towering e-stack.

Waiver processes can go into late spring or beyond. Not for most cases, but it happens. The medical doesn’t have to be done by the applicant deadline.

You might try the Help Desk to see how you might get some insight on any pending AMIs.

Thread '**Temporarily Stepping Away from SAF**'
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/temporarily-stepping-away-from-saf.88232/
 
Capt MJ said:
The waiver process can take a long time, yes, but you are sitting pretty with 2 LOAs.

If a medical waiver is the only condition, all you can do is wait, focus on things you can control, dial down the anxiety (which you control), continue to tend your alternate plans (in case of no waiver or injury/illness which presents you from reporting to either USNA or USMA), perform well in school, enjoy friends and family. And go PT to bleed off that anxiety and stress. This is a life skill, figuring out how to manage things like this and coach yourself down from getting wound up about things.

Be absolutely sure your letter from USMA is not a Letter of Encouragement, as a few applicants here have reported and then realized after close reading it was an LOE. Those encourage applicants to finish their application, says you could have a place in the class. An LOA usually specifically says you will be offered an appointment pending successful completion of specific items.

There are likely hundreds if not thousands of medical waivers in queue from various commissioning sources, and the medical waiver authority will work his or her way through the towering e-stack.

Waiver processes can go into late spring or beyond. Not for most cases, but it happens. The medical doesn’t have to be done by the applicant deadline.

You might try the Help Desk to see how you might get some insight on any pending AMIs.

Thread '**Temporarily Stepping Away from SAF**'
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/temporarily-stepping-away-from-saf.88232/
Click to expand...
Thanks for all that. And it is an LOA, I double checked probably a million times when I got it. Once again, thanks for all that and I’ll try the help desk and see if they can be of any assistance.
 
Just a FYI….. My son was in a similar situation last year. Waivers for both USNA and USMMA (Navy Reserve) were granted in just a couple weeks. The USMA waiver took almost three months. We were informed that at USMA, even after the medical team issues a recommendation of “Grant” USMA process requires the waiver still be reviewed by an admissions committee before a final decision is made. He did get a waiver but the waiting process was grueling! Keep positive and understand waiver process can be very different for each of the SAs. Good luck, now try to relax through the waiting process - know it is easier said than done.
 
My kid got the request for addition medical information after getting a AF ROTC Type 1 last October and had the waiver in about 10 days and used it for all his applications to ROTCs and SAs. USAFA gave him the waiver 2 days after his nomination was in the portal in November.
 
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