VSD/ASD

[andrewinchicago]

Hi:
There has been a thread about this same situation here before about a year ago, but there was no real answer. Thought I'd try again and see what I could get. The NAMI waiver guide is too confusing on this for me and the person back then to understand.
I have a VSD (ventricular septal defect, or hole between the ventricles) that one of my doctors noted at birth. Was trivial/asymptomatic then but mom had it monitored in abundance of caution. It is now still asymptomatic-- there are no complications and also there is no murmur. A cardiologist looking at a sonogram could not locate the defect and speculated it may have closed naturally. My EKG is normal. Stress test is normal.
Waiverable? Does anyone know?
I'm just going for SWO if that matters (I so wish it would matter...)

 

[TimeBomb]

Andrew,
Since you're not anticipating flight status, the NAMI waiver guide does not apply. That only deals with aviation standards. Your situation is covered by DOD instruction 6130.03, which covers physical standards for commissioning. Per that instruction, a "corrected" VSD that shows a current, (within 6 months) normal echocardiogram without residua is not considered disqualifying. If those conditions are met, it isn't disqualifying, so no waiver would be required.

If I were sitting in the medical chair at N3M (who will be reviewing your physical), I'd be looking for a current echo with measurements of all the wall thicknesses and chamber sizes, and medical reports in your commissioning physical package that described the location and severity of the original defect. Fixed is fixed, with or without surgery. Most of these close on their own, like yours appears to have done. If you truly have no residual effects of the VSD, you should be good to go for general commissioning.
R/

 

[andrewinchicago]

Thanks so much for the informed reply. Really helpful.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

If you haven't talked to an OR I would get in contact with one, it is very possible you will have to have medical documents submitted to be reviewed, better to jump on this now then wait and have a 6 month extra wait you weren't counting on.

 

[andrewinchicago]

thanks. My OR said we would do the MEPs stuff this spring. I'd be applying next Fall. Is that an okay pace?

 

[exNavyOffRec]

thanks. My OR said we would do the MEPs stuff this spring. I'd be applying next Fall. Is that an okay pace?

That sounds about right, I would accumulate any medical records you have about your condition and have them ready to go for him.