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Chance of a medical waiver?

Warrant

New Member
I would like to become a fighter pilot very much, however I have a back condition called scoliosis, I have two curves a upper and lower, one is in the mid 30 range , the other curve is in the mid 40 range.

According to this site http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/spine.htm it is a medically disqualifying condition.

Is their any chance I could get a waiver? I am 18 years old, and according to docters and xrays, I am done growing and the curve should not progress much farther. I do not have any pain and the docter says that my back isnt any weaker than a normal one?


c. Deviation or curvature of spine (737) from normal alignment, structure, or function if-
  • (1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

    (2) It interferes with wearing a uniform or military equipment.

    (3) It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical finding and demonstrable by x-ray.
    (
  • 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.
Also, What if I have surgary done to correct the curves to near straight. Two rods would be screwed into the spine. It is pretty serious surgary but is somewhat common process and very little risk. leaves a scar about 12 inches long on the back. Would I have a better or worse chance of a waiver?

d. Fusion, congenital (756.15), involving more than two vertebrae. Any surgical fusion (81.0P) is disqualifying.

One last thing would it make any difference on my chances about my prefernce of which job. Pulling G's in a fighter would put stress on the spin. But what about flying choppers, or staying on the ground as a officer. I plan to try through OCS
 

Warrant

New Member
I have scoliosis.

I am flying jets at the moment.

Don't get the surgery.

This is good to hear

According to the NOMI waiver guide, Scoliosis >20 degrees is considered disqualifying and waivers are not given for applicants.

Brett

This is not however.

I guess the best thing I can do is hope the curve doesn't get any worse, get my 4 year degree, be in really good physical condition, and see what happens at MEPS ?

if no good I guess go civilian route or maybe I would have changed my mind by then:(:(:(
 

slidewayscoupe

New Member
I know I'm bringing this thread back from the dead, but I've got scoliosis and am currently disenrolled from OCS because I'm trying to research waiver options pertaining to it. So far, from what I've found the Navy and Air Force alike will consider a waiver if your scoliosis is less than 30 degrees, with curvature exceeding 20 degrees requiring a waiver and a consoltation with an orthopedic physician. If you experience no pain or interference with normal physical activity and you do not exceed 30 degrees, you are eligible for a waiver. Basically, over 30 degrees is DQ'd with no chance of a waiver. Over 20 degrees but less than 30 degrees, DQ'd with the chance of a waiver. I'll keep this thread updated as to what I find out from the ortho's and flight surgeon. Again, this is all rumor and interpretation of Navy aeromedical doctrine at the moment. I should have results in a couple weeks.
 

niner61

AimingHigh
I am really having trouble finding concrete facts about what is "NPQ".

I am 19 years old and my scoliosis was discovered when I was about 14-16. They did x-rays..etc and told me it was 4 degrees. I feel somewhat uncomfortable but it's nothing major. I am SURE if I start working out on my back, swimming, I'll be fine. I used to do squats, dead-lifts(max was 365 lbs) and had no problem around my junior year of High School. The I just stopped working out.

Thanks.
 
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