Failing asthma test between OCS and API

[sonicboom]

Gentlemen, a quick question.

Just received word from my recruiter that the documentation I submitted regarding my childhood asthma was acceptable and I am cleared for MEPS. Expected to apply to either Sept or Oct SNA boards. My asthma specialist was able to confirm I currently do not have asthma and have not had symptoms since the magical age 13.

That said...if I am accepted for and complete OCS, it is my understanding from reading the AW forums that the medical review by the flight docs is completed after, not before, OCS and before API. Because the flight docs are known for being much more thorough and demanding than MEPS, what will become of me if I am failed by flight docs but already after receiving my commission as an ensign? Would I be sent home to civilian life or have the opportunity to change communities and continue as a naval officer in something other than aviation?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BACONATOR]

Apparently, at the moment, it is a likely discharge. Got a brief about it today. (DOR/attrite/NPQ before getting warfare designation).


Of course manning needs ebb and flow, so who knows by the time you get into the pool.

 

[Harrier Dude]

You'll redesignate, I would guess. Or not (according to Joboy). Don't stress over it. If you don't have it, you shouldn't fail for it.

 

[sonicboom]

So which is it? The redesignation or the discharge?

 

[Harrier Dude]

Yes.


I'll move this to the Docs Corner so you can get some actual help instead of guesses and smart remarks.

 

[puck_11]

dude, no need to worry about it. I've been through this, as many others have. If you get a waiver for commissioning, you're going to get a waiver for aviation.

 

[red_ryder]

Yep. I went through that whole debacle at OCS when I stupidly mentioned childhood symptoms to the flight doc (learned my lesson). All they had me do was go to a specialist who confirmed that I didn't have any, and I was set. If you already have that, then you're probably good to go.

 

[picklesuit]

Yep. I went through that whole debacle at OCS when I stupidly mentioned childhood symptoms to the flight doc (learned my lesson). All they had me do was go to a specialist who confirmed that I didn't have any, and I was set. If you already have that, then you're probably good to go.

N-O = Naval Opportunity

 

[Lobster]

N-O = Naval Opportunity

Haha, well played, I like it.

 

[feddoc]

I think you will be ok...don't have it now, haven't had it since you were 13....

However, the waiver guide says this: APPLICANTS: Waivers for applicants may be considered if all of the following are true:
1. The individual has been asymptomatic for a minimum of five years without medication.
2. Baseline pulmonary function testing (PFT) is normal
3. Methacholine challenge test is negative.

So, If I were you, I would get the tests mentioned in steps 2 and 3 above and present that to the docs, along with your previous diagnosis saying you don't have it now.

 

[ArkhamAsylum]

I had a similar situation to Red Ryder, except that it happened after I got winged. My flight doc referred me to the methacholine challenge test, which I passed. Since that test, according to the records, I don't have asthma. PM me for info about how I passed the MCC test, if you go that route.

 

[sonicboom]

I think you will be ok...don't have it now, haven't had it since you were 13....

However, the waiver guide says this: APPLICANTS: Waivers for applicants may be considered if all of the following are true:
1. The individual has been asymptomatic for a minimum of five years without medication.
2. Baseline pulmonary function testing (PFT) is normal
3. Methacholine challenge test is negative.

So, If I were you, I would get the tests mentioned in steps 2 and 3 above and present that to the docs, along with your previous diagnosis saying you don't have it now.

I've got documentation from my childhood asthma specialist saying he tested me for asthma at age 22 (a few months ago) and I do not have asthma. That documentation was presented by recruiter to somebody (MEPS I think) and I have cleared to go to MEPS. Does that mean I have a waiver?

 

[Tom]

MEPS is not a flight physical and you won't see a flight doc. It sounds like you have documentation of actually having asthma as a child. This means a history of asthma (even though you have a doc saying you don't have it now). Check the waiver guide and see if you can get in contact with a flight doc.

 

[puck_11]

I've got documentation from my childhood asthma specialist saying he tested me for asthma at age 22 (a few months ago) and I do not have asthma. That documentation was presented by recruiter to somebody (MEPS I think) and I have cleared to go to MEPS. Does that mean I have a waiver?

No, not yet. Once you go to MEPS you'll meet with a doctor who will look at you and your records. He'll then recommend you for a waiver if he sees fit. This will take some time to go through, and then your recruiter will call you and tell you if it went through. That will be your comissioning waiver. Once you get to OCS, then you'll have to get an aviation waiver, its easy, its just more paperwork.

 

[sonicboom]

No, not yet. Once you go to MEPS you'll meet with a doctor who will look at you and your records. He'll then recommend you for a waiver if he sees fit. This will take some time to go through, and then your recruiter will call you and tell you if it went through. That will be your comissioning waiver. Once you get to OCS, then you'll have to get an aviation waiver, its easy, its just more paperwork.

Do I get that aviation waiver before OCS begins or after? I´ve read somewhere on AW that you meet with the flight doc after OCS...which doesn´t make any sense at all.