NPQ for asthma due to "lack of records" - recourse?

[RTI35]

Hey all -

Firstly I want to say that this site is an amazing source of information and thanks to everyone that contributes.

I was recently found NPQ due to a diagnosis of childhood asthma - the diagnosis was made after I got sick with bronchitis and I was given an inhaler. This was when I was around 5 or 6, so I don't remember the details and my parents don't have any of the medical records from back then (I'm 23 now). My recruiter basically told me NOT to list asthma on my application, but it's documented that I had the albuterol prescription and I refuse to lie on the application only for them to find something later and give a dishon. discharge or equivalent..

I explained this to my recruiter who then had me write a letter swearing I have no symptoms, and N3M gave me a NPQ because I didn't have any documentation or records of the diagnosis. My recruiter then basically said I'm S.O.L and won't provide any insight into potentially getting a waiver (told me to try applying with a different service).

My question is this: Once you are found NPQ, is that "the end?" Do I have no recourse to get an asthma waiver, even if I take and pass a methacholine challenge test? I'm 100% certain I do not have asthma and this is extremely frustrating. It just seems like a very narrow minded approach- civilian doctors give out prescriptions like candy and I find it extremely disheartening to think that because I was given an inhaler at the age of 5 or 6 I can't serve my country. I have already passed a spirometry test (PFT) with normal results. Any help is greatly appreciated, as always!

 

[BleedGreen]

Sounds like you need a new recruiter. I was found DQ for a mistake they made on my application and had to fight with my OR for 9 weeks. Have you taken the Methacholline challenge test or any pulmonary function tests? They need new information supporting why there resubmitting before they can ask for a second look.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

If you were prescribed an inhaler then do you know the doctor? If you know the doctor then you can get a letter from the doctor saying "records were destroyed" or "records no longer exist" that way they know you are not trying to hid anything.

What did MEPS say? or did your doctor submit your documents right to N3M?

 

[RTI35]

Thanks for the suggestions - I just re-read my letter from N3M. This was all almost a year ago and I had forgotten exactly why they found me NPQ so I apologize, but here goes:

According to the letter from N3M, they NPQ'd me because I actually did send them results of a spirometry test which I passed (as per the doctor), but passed with minimal scores for my age bracket. The doctor sent the records directly to N3M. Apparently when you take a spirometry test there is a set score you are supposed to achieve based on a number of factors (gender, age, etc) - I passed the test but was still below my expected score, and N3M considered this "abnormal." This is a little ridiculous in and of itself because from what I've read it doesn't take into consideration actual size of the individual - a person who is 5'5" 150lbs is probably going to have less lung capacity/smaller lungs than a person of the same age and gender who is 6'4" 240lbs..

When I was doing this particular spirometry test I had no idea it would eventually be used for the military - it was for an annual firefighter physical where the doctor has 15 of us there on the same day and has us basically rush through each station to get the physicals over with - there were no "do-overs" or second tries. It was "take a deep breath and blow into this tube - you passed, great. Next."

I recently (3 weeks ago) took another spirometry test for the purporse of re-submitting and did much better. I scored just below my expected score on 3/4 categories and higher on the 4th. I also had to do this to TRY and get my insurance to cover the methacholine test, which I have not done yet. I also don't think they will be covering this - I don't care but of course it would be nice not to have to be out of pocket ~$1,000.

What would you recommend? At this point I plan on scheduling the MCT and sending the results of that plus the new spirometry to my recruiter asking if he can resubmit for a waiver. I've heard it has no effect, but I've been doing basically nothing but cardio 5-6x/week to try and get the best possible score. All I can do is try, I guess.

Thanks again for your responses, I really hope my stupid mistake of sending a less-than-optimal PFT is not going to prevent me from serving