Scoliosis - NAMI Guide

[BDR529]

I am currently looking at OCS and have been researching the medical requirements for aviation duty. Based on what I've read in the NAMI guide, it's looking like my Scoliosis may be disqualifying. The main reason for this post is that I want to confirm that I'm interpreting the guide correctly before reaching any conclusions.

Per the NAMI guide: WAIVER: Scoliosis of the thoracic or lumbar spine over 20 degrees, as measured by the Cobb method, is disqualifying with no waiver for applicants, but can be waived up to 30 degrees on a case-by-case basis in designated personnel. Thoracic kyphosis over 40 degrees is CD, but can be waived up to 45 degrees in designated personnel.

My question is when are you considered an "applicant", and when are you considered "designated personnel"? From the outside, it seems fairly black and white, if you have a curve greater than 20 degrees, there is no potential for waiver if you're an applicant. I'm just not sure when these status' apply.

Appreciate any insight ya'll may have.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I am currently looking at OCS and have been researching the medical requirements for aviation duty. Based on what I've read in the NAMI guide, it's looking like my Scoliosis may be disqualifying. The main reason for this post is that I want to confirm that I'm interpreting the guide correctly before reaching any conclusions.

Per the NAMI guide: WAIVER: Scoliosis of the thoracic or lumbar spine over 20 degrees, as measured by the Cobb method, is disqualifying with no waiver for applicants, but can be waived up to 30 degrees on a case-by-case basis in designated personnel. Thoracic kyphosis over 40 degrees is CD, but can be waived up to 45 degrees in designated personnel.

My question is when are you considered an "applicant", and when are you considered "designated personnel"? From the outside, it seems fairly black and white, if you have a curve greater than 20 degrees, there is no potential for waiver if you're an applicant. I'm just not sure when these status' apply.

Appreciate any insight ya'll may have.

First and foremost welcome to the forum. Please take a look and browse the forums, you’re in the right spot by checking out the NAMI/ask a doc feature. I would start by searching first.

 

[taxi1]

I am currently looking at OCS and have been researching the medical requirements for aviation duty. Based on what I've read in the NAMI guide, it's looking like my Scoliosis may be disqualifying. The main reason for this post is that I want to confirm that I'm interpreting the guide correctly before reaching any conclusions.

Per the NAMI guide: WAIVER: Scoliosis of the thoracic or lumbar spine over 20 degrees, as measured by the Cobb method, is disqualifying with no waiver for applicants, but can be waived up to 30 degrees on a case-by-case basis in designated personnel. Thoracic kyphosis over 40 degrees is CD, but can be waived up to 45 degrees in designated personnel.

My question is when are you considered an "applicant", and when are you considered "designated personnel"? From the outside, it seems fairly black and white, if you have a curve greater than 20 degrees, there is no potential for waiver if you're an applicant. I'm just not sure when these status' apply.

Appreciate any insight ya'll may have.

The bottom line is you are an applicant. Sorry. But nothing ventured, nothing gained on trying.

How bad is your case? Do you have military experience?

 

[Mouselovr]

My question is when are you considered an "applicant", and when are you considered "designated personnel"? From the outside, it seems fairly black and white, if you have a curve greater than 20 degrees, there is no potential for waiver if you're an applicant. I'm just not sure when these status' apply.

Appreciate any insight ya'll may have.

Applicant is you, someone trying to get into the program, pre 1st NAMI physical.
Designated personnel is someone already in the system, post 1st NAMI physical

 

[TimeBomb]

Not exactly correct. "Designated" means someone who has winged. Until that happens, you're a student or an applicant.
V/R

 

[BDR529]

Thanks all for the info.

The bottom line is you are an applicant. Sorry. But nothing ventured, nothing gained on trying.

How bad is your case? Do you have military experience?

I'm a civilian with no prior military experience. Unfortunately, I am well outside the limit (thoracic curve 25 degrees) at my last measurement about 3 yrs ago. I'm beginning to assess other options/communities, interestingly the Air Force waiver guide shows anything greater than 25 for TS requires a waiver. OTS is an entirely different path though that I'm not as familiar with at this point.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Thanks all for the info.


I'm a civilian with no prior military experience. Unfortunately, I am well outside the limit (thoracic curve 25 degrees) at my last measurement about 3 yrs ago. I'm beginning to assess other options/communities, interestingly the Air Force waiver guide shows anything greater than 25 for TS requires a waiver. OTS is an entirely different path though that I'm not as familiar with at this point.

Who measured you?

 

[BDR529]

My family practice Dr recommended I get checked out after noticing a slight curve during a routine check up. I went to a lab to have the x-rays done, the film was reviewed by a different doc who assessed it at 25 degrees.