The Doctor is in! Ask a Flight Surgeon!

[collegederek]

well i was recently pro rec'd SNA in the November boards now i have to go back up to meps after the holidays. I remember taking that stupid depth perception test the first time and almost not passing it. I don't want to fail it now that i am in and have to jump through more hoops or possibly even be disqualified. My left eye has a little bit of near sightedness in it but my right eye is fine. I was wondering if i got a prescription to sharpen things up if it would help me on the depth perception test or not, I've never worn glasses before. Thanks any advice would be much appreciated......I've already looked at the depth perception thread for test taking strategies.

 

[J-Do]

Hello and good day to all.

I read the previous depth perception post and have a concern regarding the validity of civilian test results for acceptable depth perception required of SNAs. I have heard of USMC Pilots getting in with the civilian test results.

I am on the OCS list for SNA and NFO from the November boards, and have been working out an OCS leave date for February 14. SNA was my first choice and NFO was the second. Both careers are fantastic opportunities to serve as a Naval Officer.

I have been notified by my officer recruiter that I might not get SNA, because I failed the depth perception test at MEPS (the 5 circle test, have to pick out the one sticking out the most). I included in my application a copy of my civilian depth perception test results which were completed this October, and my third class medical which was completed last march for the student pilot certificate. The civilian doctor told me that I had maxed out the stereographs at 40 arc seconds, further noting that this was a stellar result, in the written documentation. I have heard of even better results at 25 arc seconds but just hearing the eye specialist doctor say that it was stellar gave me more than enough motivation to write this post.

I was just wondering if my civilian results would hold any validity for becoming a vision qualified SNA or at least getting another re-test on depth perception at MEPS before February 14. I know that looking at the tops of all circles helps more than looking at each one separately, and that it takes at least a minute or two to get adjusted to each line. At least.

Thanks again,

J-Do

 

[cpwhit1]

Hello and good day to all.

I read the previous depth perception post and have a concern regarding the validity of civilian test results for acceptable depth perception required of SNAs. I have heard of USMC Pilots getting in with the civilian test results.

I am on the OCS list for SNA and NFO from the November boards, and have been working out an OCS leave date for February 14. SNA was my first choice and NFO was the second. Both careers are fantastic opportunities to serve as a Naval Officer.

I have been notified by my officer recruiter that I might not get SNA, because I failed the depth perception test at MEPS (the 5 circle test, have to pick out the one sticking out the most). I included in my application a copy of my civilian depth perception test results which were completed this October, and my third class medical which was completed last march for the student pilot certificate. The civilian doctor told me that I had maxed out the stereographs at 40 arc seconds, further noting that this was a stellar result, in the written documentation. I have heard of even better results at 25 arc seconds but just hearing the eye specialist doctor say that it was stellar gave me more than enough motivation to write this post.

I was just wondering if my civilian results would hold any validity for becoming a vision qualified SNA or at least getting another re-test on depth perception at MEPS before February 14. I know that looking at the tops of all circles helps more than looking at each one separately, and that it takes at least a minute or two to get adjusted to each line. At least.

Thanks again,

J-Do

I don't know about anyone else, but civilian eye-docs haven't been working out for me. I had a problem with the color-vision test at MEPS and was deemed NPQ, so I went to a civilian eye doc and passed both color vision tests he gave me (one of which is the same as the MEPS test) and had a letter and the results sent to get me PQ but still came back NPQ. So I went to another civilian eye doc and passed the tests yet again and also had a FAA flight surgeon (who used to be a flight surgeon for the army reserves out here) write me up a letter stating my color vision is normal. Still waiting on that, but the point is...I'm not holding my breath.

 

[J-Do]

I don't know about anyone else, but civilian eye-docs haven't been working out for me. I had a problem with the color-vision test at MEPS and was deemed NPQ, so I went to a civilian eye doc and passed both color vision tests he gave me (on of which is the same as the MEPS test) and had a letter and the results sent to get me PQ but still came back NPQ. So I went to another civilian eye doc and passed the tests yet again and also had a FAA flight surgeon (who used to be a flight surgeon for the army reserves out here) write me up a letter stating my color vision is normal. Still waiting on that, but the point is...I'm not holding my breath.[/QUOTE

Still NPQ. Then MEPS it will have to be, because of this. No more. No less.

 

[nugget61]

If you "maxed" the test at 40 arc seconds then you didn't take one of the right tests. All of the approved tests go down to 20 arc seconds.

 

[pilot811]

The only thing wors than an internet diagnosis is a self diagnosis. Best get yourself to a doc....to properly diagnose that rotator cuff injury you might have.

feddoc, I went to a physical therapist and as he said I have a semi week rotator cuff. I have some exercises I need to do a few times a day and I should be good to go.

Kevin

 

[ONU_Pbear]

I'll try to keep this as short as possible with as many details as possible also.

April 2009- Go for an eye exam, results are 20/25 right, 20/30 left and both correctable to 20/20.

Nov 2ish, 2009- Pro-rec'd SNA and NFO (excited for both and would love to do either job as I feel blessed to be selected for either/both)

Nov 20, 2009- MEPS says my eyes are both 20/70 (how they could get that bad in less than a year is beyond me) which would automatically DQ me from pilot but not NFO

Today (Dec 28, 2009)- as a double check and maybe see if my eyes are that bad, I went to my eye Dr. again. Results are actually better than last April and came out to be 20/20 Right, 20/25 Left and 20/20 both all uncorrected but correctable to 20/20.

My OR's processor told me when I asked about the state of a Final Select letter that I would be going NFO and that the only way I could argue the MEPS eye exam results would be to give up my spot and reapply with no guarantee of getting picked up again. This also depends on my Dr. trumping the MEPS exam (I now have two written prescriptions from the Eye Dr. stating that my eyes are better than MEPS tested).

Is there any way that I could submit my eye exam results from today and not have to give up my Pro-Rec spots? I will be happy in either career. I applied because I want to be in the Navy as an Officer and will be proud to serve in either capacity. I just was wondering more about my options. I will continue the process as it is now and am excited and thankful for my opportunity to join the Aviation Community. Thank you all that post and provide information to us in the dark.

 

[feddoc]

I don't know if you can re-submit. This seems more like a MEPS procedural question best answered by your OR. We used to have guy here who worked at MEPS. I think he posted as 'The Renegade', maybe he can help via PM.

 

[GlennH]

I'll try to keep this as short as possible with as many details as possible also.

April 2009- Go for an eye exam, results are 20/25 right, 20/30 left and both correctable to 20/20.

Nov 2ish, 2009- Pro-rec'd SNA and NFO (excited for both and would love to do either job as I feel blessed to be selected for either/both)

Nov 20, 2009- MEPS says my eyes are both 20/70 (how they could get that bad in less than a year is beyond me) which would automatically DQ me from pilot but not NFO

Today (Dec 28, 2009)- as a double check and maybe see if my eyes are that bad, I went to my eye Dr. again. Results are actually better than last April and came out to be 20/20 Right, 20/25 Left and 20/20 both all uncorrected but correctable to 20/20.

My OR's processor told me when I asked about the state of a Final Select letter that I would be going NFO and that the only way I could argue the MEPS eye exam results would be to give up my spot and reapply with no guarantee of getting picked up again. This also depends on my Dr. trumping the MEPS exam (I now have two written prescriptions from the Eye Dr. stating that my eyes are better than MEPS tested).

Is there any way that I could submit my eye exam results from today and not have to give up my Pro-Rec spots? I will be happy in either career. I applied because I want to be in the Navy as an Officer and will be proud to serve in either capacity. I just was wondering more about my options. I will continue the process as it is now and am excited and thankful for my opportunity to join the Aviation Community. Thank you all that post and provide information to us in the dark.

Man, that's kind of disconcerting how your civilian eye test came out fine and meps said your vision was 20/70. I just got a civilian exam to get an idea of where I was at and I was told I am 20/25 in both eyes. Hopefully I wont run into the same problem. Has that happened to anyone else?

 

[TwosBlind]

Feddoc,

First of all sir, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer all these questions. This thread is an invaluable resource for all of us applicants and wannabes.

My question:

I was recently diagnosed with a very minor hypothyroid issue - My thyroid tests came back just slightly low, so slight that my doctor almost decided to forgoe any treatment whatsover. Ultimately, he ended up prescribing me a thyroid medication to see if I noticed any difference. I have been on it for a year or so, and I cannot say whether it has made me feel any better or worse. I am not dependent on it in any way at this point, nor do I feel that I neccessarily need it. It is however on my medical records, and there is a trail of thyroid prescriptions that have been written and filled for me over the last year. Is being diagnosed in any way with a thyroid issue a disqualifier for aviation or even general military service? If I have a doctor write a letter stating that I do not need the medication and do not have a thyroid problem, will that help me get a waiver or have this issue "overlooked"?

Thanks in advance for any insight and advice you can give me regarding this issue.

 

[feddoc]

TwosBlind,

Were you diagnosed with either HYPO- or HYPER- THYROIDISM????

Use this link to determine which applies to you. http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nomi/nami/arwg/Documents/Waiver Guide - Endocrinology.pdf Your case sounds like hypothyroidism, which will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to get a waiver.


WAIVER: A history of hypothyroidism is CD for all DIF. Applicants for SNA and SNFO are CD, no waiver recommended.

 

[KP2010]

Any help on this subject would help me a lot. I went for my flight physical the other day and I am potentially disqualified. When they went through my records they saw that when I was 13 I would have wheezing when i was sick. They diagnosed this as Reactive Airway Disease. However after that brief time when I was 13 I have never had any wheezing or used an inhaler in any way. I got a waiver for the academy and went to specialists who said I never had RAD and was misdiagnosed. Recently I took a Methachorine challenge test. At my flight physical the doctor looked at it and said i did not pass the test however upon calling the hospital and a Pulmonologist looking at the results and interpreting them the Pulmonologist said my results were normal and passing. The Flight Surgeon now is sending the results down to NAMI to have them look at the results to make a decision whether I am disqualified or not. The Flight Surgeon said even though the Pulmonologist who did the test said I was normal it would still be a long shot for getting it approved by NAMI.

I wanted to know if there is a chance that NAMI will say that I'm qualified since a Pulmonolgist said I was fine and if the worst does happen what I could do for a second opinion.

 

[MAKE VAPES]

Any doc... can I please get a note to be excused from all administrative staff jobs for the next 5 years... staring at computer screens in the pentagon is making my vision not so near perfect. I think some eye exercises focusing repeatedly from 2 feet to infinity with bernoullis on wing will remedy the situation rapidly. Can one be NPQed into flying? hah!

 

[feddoc]

Any help on this subject would help me a lot. I went for my flight physical the other day and I am potentially disqualified. When they went through my records they saw that when I was 13 I would have wheezing when i was sick. They diagnosed this as Reactive Airway Disease. However after that brief time when I was 13 I have never had any wheezing or used an inhaler in any way. I got a waiver for the academy and went to specialists who said I never had RAD and was misdiagnosed. Recently I took a Methachorine challenge test. At my flight physical the doctor looked at it and said i did not pass the test however upon calling the hospital and a Pulmonologist looking at the results and interpreting them the Pulmonologist said my results were normal and passing. The Flight Surgeon now is sending the results down to NAMI to have them look at the results to make a decision whether I am disqualified or not. The Flight Surgeon said even though the Pulmonologist who did the test said I was normal it would still be a long shot for getting it approved by NAMI.

I wanted to know if there is a chance that NAMI will say that I'm qualified since a Pulmonolgist said I was fine and if the worst does happen what I could do for a second opinion.

Go to the Waiver Guide page; at or near the bottom is a link to POC info for the 'Physical Qual' folks. Call them; they are decent people and are likely the ones who will have a HUGE vote in your case. I suspect that they will ask you for copies of what your specialists said (no RAD). Do exactly what they tell you to do; I think you have a decent shot at getting a waiver.

 

[nugget61]

Trying to find out how long the PRT and MEPS are valid for wrt applicants. Mine are ~14 months old - still good or will I have to go in again after another pro-rec?