Medical waiver rejected - What can we do next?

[MacGruff]

:shocked::cry:

We just got the following letter faxed to us:

"Based on a review of available medical information, subject applicant DOES NOT meet established physical standards due to Asperger's Syndrome. A waiver of the physical standards IS NOT recommended. Applicant fails to meet physical standards for Appointment, Enlistment, and Induction as outlined in the Manual of the Medical Department Chapter 15, Article 15-58."

Wow! what a disappointment.

Ok, let's regroup. My son was labelled ADHD years ago. None of the medications worked so they changed labels on him; when we gave up on all the medications TWO YEARS AGO, the label that was on him at that time was Asperger. He has been off medications for two years and has done better at school since then; holds down a job with no problem; and is involved in the Naval Sea Cadets and went through their Boot Camp and got promoted to an E-2.

Our doctor wrote a letter of recommendation which we provided to the recruiters that states in part "The diagnosis of Asperger culminated from attention secondary to this patient's social skills as a child but, according to current psychological testing, is not significant at this stage" In other words, he was mis-diagnosed earlier and it does not apply any longer.

Searching on the internet, I found the Manual of the Medical Department and looked up the reference section. There is no mention of Aspergers there at all!

So, help us out please. What should we do next to appeal this to a higher authority. Who do we go to and where do we find them?

BTW, the recruiter is no help - as usual.

:frown:

At this point, I am starting to get aggravated!


:mad: :angry:

[denmom]

I am so sorry you are having to go through this.
I do not have any answers to your questions but hopefully someone will come along that does.

Know that you are in my prayers.

[NavyMomx2]

Wow - I'm at a loss. Have you talked to just his recruiter or have you talked to his recruiter's superior? Are you dealing with a Petty Officer or a Chief? I know there are others that have had this same situation and they may be able to give you some insight of where to turn next. Don't give up yet - stay positive for your son. If I think of anything that may help, I'll be sure to let you know.

Good luck in the mean time.

[Kristie]

I sure am so sorry to hear this...they are probably looking at the Asperger's Syndrome and thinking he is Autistic which I know from what I have read from you he is not....I know what Autisim is as we have a 24 year old son that is Autistic....I am not sure what to tell you other than maybe have the doctor write a sworn statement that he was mis-diagnosed and try again.....I do hope it all works out for you.

[AGWife]

I'm sorry to hear of this! Did medical or his recruiter review this waiver? Find out how far up it went & exactly who reviewed it.

As far as the doctors letter of recommendation, it sounds like he's saying his Aspergers Syndrome might be in remission -- when he said not significant at this stage. It makes me wonder if its still there even in the smallest form & that's why Medical is denying it.

The Manual does say any history of personality disorder is disqualifying... So I'm not sure what to tell you!

I hope you can get it straightened out!

[Retired Navy Chief]

As far as the doctors letter of recommendation, it sounds like he's saying his Aspergers Syndrome might be in remission -- when he said not significant at this stage. It makes me wonder if its still there even in the smallest form & that's why Medical is denying it.

My thoughts exactly. The doctor is NOT going to come right out and counter a previous diagnosis, especially one of this nature. There would be too much liability on his shoulders if he was proven wrong. The military medical dept always errs on the side of safety in cases like these and if the diagnosis / letter of recommendation is as cloudy as this is (in my opinion) ... they are going to deny it, unfortunately.

Medical waivers are not in a recruiters realm of responsibility ... except to forward to the appropriate department. Most of them are just as baffled as you are by the outcome and thus, appear clueless. Please don't hold it against them ... they may just be a welder or a cook doing their shore duty tour ... not medical technicians by any stretch of the imagination.

The people who review the records are actual doctors. I'm not sure if they are military, retired military or civilian. Doesn't really matter ... they make the decisions and the military backs them.

As far as what to do next .... well, that's up to you and your son. Generally, the return of a declined medial waiver is THE final word. You can re-submit at a later time if you want and maybe they will take the additional time off of meds and another doctors opinion into consideration ... You can also draft a letter to your congressman detailing what has transpired and ask for them to have an aide look into it .... chances are they will get the same answer as your son did.

I wish that I was more help ... but those are the rules they must play by.

PISTOL