The document summarizes the medical qualification process for applicants to the United States Naval Academy. It outlines the steps applicants take, including an initial physical and history exam by a contractor doctor, an evaluation by the Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DoDMERB) to determine if any disqualifying conditions exist, and a potential waiver process if disqualifications are found. It provides details on common medical conditions considered for waivers and those that are very unlikely to be waived. The goal is to medically qualify candidates based on the physical demands of serving as a naval officer.

1. The Medical Process at the United States Naval Academy Kelly D. Skanchy Commander, Medical Corps United States Navy

2. USNA Medical Process Flow Applicant DoDMERB Contractor (Normally Concorde ) Physical (Medical Provider ) Physical Verified by Contractor DoDMERB Initial Decision USNA USNA USNA Admissions BuMED SMO Superintendent For Decision Candidate USNA Admissions Q or NQ Incomplete or Need More Info NQ + Competitive, Process Waiver Waiver Rec Waiver Rec More Info Need More Info Need More Info 4 of 10 Docs

3. How to start Begin application to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Once 4 documents are on file, and you are academically qualified you are considered a viable applicant. Your name is sent to the Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DoDMERB)

4. The Next Step DoDMERB arranges for a history and physical exam via a contract service. You have your history and physical exam performed. Once completed the findings are reviewed by DoDMERB. DoDMERB makes a determination.

5. The Determination DoDMERB determines if there are disqualifying findings (DQs) in your evaluation. If there are no DQs, then you are medically qualified and the process stops. If there are disqualifying findings, you are notified and additional information is sought. DoDMERB does not grant waivers, and will remove DQs only if the finding is in error.

6. DQs DQs are physical or historical findings that are deviations from normal. There are 2 main sources that describe normal for the Navy: Department of Defense Instruction 6130.4 Bureau of Medicine, Manual of the Medical Department Chapter 15. The standards are different for commissioning, enlistment, retention and among the services.

7. Waivers The Naval Academy is the waiver authority and the Superintendent makes that decision. If you are being considered for an offer, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REQUEST ONE!!! The waiver process is automatic, however, you may need to provide additional information if requested to complete the process. DoDMERB does not grant waivers.

8. Waivers When adequate information is available, your file is reviewed by the Bureau of Medicine (BuMed and USNA). Both opinions are noted and periodically a list of candidates requiring waivers is sent to the Superintendent for a final decision.

9. Waivers If the waiver is granted, the process is complete and you are considered medically qualified. If the waiver is not granted, the process is technically complete and you are considered medically disqualified. You can ask for another review, if you are able to provide new additional information, your waiver may be granted or the DQ upheld.

10. Additional Information Additional information: Doctor’s notes Additional tests Statements of level of activity Additional information is not: Passionate statements of desire Copies of previously submitted information Opinions that your DQ will not interfere with being a Midshipman or naval officer.

11. Waiverable DQs Injuries after full recovery Diseases or illness with no recent occurrence Surgeries that have fully healed Current illness or disease that does not require regular or significant treatment and which does not have a life threatening potential.

12. Unlikely DQ waivers Diabetes Chronically unstable joint Psychological disorders Absence of a paired organ Disease or illness that requires regular medication, therapy or evaluation. (asthma, allergies) Disease or illness that is likely to worsen with time or in a military environment. (asthma, Backs)

13. Possible waivers History of eczema if not requiring prescription medication. Flat feet if not rigid or requiring custom orthotics Hypothyroidism if stable and under good control ADHD if not requiring medication or special accommodations

14. Why? The “9 year warranty” Post-graduation 100% employment Expected progression of disease or abnormality Hostile environments: Shipboard Combat Availability of medical care

15. Vision Normal vision, per BuMed, is Up to 6 diopters correction and 3 diopters astigmatism which is correctable to 20/20 in each eye. Waivers for greater corrections are considered on a case-by-case basis but not routinely granted. Standards for applicants who have had surgery are based on their pre-surgery correction.

16. Common Conditions Asthma* Academic Skills Disorders* Mood disorders Eating disorders GERD Herniated Disk/DDD Flat feet with custom orthotics ACL/knee issues Childhood injuries Retained orthopedic hardware

17. Asthma Diagnostic Uncertainty Waived if none after age 13 #1 Reason for MEDEVAC DNBI High Risk Environments – Deserts, Altitude CHEM-BIO Protective Gear Incompatibility Fire Fighting Ensembles Chemical Irritants, Smoke

18. Academic Skills Disorders ADHD/ADD Dyslexia Special Accommodations Non-Standardized Tests Stimulant Drugs – Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Concerta, Strattera

19. Not Medical …. Body alterations: tattoos and piercings – BARB Height and weight standards – Flagged during admissions process/tracked Color vision – Superintendent’s waiver (2%)

20. HIPAA The passage of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, (HIPAA) demands that we handle medical information of candidates with appropriate privacy and professionalism. In the effort to streamline the process and protect our Naval Academy Information Officers from conflicts and potential legal action, CGO requests that all Blue and Gold Officers refrain from personal involvement with medical waivers and requests . Please feel free to point candidates in the right direction to get their medical questions answered. Medical questions should be forwarded to Yvonne Graham at 410-293-1817 .

21. Contacts Admissions Medical Office Phone: 410-293 1817 Fax: 410-293-1819