Medical Question

[smumaustin]

Guys,

I was just pro-rec’d SNA and have a question dealing with my medical.

I did all the research I could on this site about allergies, and more specifically hay fever. I have come to the conclusion that easily controlled or mild hay fever is really no big deal and may not even need a waiver, and even if it does need a waiver it’s not a show stopper. (Unless it is sever!)

Leading up to my question, in a bout of stupidity during my MEPS physical 1.5 years ago I put down that I had hay fever, when I in fact do not (rather have not been diagnosed with it). I have however used antihistamines that are approved for aviation in the past to aid in what could easily be considered a cold. I stopped using them about 4-5 years ago. Either way, other than that one thing I am extremely healthy, and I passed my MEPS physical without any problems as well as my PRT and have provided all of the other FINDOCS. This, finally, leads me to my question.

I know if they have a problem, they may take some x-rays of my head to determine all is well in regards to the hay fever, but is this something they will wait to do at the flight physical, or should I do anything prior to receiving a final select and class date in regards to seeking a waiver for the hay fever. I would rather avoid any unnecessary slow ups, especially considering that I really do not have any sort of allergies any more. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[Gatordev]

The short answer from me is: I don't know. But here's some guesses. If they do get caught up in the Hay Fever thing, they'll probably want some further info. If you need to go to a doc to get it officially sanctioned that you don't suffer from it or have had it, then that may be your best bet. You'll probably not know you need to do that until someone tells you there was a problem w/ you app.

As for the official answer, yes hay fever can be a showstopper until you start flight school, but is not guarenteed to be an issue. Once your foot is in the door (read: after API), then having seasonal allergies is totally not a big deal and does not require a waiver. Not sure if that answered your question, but hopefully I understood it.

 

[feddoc]

See the link

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/pdfs/Waiver Guide - ENT.pdf

Sounds like you may have had either Seasonal Allergic or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. If that is the case, assuming you had no complications, then it is no big deal.

I doubt they take xrays, especially if you have been without symptoms for so long. I doubt they do more than ask you if you have had SAR or PAR.

I would advise against seeking a waiver for something you may not have and have not been diagnosed for.

 

[smumaustin]

So considering I am waiting for a final select right now, I should take no action unless asked too? I was considering talking to my recruiter about it, because my main concern is getting an NPQ for it even though I passed MEPS without any problems. I also have medical records from my youth that shows there was no diagnosis or problems (complications) of any kind.

I have seen the NOMI guide, and reviewed it thoroughly, and it seems like in my case, this is no big deal, just trying to be prepared for anything.

I guess what I am trying to get at is, is this something that should come up prior to final select, or is this something the flight docs will tackle if there even care to during my first flight physical.

Finally is pro-rec to final select mainly about the pass on the MEPS physical, PRT, etc.? (all done with success) If that is the case then I will wait patiently for my class date, otherwise I might talk to my recruiter about what if any action should be taken.

By the way thanks for the quick and very helpful responses I already feel much more at ease about this part of the process!

 

[pdx]

To throw in a little personal experience here, I had a similar problem. I had a very minor head injury playing rugby. There was no concussion, no real damage, not even a headache the next day. For some stupid reason, I wrote something about the event on my medical history. I spent several hours trying to explain things to the flight surgeon during my physical. His initial reaction was rather negative, but in the end he agreed that damage wasn't likely. I wouldn't worry too much. The pro-rec board won't worry about this type of stuff, they leave medical questions to the docs at NAMI.

As advice for others, only write real diagnosed problems or surgeries on your history form.

 

[smumaustin]

The pro-rec board won't worry about this type of stuff, they leave medical questions to the docs at NAMI.

Does that apply to the final select board too!? NAMI is at OCS right?

As advice for others, only write real diagnosed problems or surgeries on your history form.

Yeah, learned that lesson! Not going to be stupid like that again!

Thanks again for the help guys, I am glad that we have this resource to help answer questions.

 

[pdx]

Does that apply to the final select board too!? NAMI is at OCS right?

yep and yep.

 

[smumaustin]

Thank you very much pdx you have been very helpful!