Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 1/20/2011

Question
my son is applying to West Point and will hear soon about an appointment.  He recently broke his wrist and and was told he has to have surgery next week to have a screw put in.  we will report this to West Point.  will his chances of getting an appointment be dashed now?  or will they give him a temporary waiver?

Answer
Not necessarily.  The issue is complicated so you're going to have to dig around.  First, you'll need your doctor's prognosis and the odds of having the screw removed, the higher the odds the better his chance of still being medically qualified, but non-removal doesn't necessarily mean a no.  Second, and more important, it will be his ability to perform physically to the levels required by a service academy.  If he cant initially, that would probably severely reduce his chances of gaining acceptance this year.  All of this will have to be discussed with DODMERB (Department of Defense Medical Exam Review Board) .. and they are the ones that will make a final decision on his eligibility... the best course of action is to get the surgery performed, take the doctor's prognosis along with all the rest of the information and forward it to DODMERB once there is a clear idea of his future mobility and ability to heal.. they will end up making the decision on his eligibility..  I wish your son the best of luck!