Is there any way to dispute the denial of a medical waiver for an inhaler prescription?

Jobe Androckits — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:48:35 -0400

I recently submitted 2 medical waivers one of which was for a back condition that got approved and one was for an inhaler prescription that got denied.

For the inhaler prescription I got a PFT that concluded I do not have any bronchodialator responsiveness and no asthma. The recruiter said there was nothing they could do but i was wondering if there was any way to try and dispute the denial as I proved i dont need an inhaler or have asthma, thanks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2023 10:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2023 22:04:14 -0400

Per DoDI 6130.03, MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR MILITARY SERVICE: APPOINTMENT, ENLISTMENT, OR INDUCTION (what determines disqualifying medical conditions)...in Section 6.10 LUNGS, CHEST WALL, PLEURA, AND MEDIASTINUM, Subsection e(2), it states "History of prescription or use of medication (including, but not limited to, inhaled or oral corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or any beta agonists) for airway hyper responsiveness after the 13th birthday."

So, depending on what that inhaler was prescribed for....and when.....you may or may not be able to dispute. Typically, once the Approving Official (for medical waivers) denies the Waiver request, then the fight is over. If the Medical Provider at MEPS doesn't recommend a waiver, the fight is over before it began.