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Medical Information

Question 1: What is my medical status?

Once you have completed your physical, you should receive a letter from the Department of Defense Medical Examining Review Board (DODMERB). You will be assigned one of three statuses:

• QUALIFIED – congratulations! You are done with the medical process.
• REMEDIAL – DODMERB needs more information.
• DISQUALIFIED – Don't fret! You aren't done yet.

You can also check your status on the DODMERB Web site.

If you are Qualified, you can stop reading now. If you are in a Remedial or Disqualified status, keep reading.

In Remedial status, you told the examining doctor something or wrote something on one of your forms that requires additional information. Your letter should contain what additional information is required.

In Disqualified status, you still have the opportunity to obtain a waiver from the Navy Bureau of Medicine (BUMED). Students are disqualified for everything from eczema to terminal illness. Several of the medical conditions which are disqualifying at DODMERB (and therefore for entry into military service) may be waived, allowing you to participate in the Naval ROTC program.

An important reminder: Service in the Navy and Marine Corps means operational military service, which in and of itselfis dangerous. BUMED will clear participation for many conditions, as long as the condition could not result in harm to yourself or to those with whom you serve.

Question 2: What do I need to do?

Check what your remedial/disqualification code means. Who you are plays an important part in what and where your package will go.  

High School Seniors:

• Your status letter will come directly to your home at the home address you provided
• Remedial packages: remedial packages go back to DODMERB
• Disqualification packages: disqualification packages are sent to BUMED

College Students:

• Your notification letter will come to the Medical Officer at the unit
• Remedial packages:
• Review your package with your class advisor
• Return your package to BU-MIT NROTC Medical Officer for mailing to DODMERB
• Disqualification packages:
• Review your package with your class advisor
• Return your package to BU-MIT NROTC Medical Officer for mailing to DODMERB

Question 3: How should I prepare my package?

The following are the items you should include in your medical package:

	REMEDIAL	DISQUALIFICATION
Photocopy of all correspondence with the Navy – DODMERB or BUMED	Yes	Yes
Personal Statement	No	Yes (should provide any amplifying info & state dedication to participation in the NROTC program)
Photocopies of pertinent medical paperwork (as requested by DODMERB medical history documentation test/pathology results surgical reports physical therapy records	As much as applicable	As much as applicable
Second medical opinion	Recommended (depends on information requested)	Yes
Reference Letters – usually from coaches or employers	No	Yes (especially for injuries, allergies, asthma – used to demonstrate ability to participate)
Achievement Examples All State/All County/All American letters Information about varsity letters Athletic achievement information	No	Yes (especially for injuries, allergies, asthma – used to demonstrate ability to participate)
Commanding Officer’s Endorsement	Yes (for students already enrolled in NROTC)	Yes (for students already enrolled in NROTC)

Once you have collected all of the information required above:

1. Make four photocopies – (1) for your own records, (3) for your ROTC medical record, the NROTC medical officer, and your ROTC student record. You will turn the last three copies over to the Recruiting Officer when you report to the NROTC unit.
2. Contact the Recruiting Officer via email or phone – 617-253-2991. Often, the Recruiting Officer or your class advisor can provide you with additional information that you should include in your package.

Important Note: DODMERB Examining physicians are never wrong – the best thing that you can do is provide indications in your package that two other doctors are unconcerned with the severity of the issue, and it should not hinder participation in any athletic activity.

Question 4: Where do I mail my information?

DODMERB 8034 Edgerton Drive, Suite 132 USAF Academy, CO 80840-2200 Phone: 719-841-2706

BUMED 2300 E Street NW Washington, DC 20372-5300 Phone: 202-762-3211

Please direct any questions to the MIT NROTC recruiting officer.


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