Medical Rejection: How to Appeal? [Merged]

[Pusser]

I once had a guy working for me who was a volunteer firefighter.  He was a fantastic petty officer and had a great future ahead of him.  Unfortunately, he got out to become a full time firefighter.  He obviously saw something in it.  I would argue that most volunteer fire departments have many of same attributes as the military (camraderie, work ethic, etc).  If I lived in a community that had one, I'd like to try it myself.

 

[TFLY]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows what the likelihood of the MO in Ottawa changing his mind on a medical that he rejected given the following reasons AND arguments:

The NOT FIT reasons:

1) Spine - OLD Cat Scan results showed - Chronic Low back pain, radiant pain down one leg and degenerative disc in L5 - S1 that "requires" Chiropractic treatment.

2) Hypothyroidism with REQUIRES synthroid

3) Infrequent migrains which require Zomig


REASONS for REBUTAL:

1)  After making changes to my diet and exercise habits, all pain has gone.  Dr. has no record of me talking to her about my back since June 08 and she wrote a note saying all symptoms have gone, she also stated I did not REQUIRE chiropractic care, but I chose it for my over all health.  .  I also had a Physio test today (Functional abilities test) and scored A+++++ and the report will read as such

2) My thyroid has been controlled for about 14 years on the SAME medication

3) I provided a print out of my medication I  had perscribed and "filled' for migraine.  In 72 months, 42 perscribed, 24 filled, 20 used and 18 of which was used in the first 3 years and I also stated I could function 100% without it!!

Now, all the being said, I'm a 37 year old woman trying to get into the ROTP program, CFAT went well, Interview went great as well.  I could just wait to See what they say...but I would just love some input.   

Thanks in advance!

;D

 

[medicineman]

The same advice I give everyone else - bring in detailed letters outlining the issues about your back, both from your GP, physio and chiro...same about your thryoid and migraine histories, and any recent specialist reports if there are any from endocrinology (if you're seeing one) and neurology (again if you're seeing one).  The thyroid probably wouldn't be an issue, the migraines, that might be a harder sell, especially if they are debilitating ones.  However, if you don't try, you definitely won't get a yes.

MM

 

[TFLY]

Thanks MM,
I'm not seeing any specialist for my headaches, they are few and far between (pretty much out grew them I think) and never debilitating. 

So yes, I am going to try, I now have all documents into them within 72 hours of finding out I was "Unfit" 

I am hoping the MO is in a good mood on a the day  he receives all the supporting documents.   

 

[SeanNewman]

Normally I am the last guy to defend a recruiting centre due to how much they screwed up on my file when joining, but if I put myself in their shoes on this one...

...say I have 10 people wanting to join and I have 5 spots to offer.  I've got to say "no" to some of them, so all other things being equal, why wouldn't I take the ones with no history of health problems?

Not saying this is what happened, and I'm not saying you don't have anything to offer, but what if someone else had your qualifications but didn't require meds?

 

[X2012]

Hey TFLY, good luck with the migraines. I was unfit because of mine, but I appealed successfully, although it may be because I have a non-classical presentation, low frequency, and an odd lack of functional limitations even during an episode (It's really weird...).

 

[Maelstrom]

Bumping old thread instead of making a new one.

I have a job offer and was injured after I agreed, BMQ was pushed back. A month before BMQ was to start I was medically rejected on Dec 06th 2010, and didn't receive the original letter. I called and confirmed my address and had another sent Jan 5th, still no letter.

I'm concerned about time frames with the appeal. I am under the impression that as long as I am appealing the decision, the job offer still remains. What is the time line for submitting an appeal? and is it true that my job offer is still there but on hold until after the appeal process?

 

[someguy81]

Hello, I am currently an applicant who has already started the application process,having done my aptitude test and my medical,I am applying as a Steward, and i have read  the medical review report info on forces.ca application process and in my current situation is in the waiting period.My question is i had to have a form filled out from my doctor having a mild case of Attention Deficit Disorder and handed it back into recruiting center about 3 business days later,as quick as i can have it back possible,could i get a ballpark idea of how long my situation could get back to me with a phone call for my interview date?,and could I get a ball park idea of if i' m  not qualified how long it will take before I get letter in the mail?All information from anyone who is  or has experienced this is very much appreciated. Thank You!, and Good Luck.

 

[aesop081]

could i get a ballpark idea of how long my situation could get back to me

No.

 

[someguy81]

I guess I will update whatever info i find out , all there is to do now is wait. Everyone else experiences with this topic would be great.
Good luck

 

[medicineman]

There are 3 piles that files go to in Ottawa - "Recommend Immediate Enrollment", "Do Not Recommend Immediate Enrollment", "Does Not Meet Common Enrollment Medical Standards - Do Not Recommend Enrollment".  The middle one has the files with the doctor letters and is by far the largest, so it tends to take AT LEAST 2 weeks after it arrives before it gets looked at.  If you haven't received a phone call or a letter after a month, call back to ask.

MM

 

[someguy81]

Well, i handed it into the recruit center on the 4th of Oct, so it might be around the 1st week of Nov. when i will aim to be prepared for. I hope I get the phone call instead of a letter though,(cross fingers).
Thanks for your input MM, I feel more reassured knowing the time frame.

 

[someguy81]

If i receive a letter saying i cannot join because of my situation.Would there be anyone who can tell me how I could possibly reapply??? Or are there any angles to get the official "YES"?Or Could anyone tell me if I will get either the "Phone Call"OR the"Letter"?which side of the fence would one think it would Balance out to most likely be?
Good Luck Everyone!

 

[medicineman]

The "angle" is to rectify the problem - if it can't be rectified, then you have to take your lumps and move on.

Some things just need more information, some things need time to resolve...however there are things that can't be helped at all.

Like Stacked said...don't worry until you're told to worry.  You might hear that again somewhere.

MM

 

[someguy81]

Looks like i don't need to worry. I Got a letter saying i don't qualify or ''Unfortunately you do not meet the medical standards''. Now i can appeal it, I don't NEED medication, I am currently not taking it. Or it says ''the decision may be reconsidered,after 9 months of not being on ANY medication,with a letter from specialist and a record of physical health.
So I am going to have to come to a decision about this because I AM going to join the national defense, no matter what. The way i see things I don't need any medication at all. I am completely fine.

 

[dangerboy]

Looks like i don't need to worry. I Got a letter saying i don't qualify or ''Unfortunately you do not meet the medical standards''. Now i can appeal it, I don't NEED medication, I am currently not taking it. Or it says ''the decision may be reconsidered,after 9 months of not being on ANY medication,with a letter from specialist and a record of physical health.
So I am going to have to come to a decision about this because I AM going to join the national defense, no matter what. The way i see things I don't need any medication at all. I am completely fine.

Unfortunately it does not mater how you see things, it is how the medical professionals see it.  You might have to accept that you can't be in the CF.

 

[someguy81]

It is up to the medical. So when I don't take and medication from now on, because i never did in the past I am completely normal. I took adderall for the class i was taking and found it didn't do anything for me at all. And put a stop to taking it. Hopefully keeping a positive note, I will have better luck next time.

 

[PMedMoe]

So when I don't take and medication from now on, because i never did in the past I am completely normal.

I took adderall for the class i was taking and found it didn't do anything for me at all. And put a stop to taking it.

So which is it?  You never took meds or you did?

 

[someguy81]

I took it for a short time and now im off it. And now I wonder should I bother applying again as this is something I really want.

 

[aesop081]

So which is it?  You never took meds or you did?

And the, HE decided he did not need the meds anymore.

:

I AM going to join the national defense, no matter what.

I know your mom told you that you could be anything you want, but you will have to meet our standards. Thankfully for the CF, we still get to decided that one.