MEPS TDQ for Opto consult (Army, enlisting, waiver, the best)
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I've posted about the same issue a year ago, but circumstances are slightly different now so I'm hoping someone can provide some insight.
I won a job as a musician in one of the premier Army bands but couldn't take the physical prior to auditioning. I completed the MEPS physical today, but was TDQ'd for my eyesight. The paper I saw at the end just said, "Opto consult"... I know that the DoD standard is +/-8.00 diopters. My current prescription is around -8.25/-8.5, but the MEPS auto tonometer machine said that my RX is -9.00 and -9.50. I believe the sheet also said that I can see 20/20 with correction.
I'd think that the doctor would PDQ me if there wasn't a chance of this being waived. Is that correct or is there a different path that I'm not seeing?
My astigmatism was -1.00 and -1.50 and I do not have any underlying eye diseases as of last year. There are no other medical issues. (I have one criminal offense from over 10 years ago that was already waived).
Do I have a chance of enlisting or am I more likely finished?
I'd think that the doctor would PDQ me if there wasn't a chance of this being waived. Is that correct or is there a different path that I'm not seeing?
They have to PDQ everyone that they don't qualify. The only 3 possible outcomes at MEPS are qualified, Temporarily Disqualified (like for a cold that will resolve, wart that will be removed, etc), or PDQ. Everyone gets one of those 3 outcomes.
Waivers for vision are rare. I send you a PM before I saw that you were hired to the band. That **MIGHT** influence your waiver for the good, because there are less concerns about combat missions, and more of a need for the right musicians as that is a rare skill.
Thanks dmarie123! Exactly, it seems odd that I was Temporarily disqualified for something that is much more permanent than a cold or a wart. I mean, I'm glad that I'm not PDQ'd yet, but it doesn't quite make sense to me. The only option is to wait and see I guess. BTW I am don't see your PM anywhere, but that's ok.
Oh I misread... I thought you were PDQ'd. You're going to be PDQ'd.
They've TDQ'd you pending the consult. So, let's say you go to the consult and the eye doctor is like, "MEPS was totally wrong, your vision is really +/- 7.5" you could become qualified. However, once they confirm your vision, this will change to a PDQ.
The Surgeon General won't give waivers to TDQ applicants. only to PDQ. Your vision isn't going to resolve, but MEPS is making sure 1. their non-eye doctor did the tests correctly, 2. their equipment was accurate, 3. There are or are not other eye conditions present.
Ooook. Got it, that makes sense now. Thanks again!
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