Optic Nerve Head Drusen

[Guest cgross]

My son is a firstie at Camp USAFA and learned yesterday that his waiver for drusen, submitted his third degree year, was denied. At the time the wavier was submitted, he was lead to believe the condition was wave-able. In fact, he received his pilot slot last year. The news yesterday was quite a blow.

I've reviewed the Waiver Guide updated Nov 07, and have learned that for FC I/IA individuals, the condition is not eligible for waiver.

Two questions: Is there any sort of appeal process or other avenues available to "fight" the denial? Would drusen prevent him from cross-commissioning and flying with another branch?

He's taking things in stride and is scrambling to learn what other career fields might still be available to him at this late date. He's also rethinking grad school - an opportunity that he passed on because of his desire to fly. He still wants to work any angle that might get him his PQ status back though, and that's why I'm here.

Apologies if I sound like one of "those" dads. I'm simply a man that wants to help his son.

[Guest P27:17]

First of all Dad...I'm sorry to hear about your son's situation. I can imagine at this stage of the process this was quite a blow. I see nothing wrong with you wanting to assist him in this battle and fully respect your e-mail.

I have discussed this with an optometrist freind and have added his comments below.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the first thing is your son's visual health...find out all you can and what to expect in the near and distant future. I pray this works out for him.

Good luck

"There are two types of drusen that he could be referring to. I'm guessing

he's referring to optic nerve drusen vs. retinal (macular drusen). Optic

nerve drusen is likely not waiverable by any branch as it can lead to

progressive visual field loss- however I don't really know what the policies

are for others branches. This will be a tough fight because it has a high

association with visual field defects-obviously not a desirable trait among

potential pilots. His only chance would probably be an ETP"

[Guest sgsoar27]

After I finished UPT, I was diagnosed with optic nerve head drusen. I went to Brooks and they gave me a waiver--based on the condition that it didn't worsen and that I received a full optometry exam every year.

I've been flying for 6 years now....and currently fly MC-130s. I suppose once you're winged...things are easier, but I would suggest having him working with both the flight surgeon and optometrist. Usually, it's their recommendation that counts....

[Guest P27:17]

After I finished UPT, I was diagnosed with optic nerve head drusen. I went to Brooks and they gave me a waiver--based on the condition that it didn't worsen and that I received a full optometry exam every year.

I've been flying for 6 years now....and currently fly MC-130s. I suppose once you're winged...things are easier, but I would suggest having him working with both the flight surgeon and optometrist. Usually, it's their recommendation that counts....

You are correct but the key difference is your diagnosis was discovered AFTER UPT...you were already vested. This unfortunate young man was diagnosed prior to the real selection process and the AF won't assume that liability...at least from the medical recommendation side.