United States Naval Flight Surgeon Handbook
2nd Edition 1998

The Waiver Process

References:

• MANMED Chap. 15

• Aeromedical Waiver Guide

Point of Contact:

NOMI - Code 42
DSN: 922-4501 / 4502
Com: (850) 452-4501 / 4502

The waiver process is one which provides a mechanism for deviation from established standards as published in the manual of the Medical Department when:

• The needs of the Navy require its consideration, and

• performance is not degraded due to the defect.

When considering your recommendation for an application for waiver, think about what the waiver is for, and how any defect might affect his or her ability to perform the required tasks.

Physical defect - any condition, disorder or defect which may be of significance in determining a person's ability to perform his or her duties. This includes all variations from "Normal", as described in Chapter 15 of the Manual of the Medical Department. Each defect must be commented upon on the SF88, physical exam form.

Disposition of Defects -> The possible determinations to be listed in Block #74, Summary of Defects and Diagnoses, are:

• Not considered disqualifying (NCD) - The defect will not affect performance and is within listed standards. A waiver is not required.

• Considered disqualifying (CD) - Waiver recommended. - The defect is disqualifying by the published standards, but is deemed not to interfere with the individual's performance.

• Considered disqualifying (CD) - Waiver not recommended. - The defect is disqualifying by the published standards and is likely to adversely affect the safe performance of the individual's duties.

Examples

1. NCD

Skin tags, Nevi etc.

Minimal scoliosis

2. CD, Waiver recommended

Defective visual acuity

Select maintenance medication

3. CD, Waiver not recommended

Diabetes Mellitus

Uncontrolled hypertension

Missing limbs or other important parts

Possible notations for block 77, SF88 include:

1st, the examinee is either:

• PQ and AA.

• NPQ but AA.

• NPQ and NAA.

• PQ but NAA.

Temporarily Not Physically Qualified (TNPQ) is not an acceptable finding; the member should be re-examined when the condition is resolved, and a determination of PQ/NPQ made.

2nd, (if applicable):

• Waiver may be recommended based on the needs of the Navy.

• Waiver not recommended.

e.g. Block #77:

-NPQ but AA, Waiver not recommended.

The flight surgeon should make his recommendation for waiver on the SF-88 ONLY, not by separate letter. You may, however, submit an aeromedical summary or use a Local Board of Flight Surgeons to support your recommendations.

Aviation Waivers
The Manual of the Medical Department urges the recommendation of waivers for those individuals who have defects, but whose performance would be unaffected or minimally affected, and who could reasonably be expected to complete a full service career without future performance degradation as a result of that defect.

In Aviation:
Waivers are usually not granted to SNA's or SNFO's unless defects are minor and as of such nature as to not jeopardize flight performance now or in the future.

Designated aircrew are frequently waived in order to preserve trained assests.

The waiver is recommended by the flight surgeon.

Requests for waiver are initiated by the member or the flight surgeon and submitted to BUPERS/CMC/COMNAVCRUITCOM, via NOMI Code 42. The member's commanding officer is no longer required to request the waiver.

BUPERS or CMC grants the waiver request, usually based on input from NOMI/BUMED.

No flight surgeon can grant waivers.

Practical Issues
Does the Aviator need a waiver?

• Anticipate problems before they develop.

• If it looks like a waiver will be required and you feel that you can recommend it, encourage action by the member and his C.O.

• Keep the member and the C.O. informed of the status of the condition and the waiver process.

Do not delay in assembling a typed SF88 and 93, along with all consults and other data to support your recommendation. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the package until additional information is supplied, loss of flight currancy and flight pay by the aviator and loss of an aviator by the squadron as well as a perception that the Flight Surgeon does not show any interest in his job.

• Remember, the member submits the waiver request, you only recommend.

• You may not grant a waiver. Neither can NOMI. Only BUPERS or CMC.

• There is no such thing as a "temporary waiver."

When doubt exists about the process or what current thinking is, the Physical Qualifications Department at NOMI (Code 42) can provide help. They will consider all requests for waiver, but will only recommend one if all medical questions have been answered completely and logically, and there is no reason to believe that continued flight would be detrimental or dangerous to the individual or others.

The Final Package

1. The member's letter of request for waiver and C.O.’s endorsement.

2. Typed SF-88 and SF-93 with your recommendation for waiver.

3. Consults obtained (they must be legible).

4. All appropriate lab data.

5. Aeromedical summary or LBFS proceedings if warranted to support your recommendation.

Routing is to CMC, BUPERS or COMNAVCRUITCOM via NOMI code 42.

All too often the waiver package may be lost if the medical and aviation commander's components are mailed separately. It is probably a good idea to mail the entire package from medical to avoid this loss.

United States Naval Flight Surgeon Handbook: 2nd Edition 1998

The Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons