Formski
22nd Mar 2003, 22:01
Hi all,
This is my first PPRUNE post so please bear with me..
I had a bankhart repair operation on my right shoulder in July 2001 after I had problems with shoulder dislocations.
Since the operation I've gone through the water training, physio and gym work to strengthen the joint and keep it from reoccuring and I haven't heard a peep out of it since taking off the sling. In that time I've moved house twice and done a few other things that would make the surgeon wince.
My original intention was to make a career out of the RAAF as a pilot (no I'm not looking to jump to civvy street immediately after my ROSO either) I put my application in and supporting evidence from my surgeon (Although this could have been more supporting than it was) but was rejected automatically because of the unusual stresses of military flying. The ADF Recruiting Staff down here have told me that I am able to appeal the decision and have very strongly suggested that I go through the process, but have been unable to suggest anything more than getting a letter from a gym or sports team saying I've been participanting in those activities since the operation and recovery.
I spoke to my GP who can't see any reason why they rejected me other than there being a bureaucratic decision against me due to general guidelines, or because the RAAF is worried about the posisbility of it needing further surgery during a career with them at their expense (which I doubt but I'm not a doctor of course) My GP's suggestion was to have a full evaluation of the shoulder much like those used for workplace compensation claims (although not for that reason obviously)
What I'd like to know is whether there is any chance that this could even possibly clear me through this hurdle of the recruiting process (I know there's still a long way to go) and/or other options I have to sway Canberra? Also if there is anyone out there with experience with the ADF Medical Appeals process any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
This is my first PPRUNE post so please bear with me..
I had a bankhart repair operation on my right shoulder in July 2001 after I had problems with shoulder dislocations.
Since the operation I've gone through the water training, physio and gym work to strengthen the joint and keep it from reoccuring and I haven't heard a peep out of it since taking off the sling. In that time I've moved house twice and done a few other things that would make the surgeon wince.
My original intention was to make a career out of the RAAF as a pilot (no I'm not looking to jump to civvy street immediately after my ROSO either) I put my application in and supporting evidence from my surgeon (Although this could have been more supporting than it was) but was rejected automatically because of the unusual stresses of military flying. The ADF Recruiting Staff down here have told me that I am able to appeal the decision and have very strongly suggested that I go through the process, but have been unable to suggest anything more than getting a letter from a gym or sports team saying I've been participanting in those activities since the operation and recovery.
I spoke to my GP who can't see any reason why they rejected me other than there being a bureaucratic decision against me due to general guidelines, or because the RAAF is worried about the posisbility of it needing further surgery during a career with them at their expense (which I doubt but I'm not a doctor of course) My GP's suggestion was to have a full evaluation of the shoulder much like those used for workplace compensation claims (although not for that reason obviously)
What I'd like to know is whether there is any chance that this could even possibly clear me through this hurdle of the recruiting process (I know there's still a long way to go) and/or other options I have to sway Canberra? Also if there is anyone out there with experience with the ADF Medical Appeals process any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance