RAAF Medical Appeal
Thread Starter
RAAF Medical Appeal
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
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Shropshire
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One point you may or may not have thought of, although not directly connected with your injury or subsequent recovery, is the impression the ADF will assume should you choose not to fight your corner.
Assuming they work along similar lines to most other military selection panels, by appealing against the rejection and taking them on, you will be showing you are not the kind of person to just accept it, give up and walk away. Maybe the nature of your injury is only marginal. Show them you aren't going to give up at the slightest problem and you'll do yourself no harm in their eyes.
Best of luck should you decide to appeal.
HA
Assuming they work along similar lines to most other military selection panels, by appealing against the rejection and taking them on, you will be showing you are not the kind of person to just accept it, give up and walk away. Maybe the nature of your injury is only marginal. Show them you aren't going to give up at the slightest problem and you'll do yourself no harm in their eyes.
Best of luck should you decide to appeal.
HA
Thread Starter
Thanks HA,
Don't worry - I have every intention of appealing.
At the moment I'm dropping off a few excess kilos and sorting out my fitness to present myself as fully capable. What I could use most from anyone is some more specific information on what could help sway the RAAF appeals people my way.
Would it be worth posting this to the Military Aircrew forum as well? Or would that be a bad thing to do as it's cross-posting?
Don't worry - I have every intention of appealing.
At the moment I'm dropping off a few excess kilos and sorting out my fitness to present myself as fully capable. What I could use most from anyone is some more specific information on what could help sway the RAAF appeals people my way.
Would it be worth posting this to the Military Aircrew forum as well? Or would that be a bad thing to do as it's cross-posting?
Do you really want to be an Air Force pilot? If you do, your decision to appeal has been made.
I am a serving RAAF pilot and battled a medical assessment and had it reversed (took me 5 years). DON'T TAKE ANYTHING THE DOCS TELL YOU LYING DOWN. Fight and grind them down and you will find yourself strapping a CT-4 then PC-9 on your back in little time.
Believe in yourself, and fight for your goals.
DA
I am a serving RAAF pilot and battled a medical assessment and had it reversed (took me 5 years). DON'T TAKE ANYTHING THE DOCS TELL YOU LYING DOWN. Fight and grind them down and you will find yourself strapping a CT-4 then PC-9 on your back in little time.
Believe in yourself, and fight for your goals.
DA
Thread Starter
My decision has already been made - what I am looking for is any extra information on the appeals process itself...the best approach to the letter and what would be good supporting documentation...
It's good to know that there are others out there who have come up against this and beaten it - I've lost count of the number of people who expressed interest in the RAAF, had some kind of hospital operation, got told they couldn't get in and just went away and forgot about it.
I WILL be strapping on a PC9 one day...
It's good to know that there are others out there who have come up against this and beaten it - I've lost count of the number of people who expressed interest in the RAAF, had some kind of hospital operation, got told they couldn't get in and just went away and forgot about it.
I WILL be strapping on a PC9 one day...
