The Student Room Group

RAF medical appeal

Hi all, I’m enquiring on behalf of my son. He applied to join the RAF last year and everything went well until the medical.
Here’s the problem... his father has cardiomyopathy, a few years ago it was decided ( due to family history) to screen my son to see if there was a genetic link.
No genetic link has been found and he is fit and well but CURRENTLY has an echocardiogram every 3-5 years ... this means that capita found him PMU as they believe due to screening he’s at higher risk of getting it.
We Appealed to no avail BUT he’s just had an echocardiogram and we see his consultant on 6th March where I’m hopefull of some positive support.
My questions are,... what could we get from the cardiologist that would help his case?
If we can get all screening stopped and the previous screenings removed from his health record would that help? ( as capita have already seen the screening)
Has anyone else ever appealed and appealed again and had a positive outcome?
We both know that ultimately they could say no and that’s that. But it seems so wrong when he’s totally well and fit and has absolutely the same chance of getting cardiomyopathy, or not, as anyone else!
I’ve sent you a message :smile:
Reply 2
Original post by guest10101
I’ve sent you a message :smile:

Thank you, I’ve replied. 😊😊
Reply 3
Original post by Chickydee
Hi all, I’m enquiring on behalf of my son. He applied to join the RAF last year and everything went well until the medical.
Here’s the problem... his father has cardiomyopathy, a few years ago it was decided ( due to family history) to screen my son to see if there was a genetic link.
No genetic link has been found and he is fit and well but CURRENTLY has an echocardiogram every 3-5 years ... this means that capita found him PMU as they believe due to screening he’s at higher risk of getting it.
We Appealed to no avail BUT he’s just had an echocardiogram and we see his consultant on 6th March where I’m hopefull of some positive support.
My questions are,... what could we get from the cardiologist that would help his case?
If we can get all screening stopped and the previous screenings removed from his health record would that help? ( as capita have already seen the screening)
Has anyone else ever appealed and appealed again and had a positive outcome?
We both know that ultimately they could say no and that’s that. But it seems so wrong when he’s totally well and fit and has absolutely the same chance of getting cardiomyopathy, or not, as anyone else!

There's some info in this link about the provision of supporting evidence for an appeal:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6178284

Be careful of trying to remove correct information from records. I don't know if a medical professional would do that, but there's not point hiding what has happened and could lead to problems further down the line if it was found that your son had had medical screenings that hadn't been declared.
Original post by Chickydee
Hi all, I’m enquiring on behalf of my son. He applied to join the RAF last year and everything went well until the medical.
Here’s the problem... his father has cardiomyopathy, a few years ago it was decided ( due to family history) to screen my son to see if there was a genetic link.
No genetic link has been found and he is fit and well but CURRENTLY has an echocardiogram every 3-5 years ... this means that capita found him PMU as they believe due to screening he’s at higher risk of getting it.
We Appealed to no avail BUT he’s just had an echocardiogram and we see his consultant on 6th March where I’m hopefull of some positive support.
My questions are,... what could we get from the cardiologist that would help his case?
If we can get all screening stopped and the previous screenings removed from his health record would that help? ( as capita have already seen the screening)
Has anyone else ever appealed and appealed again and had a positive outcome?
We both know that ultimately they could say no and that’s that. But it seems so wrong when he’s totally well and fit and has absolutely the same chance of getting cardiomyopathy, or not, as anyone else!

Hi

The medical is part of the application process for a reason, to confirm that whoever applies is fit and healthy for service and the role they've applied for.

It's likely that your son has been found PMU because he's still currently undergoing ongoing tests, which at any point could prove that he may or may not be able to continue his application.

Yes, people have appealed and been successful. You will need to provide as much evidence as possible and submit this in writing to the Department of occupational Medicine at RAF Cranwell (there should be an address on the letter your son has received).

It's probably best to talk through everything with his consultant and explain what's happened and they are likely to be the best person to give you the evidence required, of possible etc.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment
Reply 5
Original post by RAF_Adam
Hi

The medical is part of the application process for a reason, to confirm that whoever applies is fit and healthy for service and the role they've applied for.

It's likely that your son has been found PMU because he's still currently undergoing ongoing tests, which at any point could prove that he may or may not be able to continue his application.

Yes, people have appealed and been successful. You will need to provide as much evidence as possible and submit this in writing to the Department of occupational Medicine at RAF Cranwell (there should be an address on the letter your son has received).

It's probably best to talk through everything with his consultant and explain what's happened and they are likely to be the best person to give you the evidence required, of possible etc.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment


Hi Adam
sorry for the later reply but he’s just had a call from the AFCO to say they’ve now cancelled his application as he’s been found PMU. We are still awaiting more medical evidence and he has an appointment with his consultant this week! It feels like doors are closing without any chance of him getting through.
they say if he ‘wants to re apply click here’ on the messaging portal
I’m assuming now we can’t continue with the appeal so if he starts again any idea what will happen?
the consultant fully supports him and has said there’s nothing to suggest he’s at any risk of getting a heart condition.
Original post by Chickydee
Hi Adam
sorry for the later reply but he’s just had a call from the AFCO to say they’ve now cancelled his application as he’s been found PMU. We are still awaiting more medical evidence and he has an appointment with his consultant this week! It feels like doors are closing without any chance of him getting through.
they say if he ‘wants to re apply click here’ on the messaging portal
I’m assuming now we can’t continue with the appeal so if he starts again any idea what will happen?
the consultant fully supports him and has said there’s nothing to suggest he’s at any risk of getting a heart condition.

Hi

He can still appeal. You will need to get all of the medical evidence you can and send everything to the address supplied on his medical letter and correspondence. It will then be looked at by the medical team at Cranwell and a decision will be made at that point.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment
Reply 7
Original post by RAF_Adam
Hi

He can still appeal. You will need to get all of the medical evidence you can and send everything to the address supplied on his medical letter and correspondence. It will then be looked at by the medical team at Cranwell and a decision will be made at that point.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

Ok thank you. Will certainly do that. Appreciate your help, again!
Reply 8
Hello, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all your help and advice on my sons appeal against being found PMU.
We saw the consultant early March, who completely supported my son and wrote direct to Cranwell on his behalf.
I don’t know what he said but it’s worked! Today we got a letter with the fantastic news his appeal has been upheld and he can proceed with his application to join the RAF Regiment.
We are so pleased and so relieved but I wouldn’t have got this far without the help and advice offered here.
Thank you again.
Original post by Chickydee
Hello, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all your help and advice on my sons appeal against being found PMU.
We saw the consultant early March, who completely supported my son and wrote direct to Cranwell on his behalf.
I don’t know what he said but it’s worked! Today we got a letter with the fantastic news his appeal has been upheld and he can proceed with his application to join the RAF Regiment.
We are so pleased and so relieved but I wouldn’t have got this far without the help and advice offered here.
Thank you again.

Hi

That's great for him. Please let him know that there will obviously be a delay due to the current situation, but to focus on his fitness in readiness for the stages of the process and to be ready for his entry if successful.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment
Original post by Chickydee
Hello, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for all your help and advice on my sons appeal against being found PMU.
We saw the consultant early March, who completely supported my son and wrote direct to Cranwell on his behalf.
I don’t know what he said but it’s worked! Today we got a letter with the fantastic news his appeal has been upheld and he can proceed with his application to join the RAF Regiment.
We are so pleased and so relieved but I wouldn’t have got this far without the help and advice offered here.
Thank you again.

Now comes the real hard work!
Reply 11
Original post by RAF_Adam
Hi

That's great for him. Please let him know that there will obviously be a delay due to the current situation, but to focus on his fitness in readiness for the stages of the process and to be ready for his entry if successful.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

Thanks Adam, would you know what will happen now? I’ve said he should contact the AFCO, but his application was closed, he says he won’t have to do the entry test again ( although will if necessary), but I wondered if anyone would be in touch with him? It’s a shame the gyms are closed but he can do some walking, running and weights etc
Original post by Chickydee
Thanks Adam, would you know what will happen now? I’ve said he should contact the AFCO, but his application was closed, he says he won’t have to do the entry test again ( although will if necessary), but I wondered if anyone would be in touch with him? It’s a shame the gyms are closed but he can do some walking, running and weights etc

Hi

He should try contacting his AFCO via his portal or by email and advise of his successful appeal. They may be able to re-open his applicaiton, or he may need to re-submit a new one. He won't have to take the AST again as his score will still be valid. He may not need to do the medical again as he's been passed fit now. The dates for his PGSC will have to wait because they're currently on hold due to the ongoing situation. He will be advised by his AFCO once they have it, but it will be a while.

He should contact them to see what his next step is in the first instance though.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment
Reply 13
Original post by RAF_Adam
Hi

He should try contacting his AFCO via his portal or by email and advise of his successful appeal. They may be able to re-open his applicaiton, or he may need to re-submit a new one. He won't have to take the AST again as his score will still be valid. He may not need to do the medical again as he's been passed fit now. The dates for his PGSC will have to wait because they're currently on hold due to the ongoing situation. He will be advised by his AFCO once they have it, but it will be a while.

He should contact them to see what his next step is in the first instance though.

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment

Thank you so very much for your helpful advice.
Hi, i would be interested in hearing more about how you over turned PMU. Am in similar position with regards to my son - medical records show screening for condition i have which resulted in PMU. Even though consultant has confirmed he is clear. Any help/advice be much appreciated
Reply 15
Original post by Swancher
Hi, i would be interested in hearing more about how you over turned PMU. Am in similar position with regards to my son - medical records show screening for condition i have which resulted in PMU. Even though consultant has confirmed he is clear. Any help/advice be much appreciated

Hi the best thing for us was a letter the consultant wrote direct to cranwell. Stating the fact my son had no underlying conditions, didn’t need screening, and that their stance was a little over eager. This was what overturned their decision! There should be a name and address on the letter he received telling him he’s PMU, our consultant was 100% behind us and Happy to help by writing directly on my sons behalf.
Good luck!
Original post by Swancher
Hi, i would be interested in hearing more about how you over turned PMU. Am in similar position with regards to my son - medical records show screening for condition i have which resulted in PMU. Even though consultant has confirmed he is clear. Any help/advice be much appreciated

Hey,

I too have been TMU before and after 12 months of writing letters to Cranwell then the GP then back to Cranwell being declared no longer TMU then capita deem me TMU and the whole letter process starts again but as of a few weeks back i am now clear and moving onto the next stage. all i can say is gather as much evidence as possible it will not be in vain.

Good luck

FYI the is not my real name before people start saying i need to change it or post under anon
Quick update, my sons appeal was turned down. Brief history I have inherited eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa, affected family members have been diagnosed by age 13 via regular screening. My son is 17 showing no signs and has been seen/tested by 3 independent consultants who have all confirmed no sign and discharged him not wanting to see him again. Letter stated due to strong family history of RP makes future risk difficult to determine. He is devastated and don't know what else we can do?
Reply 18
Original post by Swancher
Quick update, my sons appeal was turned down. Brief history I have inherited eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa, affected family members have been diagnosed by age 13 via regular screening. My son is 17 showing no signs and has been seen/tested by 3 independent consultants who have all confirmed no sign and discharged him not wanting to see him again. Letter stated due to strong family history of RP makes future risk difficult to determine. He is devastated and don't know what else we can do?

Our first appeal was refused, that’s when we got the consultant to write on our behalf.
I know there’s strict rules and sometimes, hard as it is, you have to accept the decision, BUT if you think any consultant would write on his behalf and support his application then appeal again.
I can’t tell you how valuable that letter was, because he is a specialist in the area his opinion over rode the opinion of capita.
I’m sorry for your son, I had to sit and watch my son break his heart when he was declared PMU. It’s awful and we refused to give up without a fight.

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