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RAF Medical History

I have applied to the RAF and have my P2 in a couple of weeks. One of the forms I have to bring with me requires that I state wether or not I have been diagnosed with migraines previously. About 2 months ago I was referred to the acute eye unit at hospital as I had a minor issue. The doctor that saw me couldn't work out what the issue was and simply recorded it as a possible ocular migraine although she said it probably isn't that. Doing some digging on the internet I found that any history of an ocular migraine disqualifies me as an applicant. So what do I do? Since it wasn't technically a migraine do I not tick the migraine box on my P2 form? Then when they inevitably read my history at the medical and see this surely they'll disqualify me even though I've never had the disqualifying issue. The last thing I want to do is lie on my application but it seems it's going to be a lie either way.
Original post by Sixtoes
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I'd ask to pause/stop your application now, because of a change in circumstances. Then go back to the Drs and try and get that diagnosis reclassified or reworded IF they think they can, pointing out the implications on your career even having the words there.

Then, if you get it cleared, reapply.

It's too recent a situation for the Service medics not to be very cautious. And it's much harder to get a Service medic to change opinion/interpretation of a medical record than to stop, talk to a civvy medic, then reapply.
Reply 2
Original post by threeportdrift
I'd ask to pause/stop your application now, because of a change in circumstances. Then go back to the Drs and try and get that diagnosis reclassified or reworded IF they think they can, pointing out the implications on your career even having the words there.

Then, if you get it cleared, reapply.

It's too recent a situation for the Service medics not to be very cautious. And it's much harder to get a Service medic to change opinion/interpretation of a medical record than to stop, talk to a civvy medic, then reapply.


I've already submitted a request in writing to my gp to have it altered so hopefully it should if possible be sorted by the time my medical comes around however that leaves me wondering what to write on this P2 form since it doesn't ask for ocular migraines specifically.
Original post by Sixtoes
I've already submitted a request in writing to my gp to have it altered so hopefully it should if possible be sorted by the time my medical comes around however that leaves me wondering what to write on this P2 form since it doesn't ask for ocular migraines specifically.


You need to stall and get the medical issue sorted first. Writing to your GP is unlikely to help, they won't go against a specialist who has seen you.
Reply 4
Original post by threeportdrift
You need to stall and get the medical issue sorted first. Writing to your GP is unlikely to help, they won't go against a specialist who has seen you.

I've been in contact with the specialist who saw me and they have said that they cannot change it. The only advice they can give is to contact the raf and see if it is going to be an issue. Do the medical teams take your medical history with a pinch of salt or is it all black and white with reference to any past diagnosis?
Original post by Sixtoes
I've been in contact with the specialist who saw me and they have said that they cannot change it. The only advice they can give is to contact the raf and see if it is going to be an issue. Do the medical teams take your medical history with a pinch of salt or is it all black and white with reference to any past diagnosis?


No pinch of salt I'm afraid. Don't get your hopes up.
Reply 6
Original post by threeportdrift
No pinch of salt I'm afraid. Don't get your hopes up.


Not to worry, best start investigating plan B.
Original post by Sixtoes
Not to worry, best start investigating plan B.


Well, I wouldn't give up altogether, maybe an ocular migraine doesn't fall into the same category as a normal migraine and it will be fine. But they do take past medical history seriously, that's why they ask for it, and anything recent is taken more seriously than maybe a childhood issue.
Reply 8
Original post by threeportdrift
Well, I wouldn't give up altogether, maybe an ocular migraine doesn't fall into the same category as a normal migraine and it will be fine. But they do take past medical history seriously, that's why they ask for it, and anything recent is taken more seriously than maybe a childhood issue.

Unfortunately it's right here saying I can't https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/media/2276/20170404-medical-conditions-that-preclude-entry-raf.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj15tyx8NXZAhVdF8AKHdKWCOwQFjABegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw1VvS8S-LbPHTdfNDQw7gXE
Unless the doctor changes their mind I don't see this being a successful application!


No, it's going to take some negotiation if the specialist isn't prepared to shift. Bad luck.
Reply 10
Original post by threeportdrift
No, it's going to take some negotiation if the specialist isn't prepared to shift. Bad luck.

I shall continue my application and plead my case to the medical board. However if they say no then they say no. When people ask how my application is going i can keep referring to it as "up in the air" if you pardon the pun.
Original post by Sixtoes
I shall continue my application and plead my case to the medical board. However if they say no then they say no. When people ask how my application is going i can keep referring to it as "up in the air" if you pardon the pun.


Still worth applying for sure if this is something you really want to do. At least you'll know for sure and wont be something that 'could have been' for the rest of your life.

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