Does anyone know anything about the appeals process?

[Nikita]

Evening,

Sorry to bother you all but im sorry to report that earlier this evening i was turned away from my RAF Medical after being told i wasnt eligable for entry due to a minor (and i really do mean minor) bout of depression that happend 9 years ago.

I was honest in my medical and my own GP who sent a report to the examiner did get some facts wrong (of which i viewed and corrected via numerous letters prior to submission).

I've been trying seriously to join the RAF for about 18months now but along the path things kept preventing me from progressing now only to be told there is a very high posibility that i will never be able to join :'(

I appreciate that due to cutbacks they can be picky about who they accept but i intend to appeal against the decision as this is what i want for my life, everyone who knows me knows what this means to me and how hard ive worked to get to this point.

The examiner said he would have had no problem passing me as in his personal and professional view everything checks out and he could see that i was a strong willed person, but due to protocol he had to say no.

My question is, who knows what the process is, what are my chances of a successful appeal and does anyone have any tips on how to succeed? I need as much help as i can get and i really hope i can get my chance to stand before a board at Cranwell and plead my case.

Thank you

 

[True Blue Jack]

Your AFCO will be able to tell you how to appeal; essentially, you write a letter with supporting evidence to the Occupational Medicine people at Cranwell. I'm afraid I don't know what your chances of success might be, ultimately the decision is theirs to make, but it can't hurt to try. Good luck!

 

[Nikita]

Thank you, i've thought about starting to write a letter now while things are fresh in my mind and the anger is there to fuel me (i write at my best in anger). Then adapt it when the time comes.

Hopefully i will find out more tomorrow but if anyone else has any tips etc please feel free to add

 

[gemarriott]

Thank you, i've thought about starting to write a letter now while things are fresh in my mind and the anger is there to fuel me (i write at my best in anger). Then adapt it when the time comes.

Hopefully i will find out more tomorrow but if anyone else has any tips etc please feel free to add

Just make sure you tell the total truth and not what you think they want to hear and for god's sake don't hit the send button whilst you are still angry!

Oh and try not to get down about itDT_Xtremez_42:

 

[Taffd]

You cannot appeal a rule, or a standard.

You would have to be able to prove that the relevant diagnosis on your medical docs, was in fact, a misdiagnosis.

In other words, you didn't have the condition that bars you.

 

[Nikita]

gemarriott - indeed, i see no reason to lie, theyd only catch me out if i did so i have nothing to gain from it. I am awaiting a letter to be sent to me, hopefully that will outline the appeals process so i wont be sending anything yet. My anger will subside no doubt by then.

Taffd - thank you for your input. I would have to say that there is either room for negotiation or the rules have changed recently as during the time i was depressed i had a friend who was also suffering depression and in a worse condition than i, he was on stronger meds (especially as i never even took mine) yet he has since joined the RAF (currently serving). That is what makes this decision all the more shocking for me.

Thank you anyway guys, much appreciated

 

[penfold93]

As has been said by previous posters there are set medical standards that have to be met to allow entry into the RAF. It is very very rare that exceptions are made to these because once you have been accepted then you become the RAF's responsibility. That means the RAF pay loads of dosh to train you and then you have a relapse and you become non-effective the RAF lose an asset and in these austere timesthen it is something that they can ill afford. I have a few professionally qualified civvie friends who have also been stopped from joining for very 'minor' medical issues.

There is a big focus on mental health issues in the military which is a welcome change as no more than 10 years ago it was seen as something of a 'dark art' but now gets the recognition and support it needs, however, that has also raised the profile of mental health into the sphere of recruitment.

I am not saying that you should not appeal, but be prepared for disappointment. The example of your friend doesnt help but they may have not been honest on their application or the guidelines may have changed since their joining date.

Good luck with whichever course you take and apologies for the slightly negative slant but I would be lying if i said anything different

 

[Tango]

Hiya, I had a problem with suspected nerve damage, but all I had to do was see my GP and he referred me to a specialist for reassessment and I got the all clear. After that they were more than happy to have me continue the application. Not quite depression, but I hope this helps.

 

[Nikita]

Thank you Tango. So were you turned down at Medical and go for further assessments due to an appeal? Im not sure whether to go see my own GP off my own back or not about this, maybe that is how i can get my new supporting evidence???

 

[Tango]

Nope, I sorted all that before I started the process. It was quick however, took only two weeks from GP to specialist. I have no idea what it'll be like for an appeal after rejection at medical, sorry!