Medical Rejection: How to Appeal? [Merged]

[Ebiebing]

Please forgive this being a slightly stupid question, but I seem to keep finding conflicting answers, and my local recruiter will not give updates on applications. Are you saying that background checks are not completed until medicals have been cleared in Ottawa? I was under the impression my background check was complete, but my medical was delayed due to the eye exam for AF and the extra medical for older recruits (which were a long wait for appointments). I was under the impression my background check had been completed months ago, but I've just received word that my references are being called. By what you've said, that means my medical has just been approved and they're just getting started on my background check? Do applications always proceed in this order? Thanks very much, in advance. It would be nice to have a definitive answer on this!

 

[DAA]

Please forgive this being a slightly stupid question, but I seem to keep finding conflicting answers, and my local recruiter will not give updates on applications. Are you saying that background checks are not completed until medicals have been cleared in Ottawa? I was under the impression my background check was complete, but my medical was delayed due to the eye exam for AF and the extra medical for older recruits (which were a long wait for appointments). I was under the impression my background check had been completed months ago, but I've just received word that my references are being called. By what you've said, that means my medical has just been approved and they're just getting started on my background check? Do applications always proceed in this order? Thanks very much, in advance. It would be nice to have a definitive answer on this!

The processing of background checks can and do vary based on your application and other factors.  The general rule of thumb, is that these checks aren't "normally" started until after the medical has been approved and returned.  Some exceptions to this rule could be associated with an Aircrew Application (ie; Pilot, Air Combat Systems or Aerospace Control), an application where the initial medical screening is recommended for approval prior to forwarding to Ottawa and or in-demand occupations.    It's hard to say without knowing your "exact" circumstances.

 

[Ebiebing]

Thanks very much for your response! You actually gave me more of an answer than you might think-- now I know it isn't always cut and dried the same process. I see by my caller ID that Garda has called me as well, so I guess I can assume that my background check is going on now. I wish there hadn't been a two month wait to get my extra medical and eye exam done now, but at least I know the end/ an answer is in sight after waiting since September. I'll keep all my digits crossed and hope for a good outcome. Thanks again.
Fwiw to the OP, my medical took approx 3-4 weeks from drop off to return, assuming they waited for it to return and then started my background check immediately.

 

[DAA]

Thanks very much for your response! You actually gave me more of an answer than you might think-- now I know it isn't always cut and dried the same process. I see by my caller ID that Garda has called me as well, so I guess I can assume that my background check is going on now. I wish there hadn't been a two month wait to get my extra medical and eye exam done now, but at least I know the end/ an answer is in sight after waiting since September. I'll keep all my digits crossed and hope for a good outcome. Thanks again.
Fwiw to the OP, my medical took approx 3-4 weeks from drop off to return, assuming they waited for it to return and then started my background check immediately.

If Garda is trying to reach you, you should try and call them back as soon as you can!!!  Sometimes, Garda will reach out to the applicant, in cases where they are having trouble reaching one of the references that you have provided.  Failure to do so, will result in a "non-conclusive" background check, in which case your CFRC will have to do this portion, which can take longer than normal.  Good luck!

 

[Ebiebing]

If Garda is trying to reach you, you should try and call them back as soon as you can!!!  Sometimes, Garda will reach out to the applicant, in cases where they are having trouble reaching one of the references that you have provided.  Failure to do so, will result in a "non-conclusive" background check, in which case your CFRC will have to do this portion, which can take longer than normal.  Good luck!

Thanks! They didn't leave a voicemail, but I did call back the main number and I left a message... That was Monday morning and I haven't heard anything back, so I'm not sure if maybe it was a mistake when they called me...? Maybe I'll call again tomorrow. I've only heard from one reference they've contacted so far. Don't want any more delays!

 

[DAA]

Thanks! They didn't leave a voicemail, but I did call back the main number and I left a message... That was Monday morning and I haven't heard anything back, so I'm not sure if maybe it was a mistake when they called me...? Maybe I'll call again tomorrow. I've only heard from one reference they've contacted so far. Don't want any more delays!

Keep calling Garda.  It's to your advantage to do so.   

 

[Ebiebing]

Keep calling Garda.  It's to your advantage to do so.   

Thanks very much  I'll do that. I'm also going to stop into my local CRC to see if I can't get any feeling in person on where things are right now. I appreciate your advice very much-- I just want in so badly.

 

[Trik]

I had my medical and interview at the start of December 2015 and I am still waiting for it to be approved. I applied for crewman and infantry, I have no medical issues and my family has no history of medical issues. I was just wondering why it could be taking so long? I saw a few posts in the application processing samples thread where folks had their medical less than a month ago and have already been approved. Is there anything to do or do I just keep playing the waiting game?

Also my background check went out around the same time and my references have yet to be contacted. I have never left the country so I'm not sure why that is taking so long either.

 

[mariomike]

I had my medical and interview at the start of December 2015 and I am still waiting for it to be approved. I applied for crewman and infantry, I have no medical issues and my family has no history of medical issues. I was just wondering why it could be taking so long? I saw a few posts in the application processing samples thread where folks had their medical less than a month ago and have already been approved. Is there anything to do or do I just keep playing the waiting game?

You may find this discussion of interest,

TIMINGS - ESTIMATED TIMES FOR_______________ 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/81054.0

Also my background check went out around the same time and my references have yet to be contacted. I have never left the country so I'm not sure why that is taking so long either.

From just a few days ago,

question on background check and medical..... 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/121950.0
"i was just wondering how long the medical takes approx. if i habe perfect health... i had had my medical last monday. Another question is i have had my interveiw back on the 21st and i was just wonder how long in approx takes more the background check to be done."

 

[td22]

Hi all,

I'm a recent applicant to the CF. I submitted my paperwork in August 2015, Since then I have completed the CFAT, FORCE exam, interview, and medical. If I remember correctly, my medical information was sent to Ottawa on December 23rd ish and I was informed that a decision would be made on my file come January.

So far, I've had no response. I have emailed to inquire once, and CFRC Vancouver notified me that my file is stuck at the "Awaiting medical approval" stage, along with 25 others from Vancouver alone.

Would anyone here have an idea about how long that would take? I would like a rough estimate so I can plan out next semester's courses/work schedule accordingly.

 

[Loachman]

Welcome to Army.ca.

There are lots of variables, so prediction is rather iffy.

See http://army.ca/forums/threads/13064/post-56130.html#msg56130 - 203 pages and counting.

Most questions have already been asked and answered here before, often many times. A little poking around on the Site prior to posting questions is a good idea and encouraged for many reasons, not the least that you will likely find answers to questions that have not even occurred to you yet.

 

[DAA]

I had my medical and interview at the start of December 2015 and I am still waiting for it to be approved. I applied for crewman and infantry, I have no medical issues and my family has no history of medical issues. I was just wondering why it could be taking so long? I saw a few posts in the application processing samples thread where folks had their medical less than a month ago and have already been approved. Is there anything to do or do I just keep playing the waiting game?

Also my background check went out around the same time and my references have yet to be contacted. I have never left the country so I'm not sure why that is taking so long either.

I believe there is a backlog of medical files pending review, so expect to wait 6-8 weeks if not longer.  Also, the background checks don't "normally" start, until after the medical has been reviewed and the file returned to your CFRC.

 

[DAA]

Hi all,

I'm a recent applicant to the CF. I submitted my paperwork in August 2015, Since then I have completed the CFAT, FORCE exam, interview, and medical. If I remember correctly, my medical information was sent to Ottawa on December 23rd ish and I was informed that a decision would be made on my file come January.

So far, I've had no response. I have emailed to inquire once, and CFRC Vancouver notified me that my file is stuck at the "Awaiting medical approval" stage, along with 25 others from Vancouver alone.

Would anyone here have an idea about how long that would take? I would like a rough estimate so I can plan out next semester's courses/work schedule accordingly.

It's likely that there may be a backlog of medical files pending review at this time.  Expect to wait 6-8 weeks or more before the review is completed and your file returned to your Recruiting Detachment.  Not much happens in December, so don't count that month.

 

[Thomythom3]

Hey guys,

I have applied to the army reserves in my local area but my file has been put on medical hold. I have been told that it is currently under review and could take quite some time ( possibly 160 days). I have no current health issues and I have been told it isn't my hearing or vision. My application went in on February 10Th. Has anyone else had this issue or have any advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mariomike]

my file has been put on medical hold. I have been told that it is currently under review and could take quite some time ( possibly 160 days).

You may find these discussions of interest,

Medical hold 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/117641.0

Medical Test on Hold 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/13762.5;wap2

They put my med test results on hold?
https://army.ca/forums/threads/51043.0

Medical Review Board 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/13453.0
2 pages.

Medical file review
http://army.ca/forums/threads/119915.0

Don't want anymore delays... medical file review question
https://army.ca/forums/threads/121605.0

Medical wait time 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/117529.0

Medical Approval
"I had my medical and interview at the start of December 2015 and I am still waiting for it to be approved."

Finished Medical, How Long Before I'm Contacted?
https://army.ca/forums/threads/122176.0

Medical Approval and Background Check Waiting Times 
http://army.ca/forums/threads/121950.0

Wait times for enrollment medical 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/60230.0
"Is anyone else waiting for his or her medical to come back from Ottawa?"

Medical Waiting Period Info
http://army.ca/forums/threads/102962.0

Many, many  more...

As always,  Recruiting is your most trusted source of information.

 

[Jules Gittens]

I have recently completed my medical and my form was sent to Ottawa. The med tech told me that he told the doctors that because I had a doctors note, the doc may not ask for extra paperwork. My question is what are you guys experiences with medical file reviews?

 

[Loachman]

Merged, and the pointless poll removed.

I'll look at the other links later and possibly merge them.

 

[CombatDoc]

Merged, and the pointless poll removed.

I'll look at the other links later and possibly merge them.

My experiences with medical file reviews are entirely positive, since I was usually the one doing the review.  ;D

In your case, I suggest that you check the links that Mariomike posted or use the search function. Your question has been answered ad nauseum.

 

[timed]

Are medical letters from Ottawa sent to you via postal mail? Why not email, considering it's instantaneous and more secure (Canada post can lose your mail, someone can take it from your mail box, etc.)?

 

[Gunshark]

Are medical letters from Ottawa sent to you via postal mail? Why not email, considering it's instantaneous and more secure (Canada post can lose your mail, someone can take it from your mail box, etc.)?

You aren't sent any medical letters from Ottawa directly. Your medical results are sent from your recruiting centre to Ottawa for review. The approval (hopefully) is then sent from Ottawa back to your recruiting centre, and your recruiting centre lets you know what the next step is.