Coast Guard Disqualifying Medical Conditions
The U.S. Coast Guard follows the same guidelines as the other military branches.
MEPS is managed by the Department of Defense with the same temporary and permanent disqualifications.
Once again, speak to a recruiter if you have any of the following:
However, the Coast Guard is starting to apply more waivers to anxiety and depression than in the past.
Regardless, its still very difficult to receive a waiver for more serious mental health problems.
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How Does The Government Collect What You Owe
In most cases, the VA will not ask for the money back. They will simply withhold your future payments until they have collected the funds you owe. So if you had a standard year with 63 paid days, the VA would withhold your future earnings at a rate equal to 63 days of compensation pay. This equals just a little more than two months, so you can expect to miss those payments after you submit your form. Be sure to verify the total number of paid military days you had in the previous year so you will know how long you will be without your disability compensation payments. You will want this information so you can work it into your budget and dont cause yourself any financial hardship!
Mental Health And The Military
It can be difficult to talk about mental health conditions due to the stigma surrounding them, as well as the number of people who come to incorrect and harmful conclusions about certain mental illnesses. However, these issues have increasingly become part of our discussion about overall health and wellness. According to the team from the National Alliance on Mental Illness , one out of five adults in the United States experiences some kind of mental illness during their lifetime for one in 20 adults, its a serious condition.
At a basic level, having dealt with any kind of mental health issue may prevent you from being able to enlist. However, there are a set of qualifiers and conditions that can change things, depending on your situation. If youre considering joining the Army and youve dealt with some sort of mental health condition, its important to be aware of your chances and what you may need to provide for consideration.
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Common Problems For Service Members And Veterans With Ptsd
Alcohol or drug use: Many service members and veterans with PTSD use nonprescription drugs or drink alcohol to try not to think about what happened to them. Some people drink to help themselves sleep or because they think it will help them avoid nightmares. Although drinking sometimes helps people fall asleep, it actually makes it more likely they will wake up during the night, makes it harder to stay asleep, and can increase flashbacks and nightmares. Using drugs and alcohol can also increase anger, create problems at work and home, and result in many other health problems. Alcohol may seem to work in the short term, but it causes even more problems in the long term.
Relationship problems / not being close to others: The symptoms of PTSD can get in the way of important relationships. Marital problems and divorce are common for people who have PTSD. They can have a hard time talking with others about what theyve gone through or what theyre experiencing. Some people with PTSD think others wont understand or be able to love them if they know some of the things theyve done during combat or deployments. People who have PTSD often worry that they arent good parents. They may have a hard time feeling love or closeness to other people.
Depression: Avoidance is a symptom of PTSD that keeps people from doing things that they used to enjoy. The result of avoidance can be depression as they stop spending time with other people or doing things that used to be meaningful or fun.
Can You Take Antidepressants In The Military
In the past, the military has disqualified just about any medication related to mental health.
However, the current policy is a little different.
It generally disqualifies anyone that is or has taken medication for mental illness in the last year.
If its been more than a year you may receive a waiver but the military will need to examine your medical records and speak to your physician.
The rules apply to medications like Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Wellbutrin.
However, that doesnt stop the military from reportedly prescribing antidepressants to a surprisingly high number of active-duty soldiers.
Its worth pointing out that some people advise not mentioning any previous mental health diagnoses or medications to a recruiter, as well as MEPS.
The decision is up to you, but some strongly believe that what isnt known doesnt hurt anyone.
However, the military has ways of finding out if the mental health condition is on your medical records.
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Poor Performance On Entrance Exams
Though each branch has different cutoffs, low scores on the ASVAB and a poor academic or work record can also raise red flags for recruitment and MEPS personnel. Even the applicants preferred career in the desired branch can impact waiver decisions. Its important to note that there are no accommodations for the ASVAB.
Beginning The Medical Exam Process
The process starts when you complete the medical pre-screening form at the recruiterâs office. The recruiter sends this up to MEPS, asking for a medical examination appointment. Now, MEPS does not belong to any particular branch of service. Itâs whatâs known as a joint command and operates independently from all service branches.
A doctor at MEPS reviews the form. If there are any potentially disqualifying medical conditions listed, MEPS may contact the recruiter to ensure you bring a copy of your civilian medical records relevant to the condition with you to the examination.
Sometimes the doctor doing the review will determine you have a medical condition that is disqualifying with little or no chance of a waiver. In such cases, MEPS may disqualify you on the spot and refuse to do the medical examination. If this happens, your journey into military service has ended. There is no appeal to this decision. It is technically possible for the recruiting commander of the service youâre trying to join to go over MEPS to request a medical waiver from their medical command, but this is rare.
Once your medical examination is complete, you are determined to be either âmedical qualified for military service,â or âmedically disqualified for military service,â according to the medical standards set by DoD.
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In Remembrance: Special Agent Ronald Shurer Medal Of Honor Recipient Former Green Beret
I think everyone would benefit from finding some way to serve at some level whether it’s the military, law enforcement or just helping out in their communities. Everyone should be a part of something bigger than themselves. I’ve been fortunate to find that service in the military, and now the Secret Service.” – Special Agent Ronald Shurer, II
What Is Schizoaffective Disorder
Depending on the severity of their symptoms, as well as whether theyre deployed, in combat, or on reserve, they may be discharged if they admit theyre dealing with a mental health problem. Because of this risk, many people stay tight-lipped, Stahl says, explaining, The closest thing theyll complain about is insomnia and overstimulation.
At the very least, being diagnosed with PTSD may prevent a service member from being promoted, Stahl says. Promotions are considered to be more stressful and more responsibility, and if you are cracked and at a lower level, why would they advance you? Its the kind of question thats in the air, if unspoken, Stahl says.
But the way the military views PTSD is changing. Within the past 10 years, its leadership has made headway in trying to destigmatize PTSD, Stahl says. I do think it has gotten the attention of the leadership, and there are some notable leaders that have even admitted to their own PTSD and others who are supportive of destigmatizing, he explains.
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Can You Join The Marines If You Have Autism
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most selective branches of the military as far as recruitment is concerned.
In addition, the fact that the Marines is the second smallest branch of the military branch after the Coast Guard further makes it harder for aspiring recruits to join.
Therefore, you might face an uphill task trying to join the Marines if you have autism or any other medical condition.
What is more discouraging is that waivers are hard to come by in the Marines.
This is because recruiters in the Marines normally regard applying for waivers as a professional risk, especially if it involves handling a case of autism or any other medical disorder.
For this reason, they might not process or approve your request unless there is a shortfall that the Corps is trying to overcome. In the unlikely event that you get a waiver, you may have to serve in a special reserve unit rather than active units.
How Long Do You Have To Be Off Adhd Medication To Join The Military
Recruiters generally tell applicants that they must be off medication for a considerable length of time by far the most important measure to take and show that they are able to function properly while off medication prior to starting the enlistment process and to be considered for a waiver.
The time frame required to be off medication differs across the branches and even among recruiters within the same branch. Some also recommend different approaches to demonstrating proper functioning without medication.
In the Army, Navy, and Marines in particular, recruiters largely advise applicants with ADHD to be off any and all stimulant or nonstimulant medications for at least one year.
Some recruiters, notably within the Air Force, tell applicants they must be off medication for 15 months or more . The Coast Guard which represents just 3 percent of active armed forces members is widely considered to be the most difficult branch to successfully petition for an ADHD waiver.
The time spent off medication should be noted by a doctor in the applicants medical and pharmacy records, and handed in as part of the waiver process. The records should also describe the applicants ADHD history, diagnosis, treatment, and stability while off medication.
Apart from medical documentation, recruiters may also recommend that applicants submit transcripts and letters of recommendation to showcase evidence of successful academic and work performance while off medication.
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I Used To Take Drugs Can I Still Join
If you have a history of drug dependence, you will need to provide evidence that you have abstained from the use of these drugs for at least the last 3 years prior to joining the Army.A history of occasional use of recreational drugs won’t stop you from joining, but you must stop using any such drugs before you join.
After joining the Army, you must not use recreational drugs. The Army carries out random, compulsory drugs testing, and you can expect to be tested while you’re in training. If you fail any of the tests, you’re very likely be discharged.
Helping A Veteran With Ptsd
When a loved one returns from military service with PTSD, it can take a heavy toll on your relationship and family life. You may have to take on a bigger share of household tasks, deal with the frustration of a loved one who won’t open up, or even deal with anger or other disturbing behavior.
Don’t take the symptoms of PTSD personally. If your loved one seems distant, irritable, angry, or closed off, remember that this may not have anything to do with you or your relationship.
Don’t pressure your loved one into talking. Many veterans with PTSD find it difficult to talk about their experiences. Never try to force your loved one to open up but let them know that you’re there if they want to talk. It’s your understanding that provides comfort, not anything you say.
Be patient and understanding. Feeling better takes time so be patient with the pace of recovery. Offer support but don’t try to direct your loved one.
Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers such as certain sounds, sights, or smells. If you are aware of what causes an upsetting reaction, you’ll be in a better position to help your loved one calm down.
Take care of yourself. Letting your loved one’s PTSD dominate your life while ignoring your own needs is a surefire recipe for burnout. Make time for yourself and learn to manage stress. The more calm, relaxed, and focused you are, the better you’ll be able to help your loved one.
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Why Does It Matter
Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally.Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don’t affect your everyday life, can mean that you’re not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.
You will be sent forms asking about your medical history once you’ve submitted your application.
The medical team assess everyone individually, and make their decisions based on their professional opinion in keeping with prescribed army standards. These standards and guidelines are reviewed and amended regularly.
Are There Individuals In The Army With Depression History
The answer to this question will be no! Thats what many people would say. And why should they? The U.S. Army is well-organized and also viewed as one of the best in the entire world. Their level of professionalism second to none! They set the standard for others to follow.
However, I would like to state that statistics show that most enlistees have bent the rules in their favor. What I mean is that there are people who are in the U.S. Army with a depression history.
Most of them entered with the condition, while some developed it while in service. Now the big question is it right to disobey the rules that stipulate that people with a specific mental health condition arent qualified?
The answer is, no! Rules are meant to be obeyed. Those who are circumventing the rules need to understand that theres punishment for such offenses.
Having mental health challenges like depression and enlisting in the army can dent your reputation. It can also make it difficult to gain promotion to another level, which is something everyone in the military craves.
The army prohibits individuals with mental health conditions or disorders from joining the force. However, research data indicates many persons have been skirting these rules in the past.
A study conducted and shared in JAMA Psychiatry, in 2014, shows that 25 percent of non-deployed military members have got some form of mental health issues. The disorder in question ranged from ADHD , panic disorder, and even depression.
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What Can I Do If I Am Found To Be Ineligible To Join The Army
In many cases, ineligibility means you will not be able to join in the Army or other military branches. However, in some circumstances the Army will provide waivers to help ensure potential recruits are able to join and serve. For questions about specific Army waivers and your potential eligibility, talk to a local recruiter to learn more about available options.
Significant food or other allergies are a limiting factor to entry.
Coeliac disease
While coeliac disease is manageable day-to-day within New Zealand, in certain situations there may be limited dietary options for a prolonged period. In such situations there is a risk of complications ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to nutritional deficiency. This has potential implications not only for the individual, but also those around them. The Defence Force has an obligation to minimise risk to the individual and the organisation wherever possible, and accordingly if you have coeliac disease you may not be admitted entry to the Defence Force.
Can You Join The Air Force If You Have Autism
Joining the Air Force might be a little bit tougher for applicants who have autism. The main reason behind this is that the Air Force requires higher entry test scores than most of the other branches.
In addition, you must have excellent social and communication skills to join the Air Force. The cold truth is that these skills are often rare in people with autism.
Nevertheless, the Air Force may allow you in if you can prove that you have outlived the condition over the years and that autism is not a hindrance in your daily life.
In addition, you must not be under any medications for at least one year before submitting your application.
However, that is not all the Air Force may only enlist you if you have a special skill set that is urgently required.
It will also depend on whether they need more personnel or not. If the former is true, then you are likely to get a waiver if your condition does not display significant symptoms that may hamper operations.
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Can I Get Educational And Career Counseling Through Va
You may be able to get free educational and career counseling through the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance program if you meet one of these requirements.
One of these must be true:
- Youre leaving active service soon, or
- You have been discharged within the past year, or
- Youre a Veteran or dependent who is eligible for VA education benefits