Can You Join The Military With Anxiety

Can You Serve In The Us Military With Mental Illness

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

If you wish to join the U.S. military, be aware that people with current mood disorders or a history of certain mental illnesses cannot serve. The U.S. Department of Defense has a directive which provides a detailed list of the mental health conditions that prevent a person from being in the armed services.

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Good Pay And Benefits

A draw of a career in the military is often the pay and benefits offered. The salary and benefits vary according to the type of military career an individual chooses. Enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses are also awarded to individuals, and all military personnel benefit from free premium-level medical care for themselves and their immediate families. Housing payments are also given to some to cover the cost of housing expenses.

Those who join the military retire on a full final salary pension, with individuals eligible for retirement after 20 years of service. This can see you retire on up to 75% of your final salary.

Those joining the military straight after school who choose to retire, having served their 20 years, do so in their late 30s, an age that is far younger than many other professions. Although it is worth noting that many continue their military career past their initial 20 years of service.

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Condition #11 Learning Disabilities

The U.S. Military does consider learning disabilities when deciding if someone is appropriate for service.

The causes for rejection for enlistment without an approved medical waiver include things like ADHD.

Related Article:Can You Join The Military With ADD/ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disqualifying condition. The exception is if the individual can demonstrate academic performance that is acceptable and has not used any medication in the past 12 months.

The military is currently reexamining its approach for ADHD and has noted recently that it might start assessing circumstances on a case by case basis.

Furthermore, current or a history of academic skills or perceptual defects that are secondary to organic or functional mental disorders and interfere with school or employment are disqualifying.

Once again, individuals may apply for a waiver by providing sufficient academic standing and previous employment performance.

If you have problems focusing, have no motivation to get stuff done, or exhibit typical ADHD symptoms, you might want to check out a product called Mind Lab Pro.

I recently got a chance to test it out, and it actually worked quite well.

to read my full review,

What Can I Do If I Think I Have An Anxiety Disorder

Your close friends and family may be the first to notice that youre having a tough time. Turn to them when you are ready to talk. It can be helpful to share what youre experiencing, and they may be able to provide support and help you find treatment that is right for you. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you will begin to feel better.

Sometimes the worst thing was not knowing if my anxiety was normal, or something that I should get treatment for. I used an online tool to find out and it helped a lot.

You can also explore in-depth information and hear from Veterans and other members of the military who have dealt with anxiety disorders.

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Skin And Cellular Tissues

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Acne, severe or when extensive involvement of the neck, shoulders, chest, or back would be aggravated by or interfere with the wearing of military equipment, and would not be amenable to treatment. Patients under treatment with isotretinoin are medically unacceptable until eight weeks after completion of course of therapy.

b. Atopic dermatitis or eczema, with active or residual lesions in characteristic areas , or documented history thereof after the age of 8.

c. Contact dermatitis, especially involving rubber or other materials used in any type of required protective equipment.

d. Cysts.

Cysts, other than pilonidal, of such a size or location as to interfere with the normal wearing of military equipment.

Pilonidal cysts, if evidenced by the presence of a tumor mass or a discharging sinus. History of pilonidal cystectomy within six months before examination is disqualifying.

e. Dermatitis factitia.

f. Bullous dermatoses, such as Dermatitis Herpetiformis, pemphigus and epidermolysis bullosa.

g. Chronic Lymphedema.

h. Fungus infections, systemic or superficial types, if extensive and not amenable to treatment.

i. Furunculosis, extensive recurrent or chronic.

j. Hyperhidrosis of hands or feet, chronic or severe.

k. Ichthyosis, or other congenital or acquired anomalies of the skin such as nevi or vascular tumors that interfere with function or are exposed to constant irritation.

m. Leprosy, any type.

How Are Schizophrenic Symptoms Classified

VA refers to the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine which mental disorders qualify for disability benefits. This handbook classifies psychiatric disorders in common language and is used by members of the healthcare, legal, and legislative fields.

Schizophrenia can cause cognitive disturbances and may be difficult to diagnose because of the many symptoms it can present. There is no specific test to diagnose it, and doctors must carefully examine all a former servicemembers symptoms to reach a conclusion. A veteran who is diagnosed with schizophrenia might suffer from the following conditions:

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is also an anxiety problem.

The disorder causes persistent mental or emotional stress which is usually a result of some form of trauma.

Unfortunately, PTSD is a common mental illness that gets diagnosed to patients who previously served in the military.

While it is rarer for people to try and join the military with PTSD it is not completely abnormal.

Unfortunately, the military considers PTSD a disqualifying mental health condition.

If youve been diagnosed with PTSD you likely wont receive a waiver.

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Getting Help On Va Disability Claims For Service Connection

If you are a veteran or know of a veteran who is suffering from an anxiety disorder, the good news is that there are help and resources available to receive disability compensation. Click this link for a list of resources provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If your VA claim has been denied for Anxiety or other mental conditions, do not hesitate to contact us!

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If Ive Been Disqualified From One Branch Of The Military Can I Join Another Branch

The Armed Forces use the same disqualifying medical conditions for every military branch.

Therefore, what is disqualifying in the Army is also disqualifying in the Navy.

However, one branch may approve a waiver while another branch may not based on the condition, your role in the military, and other factors.

Its possible to try and enlist in another branch after another denied your military medical waiver.

Once again it primarily depends on the health condition.

For example, someone with Schizophrenia is likely to get denied by every military branch, while another recruit with a small curvature of scoliosis might have better luck the second time around.

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Take The Next Step To Connect With Care

Every day, Veterans from all military service branches and eras connect with proven resources and effective treatments. Heres how to take the next step: the one thats right for you.

Read VA’s latest coronavirus information. If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call before you visit your local medical center or clinic. If you have an appointment, consider making it a telehealth appointment.

New to VA? Apply for health care benefits.

• Getting started is simple. Create a free account online to help ease your enrollment process. To prepare to apply for VA health care in person, by telephone, or by mail, explore VAs How to Apply page.
• Not sure whether you are eligible for VA health care benefits? Read about eligibility for VA health care.
• Unsure of what kind of help you need? Call 1-877-222-VETS to find the right resources to meet your needs, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: .
• Veterans family members and caregivers can see whether they qualify for VA medical benefits as a spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or caregiver. Explore family and caregiver health benefits.

Already enrolled in VA and interested in mental health support? Schedule a mental health appointment.

What about other options at VA? VA offers a variety of tools and resources.

What about support beyond VA?

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Will Meps Find Out If You Lie

Its not the job of the recruiters to get you into the military, and its not the job of the MEPS to disqualify you. It is to make sure that only qualified candidates are enlisted. There are sealed records that can be found in criminal background checks and security clearance investigations. Someone is lying to you if they tell you otherwise.

Can Behavioral Disorders Disqualify You From Joining The Army

What about behavioral disorders. Are they enough to disqualify a person from joining the military? Well, heres something you need to know. History of behavioral disorder in school, and also with any law enforcement agency where dangerous behavior was exhibited to ones self or others is prohibited.

Such conditions can lead to disqualification. What about antisocial behaviors? Well, thats another issue that can disqualify a person from the military. Theres a belief that individuals with these types of behaviors wont adapt to the military service. Of course, they are antisocial and wont get along with other personnel in the military smoothly.

Another behavioral disorder that can disqualify an individual is a personality disorder. This involves the inability to stay calm in school premises, team up with employees or employees, including social groups, can disqualify you.

You cant also be found sleepwalking, particularly after your 13th birthday. Its terrible behavior in the eyes of the military and could lead to disqualification. Again, eating disorder, which includes bulimia, anorexia, and others that have started for more than three months or after ones 14th birthday, can also bring about disqualification. Such individuals are considered unfit to be in the army.

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Can You Join The Military With Adhd

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most restricted health categories when it comes to enlisting for service in the United States military. While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication.

According to the DODs medical standards for enlistment, last updated in 2018, ADHD is considered a disqualifying condition if an applicant:

• Was prescribed medication to treat ADHD in the last two years
• Was recommended or prescribed an IEP or 504 Plan, or work accommodations after age 14
• Has a history of comorbid mental disorders
• Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.

Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist if they meet these points, with the branches Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force typically requiring that applicants be off medication for several months and prove that they can function without it to be considered for a waiver. Each branch, however, seemingly has different standards that applicants have to meet before being able to apply or qualify for a waiver.

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Why Do Recruiters Tell You To Lie At Meps

Its not the job of the recruiters to get you into the military, and its not the job of the MEPS to disqualify you. It is to make sure that only qualified candidates are enlisted. There are sealed records that can be found in criminal background checks and security clearance investigations. Someone is lying to you if they tell you otherwise.

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Navy Disqualifying Medical Conditions

Here are some of the medical conditions that require a waiver to continue and serve in the U.S. Navy.

Some of these conditions make it harder to receive a medical waiver.

Notwithstanding its still possible to receive clearance:

NOTE: The U.S. Navy recently adapted its medical waiver process. You can learn more details about the revised policy, including the opportunity to request a second medical waiver review, here!

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Sample Medical Conditions That Might Stop Or Delay Me Joining

Gastrointestinal problems:

• Chronic abdominal diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Significant history of dyspepsia.

• History of kidney problems such as malfunction of a kidney or kidney stones.
• Recurrent renal colic.

• Structural abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord.
• History of chronic or recurrent back pain.

Blood diseases:

• Disorders resulting in abnormal coagulation.

Bone or joint problems:

• Knee injuries and chronic knee pain.
• History of bone fractures.
• Shoulder problems resulting in functional limitations or restrictions of movement.
• Loss of a limb.
• Chronic joint diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
• Hypermobility syndrome.

• Symptomatic or medication-suppressed abnormal heart rhythms.
• Cardiomyopathy.

• Chronic lung disease such as emphysema, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis.

• Current perforation of ear drum.
• Chronic ear diseases like cholesteatoma.
• Presence of eardrum ‘grommets’.

• Chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, keratoconus and retinitis pigmentosa.
• Damage to the eyelids affecting vision.
• Chronic conjunctivitis.
• Reduction of corrected vision in one eye below army entry standards.

• History of head injury with neurological sequalae.

• History of deliberate self-harm or suicide attempts.

Skin problems:

• An active skin disease like severe eczema or widespread psoriasis.

Other conditions:

Mental Health Conditions That Are Disqualifying In The Military

Nearly 20% of the U.S. population deals with some type of mental illness.

Despite the stigma, mental illness is not uncommon or a personal problem.

These diseases and conditions are very serious and require treatment like any other medical condition.

Serving in the military with mental illness has always been a delicate issue, considering soldiers carry weapons and could put other lives in jeopardy.

The military treats mental health very seriously, considering going into combat or other stressful situations could trigger unwanted symptoms.

However, the Armed Forces have recently adapted and changed some of its previous guidelines regarding mental health disqualifications for military service.

Heres a list of 9 of the most common mental health conditions, and whether or not the condition will disqualify you from military service:

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Can You Join The Army With Depression History

Do you want to know if you can join the army with depression history or retain your position in the military with such a condition? If yes, then you are in the right place. I understand issues regarding depression are tough. But the U.S. Army might not be the best place for people with such challenges, because of the nature of the job. So, lets tackle the question

Can you join the army with depression history?

Heres what you need to know. You must be stable mentally, physically, and otherwise to qualify to join the U.S. army. And having a history of depression can reduce your chances of joining the force. However, there are ways the rules can be in your favor. For instance, if you have a depressive disorder, the only way you can be disqualified is when you had outpatient care for 12 months or inpatient care. You also must be stable and be without treatment from 0 to 36 months to qualify to join the U.S. Army with such a condition.

So, thats it about enlisting in the U.S. Army with issues of depression. You must be sound in every aspect, be it mentally, physically, and otherwise. Read further for more information.