Question by Hexagon Sun: Will the US Army disqualify me for a “history of depression” that was found during family therapy?
Ok. Here’s what’s happened. My recruiter forgot to mention that I did not have to disclose any psychiatric counseling I have undergone if it was strictly for family issues, and naturally I told them about it (fraudulent enlistment is frightening). At MEPS, I was “permanently disqualified” for a “history of depression” found in the family therapy records (the family therapy lasted for 6 months and 6 days). My recruiter then (I assume) applied for a waiver because within two weeks I was back at MEPS to undergo a Psychiatric Consult. The date of this Psych Consult was June 16th. While at MEPS, I took a peek inside my medical folder and the top page said “Permanently disqualified for history of depression” (so why was I back at MEPS for a Psych Consult?).The psychiatrist told me at the end of the consult that he believed I have no significant psychiatric issues that would impair my ability to serve in the armed forces. However, I received a letter from the Medical Officer at the MEPS station claiming I am “permanently disqualified for history of depression” that was typed 2 days after my Psych Consult. My recruiter has yet to receive the “email from the Office of the Surgeon General” that will supposedly be the final word as to whether I am disqualified or not, and has told me everyday for the last week that he will receive the email “tomorrow around noon” (I’m not complaining about him, I understand these things may take some time to process).

Sorry for the novel, but I am confused.
1) Why would I be going for a Psych Consult if my record says I am “permanently disqualified for history of depression”, seeing as my outpatient therapy lasted for more than six months (even though the therapy was not for “depression”, it was for my parents’ divorce)?
2) If they are trying to get a waiver, why would they send me a certified letter stating that I am permanently disqualified? (The letter was from the MEPS station, is the one stating whether or not I will still be disqualified or receive a waiver going to come from somewhere else, my recruiter keeps talking about the “Surgeon General”)
3) Why would they try to get a waiver when my therapy lasted over six months?
4)Should I continue to keep my hopes up that a positive waiver is on the way?

Once again, sorry for the novel. Just trying to be as detailed as possible to get as accurate an answer as possible.

-forgot to mention. my therapist never once mentioned depression to me, only anxiety; i was never prescribed any medication for depression or anxiety (or any psychiatric condition for that matter). AND I scored a 95 overall on the ASVAB (yet I want to be a tanker), do you think that has any weight whatsoever in the waiver? not to mention my grades in High School and College were good and I have never had any legal trouble (or anything else that would result in a disqualification).

Thanks in advance!

Best answer:

Answer by Ed D
The medical consult is only an opinion in support of the waiver. The CO of the MEPS has (effectively) the final say in the matter.

I wouldn’t hold my breath, if I were you.

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