Can I join the Army with a medical background of having been sent to the hospital for schizophrenia as a child?

2019-02-07T22:35:47-05:00

I am hoping to join the army reserves this year. I am 17 but i dont kniw if my medical history would affect the process. When i was 9 or 10 i lied to my mom about having imaginary friends for really no reason at all and she of course panicked and took me to the hospital for it. My dad quickly realized that it wasnt the truth, now both parents know that i was never schitsophrenic at any point in my life. But i dont know if i can join because of my medical history??

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-02-07T22:49:10-05:00

Jenna Long The link below provides some medical guidelines. I would have your parents help you with gathering and reviewing your medical records. If you decide to talk to a recruiter, make sure that you are honest with all verbal or written statements.

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html

Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military

These standards generally apply to all branches of the military. None of them are automatic disqualifiers, just red flags.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 6:24 AM

2019-02-08T06:24:39-05:00

I understand schizophrenia to be rare in children that age. So you can probably assume your medical records, once you get them, would come back fine. Be straight forward with the recruiter in the process. Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2019 10:13 AM

2019-02-08T10:13:05-05:00

Were you actually diagnosed with a disorder, or just tested for it? There is a large difference. Be 100% truthful with your recruiter. If is happen like you said it did, there may not even be anything more that a check up listed on your medical records.

I would also suggest you pull your records from your doctor before you talk to the recruiter, this way you can get everything out front.

Best of luck!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-02-09T23:24:23-05:00

Working at MEPS, you’ll have to fill out a medical background information sheet with your recruiter. The ration behind doing that first is that the physican can pre screen your medical packet without wasting your time by going through the medical physical process at meps. It takes about two weeks to get an answer back. Generally certain normally disqualifying medical conditions expire after 5 years of no longer receiving treatment. So you may have a chance as long as your lasts treatment is over 5 years ago.

Don’t take google researched responses as law. It’s entirely up to the MEPS guidelines and the physician discretion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 11:42 PM

2019-02-14T23:42:55-05:00

Ma’am, I am an army medical officer (PA) and this issue will be determined by two things: a US Army regulation 40-501 and a consult with a medical health professional. Please understand that there are many different areas where you can serve your country. No one has to or is entitled to serve by nature of an inalienable gift. We are all in the service of the nation and fit the roles that are determined by policy and regulation. There are specific guidelines about who is medically eligible to serve and those who are not. I would encourage you to be completely honest and supply all medical records. The punishment for fraudulent enlistment or commission is a felony conviction and has serious fines and jail time associated (over a hundred thousand dollars and several years in jail). Again there are many ways to serve your country and community. That being said: you can report to a recruiter, supply all medical records, obtain and supply a Civilain psychiatric consult. If the military has questions about your eligibility they will send you to a military psychiatrist or provider and do a “consult”. Basically they need to do their due diligence and make sure you are eligible to serve based on your mental and physical health. Approach this with an open mind, full disclosure and trust the process.