Posted on Oct 30, 2017
Is Attention Deficit Disorder a disqualifier for 153A?
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Although it had never been an issue, I was diagnosed earlier this year (7 months ago) with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). With my focus now on becoming a Rotary Wing Aviator, I am unsure as to whether my diagnosis (possible misdiagnosis) will hinder my chances or disqualify me as a whole. Army Regulation 40-501 mentions ADD in Chapter 2-Physical Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, and Induction paragraph 2-27, but not in Chapter 4-Medical Fitness Standards for Flying Duty. Question: Is Attention Deficit Disorder a disqualifier for 153A?
Update 20190711: Required a 1-year wait from psychotropic medication (Adderall) turn in prior to 2 separate clinical evaluations conducted by Neuropsychologists. I received my fully qualified stamp from Fort Rucker on 20190710. Thank you to all who answered.
Update 20190711: Required a 1-year wait from psychotropic medication (Adderall) turn in prior to 2 separate clinical evaluations conducted by Neuropsychologists. I received my fully qualified stamp from Fort Rucker on 20190710. Thank you to all who answered.
153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Warrant Officers
Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS)
Mental Health
61N: Flight Surgeon
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 6
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AR 40-501 states that (ADD) does not meet the standard unless “the applicant can demonstrate passing academic performance and there has been no use of medication(s) in the previous 12 months.”
The US Army Aeromedical Policy Letters and Technical Bulletins states that ADHD is “disqualifying. Exceptions to policy are sometimes granted for initial flight applicants.” Adolescent learning disorders (which includes Attention Deficit) can be given an exception to policy of medications are not used and behavioral characteristics “do not hinder flight performance or flight safety.”
Long story short, a medical diagnosis from an Army Doc annotated on a FDME may require a waiver. Best of luck!
The US Army Aeromedical Policy Letters and Technical Bulletins can be found on the AMEDD website.
The US Army Aeromedical Policy Letters and Technical Bulletins states that ADHD is “disqualifying. Exceptions to policy are sometimes granted for initial flight applicants.” Adolescent learning disorders (which includes Attention Deficit) can be given an exception to policy of medications are not used and behavioral characteristics “do not hinder flight performance or flight safety.”
Long story short, a medical diagnosis from an Army Doc annotated on a FDME may require a waiver. Best of luck!
The US Army Aeromedical Policy Letters and Technical Bulletins can be found on the AMEDD website.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you for informing me where I can find the US Army Aeromedical Policy Letters and Technical Bulletins, Sir. I will definitely read over them.
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Short answer is yes, but you can get a waiver for it.
There's almost a waiver for everything (within reason). I got a waiver for my eyes, and vertigo (which was [mis]diagnosed from my first Iraq deployment, and is a huge deal in aviation) so I think you'll be alright with trying to get one for ADD.
Check the above comments too, as others have cited the regulation.
Hope that helps!
There's almost a waiver for everything (within reason). I got a waiver for my eyes, and vertigo (which was [mis]diagnosed from my first Iraq deployment, and is a huge deal in aviation) so I think you'll be alright with trying to get one for ADD.
Check the above comments too, as others have cited the regulation.
Hope that helps!
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SFC (Join to see)
Great, your experience of managing to receive a waiver due to vertigo has motivated me that much more to fight this misdiagnosis and continue with the process.
I appreciate your response, Chief!
I appreciate your response, Chief!
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SFC (Join to see)
As I've mentioned above I've reviewed AR 40-501, but was in need of bit more clarification since it did not mention anything [about ADD] in Chapter 4-Medical Fitness Standards for Flying Duty. I had not thought about speaking with my career counselor, that is something I will now do. Thanks for your response, SFC.
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