Is Attention Deficit Disorder a disqualifier for 153A?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:08:00 -0400

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.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Oct 30 at 2017 12:10 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:10:28 -0400

You will likely have to consult an Aviation Doctor especially if there is medication associated with your treatment.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Oct 30 at 2017 12:18 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:18:43 -0400

AR 40-501, is a good place to start.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Oct 30 at 2017 12:21 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:21:11 -0400

Also talk with the career counselor they are a great source.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Oct 30 at 2017 12:22 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:22:13 -0400

http://www.armyreenlistment.com

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ArmyReenlistment was created to educate Soldiers, Leaders and Army families on the Army's Retention Program (Reenlistment Options, incentives, retention bonuses, Reclassification In/Out Call, Career Counseling, etc), current MILPER Messages, special/broadening assignment opportunities, and the Soldier for Life (SFL) Program.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made Oct 30 at 2017 12:46 PM

CPT Nicholas D. — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:46:23 -0400

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.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2017 2:08 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:08:09 -0400

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!