Posted on Dec 15, 2018
Waiver denied for USMC. Is it really possible to try again or should I look towards the Army?
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Update: Called an Army recruiting center. I was told that unless I get my depression diagnosis overturned, theyll most likely deny me as well and they just dealt with something similar recently. So im pretty much doomed... Really thought I left my shit in 2012....
Warning: I tend to add detail, so this is sorta long. My apologies, but I like to provide any necessary details to give any answers an idea and prevent questions that could've been answered had I not been lazy and just given some details.
So I tried to enlist in the Marines and was, sadly, denied. Apparently, and this was news to me, I am diagnosed with clinical depression and had been since 2012. Now there's a lot to my diagnosis, but the gist of it is: It makes no since, I've never been medicated, and according to all the therapists notes (sent to BUMED) I've never once come in seeming/feeling depressed or suicidal.
Now with that in mind, my recruiter suggested I could go Army or wait a couple yrs. Since I'm more set on the Marines, I am willing to wait. But I am concerned on if it's worth it or possible. I was denied due to a diagnosis I didn't know I had and been fine. How do I "improve" on it in a few years when I was already behaving normally? I have no self-harm scars or history, no drug use, no medications to kick (or using as is), no drinking, no criminal background, not even a speeding ticket, and I don't even smoke. How could I possible do better than I already am? All I can do is get my associates, I guess. But given I was denied for a surprise diagnosis (it literally stated the depression was why), I am discouraged on even trying. Im also concerned on if it's even possible since I was denied by BUMED, and after eight days since being approved by MEPS.
Now if it IS possible, my biggest challenge is obviously this diagnosis. I am seeing a different therapist to get to the bottom of why I'm still diagnosed with something I genuinely didn't know I had, felt I had, or thought about whatsoever. It's mostly to get an updated psych evaluation and assessment. But other than that, is there really ANYTHING I can do to sort of "prove" to BUMED that I'm fine?
And if it isn't possible, then I can peacefully know I tried and find a way to get rid of this diagnosis regardless. I refuse to be latched with a diagnosis that has such a low impact on my life that I didn't even know was there. I admit it did when I was 15, but I'm damn near 22 and obviously changed/removed those stressors.
Warning: I tend to add detail, so this is sorta long. My apologies, but I like to provide any necessary details to give any answers an idea and prevent questions that could've been answered had I not been lazy and just given some details.
So I tried to enlist in the Marines and was, sadly, denied. Apparently, and this was news to me, I am diagnosed with clinical depression and had been since 2012. Now there's a lot to my diagnosis, but the gist of it is: It makes no since, I've never been medicated, and according to all the therapists notes (sent to BUMED) I've never once come in seeming/feeling depressed or suicidal.
Now with that in mind, my recruiter suggested I could go Army or wait a couple yrs. Since I'm more set on the Marines, I am willing to wait. But I am concerned on if it's worth it or possible. I was denied due to a diagnosis I didn't know I had and been fine. How do I "improve" on it in a few years when I was already behaving normally? I have no self-harm scars or history, no drug use, no medications to kick (or using as is), no drinking, no criminal background, not even a speeding ticket, and I don't even smoke. How could I possible do better than I already am? All I can do is get my associates, I guess. But given I was denied for a surprise diagnosis (it literally stated the depression was why), I am discouraged on even trying. Im also concerned on if it's even possible since I was denied by BUMED, and after eight days since being approved by MEPS.
Now if it IS possible, my biggest challenge is obviously this diagnosis. I am seeing a different therapist to get to the bottom of why I'm still diagnosed with something I genuinely didn't know I had, felt I had, or thought about whatsoever. It's mostly to get an updated psych evaluation and assessment. But other than that, is there really ANYTHING I can do to sort of "prove" to BUMED that I'm fine?
And if it isn't possible, then I can peacefully know I tried and find a way to get rid of this diagnosis regardless. I refuse to be latched with a diagnosis that has such a low impact on my life that I didn't even know was there. I admit it did when I was 15, but I'm damn near 22 and obviously changed/removed those stressors.
Waivers
Marines
RE Code
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 14
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Christian King your biggest obstacle is the diagnosis. If you were prescribed meds and I did not see that mentioned and your parents filled them....regardless if you took them or not you have a pre-existing condition that is very hard to waive. You would have to have another doc over turn the original diagnosis. I dont have the accession reg in front of me to quote it, but having this before you come in is a steep road to climb. Have you spoke with any other service recruiters? The limitation for the military is accepting a person that will more than likely require treatment for life as well as being a non deployable asset. Without seeing how you were rated or dis qual'd, I can only guess. The AF will not take you of that I am sure. The Army however is p in niches for bodies and may waive it. I have read the Marines and Navy are following AF lead. I wish you luck and wish I had better news. Again try an Army recruiter and maybe you can cross over later. Thanks for calling this to my attention LTC (Join to see)
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LTC (Join to see)
Marty, thank you for responding quickly. I just figured anybody that I knew that had some military experience on the medical side. I didn't have any recruiters at tip of my tongue but you being medical have more intimate knowledge of the regulation. Thank you very much!
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MAJ Rene De La Rosa
There was an ALARACT published last year that said that depression and anxiety could be cleared up with psychiatrist documentation of treatment. That did change because they were concerned about allowing cutting behavior and other suspicious behavioral diagnoses being allowed into the Army.
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Maj Marty Hogan
MAJ Rene De La Rosa these change so fast anymore if you are not current in the reg you missed it. I know out current cases with ADHD and minor depression can be waived permanently after the original waiver process is accomplished. But accessioms are totally different.
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Christian King
While I dont want to do this, as I see it as time wasting, might be my only option as of now. Really frustrating to deal with this. The only branches I had intense interest in were Marines and Navy but guess Im fucked over there.
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You need to find out who diagnosed you. Was it a psychiatrist or psychologist? If a pediatrician or general practitioner it may be easier to get the diagnosis expunged . What age etc. were you diagnosed? You have a right to your medical records. Then start action to get diagnose removed if appropriate. Not sure how this works for military enlistment but the diagnosis can affect you going forward in the civilian world also.
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Christian King
Im hoping this diagnosis doesnt. Its only just words now, I could use less of a barrier in life. But im not sure who diagnosed me. I was 15 or 14 when I was diagnosed at first and most of my life between 13-16 I dont remember. Lots of moving and stress, constant tension to say the least.
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PO3 Jake Lucid
Absolutely sound advice, sir. Always challenge inaccuracies or misrepresentations in medical records...many time a GP or peds doc overstep their boundaries a bit and inadvertently hamstring folks.
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