What are the chances of an ROTC commission, given a psychosis that has been medically treated and stabilized?

2013-12-29T21:40:00-05:00

Hello all, <div><br></div><div>I am a medically retired SSG and am currently going to college. I was medically retired for psychosis (schizophrenia) and am now just finished my re-eval and the prognosis is that I am stabilizing. So my VA disability is being reduced to a 70%. When I retired I wasn't told about COAD and if I was given the option, I would've signed up and continued my service. But that was not the case. A year later, now to be exact, I am stabilizing and have not gotten any relapse since me taking my meds so I am going to my VA appointment and request the start of my recuperation in order to continue back in service. I have seen the recruiters and the chance for going in is that I have to be Airborne qualified or go the 18X route. I did some research and talked with the ROTC POC to see if I'm able to go in the service to be commissioned and I was told that I will need to get a waiver for my disability. </div><div><br></div><div>My question is. What are the chances of me re-enlisting as a Commissioned Officer through ROTC with a psychosis that has been treated and stabilized due to medication treatment? </div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 9:51 PM

2013-12-29T21:51:58-05:00

I am a current recruiter and from my experience RE4 code is non wavierable, if the medical issue no longer remains then you can apply to have the code changed but ive heard that its pretty tough to do

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Dec 29 at 2013 11:10 PM

2013-12-29T23:10:37-05:00

Current update. here's a link to change the RE code for DD214. It's stated that I can't change my RE code for the purpose of re enlistment.

http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/change-re-code.cfm

Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA)

The Army Review Boards Agency serves as the highest administrative level for review of personnel actions taken by lower levels of the Army and administers a number of boards including those listed bel...

Response by LTC John Czarnecki made Feb 25 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-02-25T20:39:25-05:00

<p>Not trying to be harsh, but If you've got a Reenlistment Code of RE-4 on your 214, then you're out for a reason, and I don't want to see you back in the service, in ANY capacity.  So you believe that with a 70% VA rating for psychosis you'll be GTG as an Officer?  Really?   Having been a SOF soldier for the majority of my career, I'll be the first to break the bad news to ya... there's no way you'll ever get an 18X contract, and if you somehow manage to get back into the service, I'll be happy I'm now retired, as the manpower management folks are doing the service a disservice.</p><p> </p><p>Or are you just looking for a free ride through college on an ROTC scholarship that's being held up by that pesky detail of the RE-4?</p><p> </p><p>The military isn't a social experiment, it exists to defened our country.  Achieving that goal requires SMs in good health.  While I'm glad your'e feeling better, I'm also happy that you're no longer in the Service.</p><p> </p><p>If that isn't PC enough or if Im being insensitive, oops.</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 7:35 PM

2014-03-07T19:35:22-05:00

I hate to break the news to you, but I don't ever see you getting back in. As a current recruiter an RE Code 4 especially for a mental disorder is not going going to get through the CMO. Normally the only way waivers for this re code or the change in your re code are completed or approved is if the condition does not still exist. If you are taking medication to control the condition, than you still have the condition. I honestly don't know if the ROO is hard up for contracts to ROTC or what, but anyone who has been in the recruiting business more than a day, and is honest, will tell you upfront that your chances aren't even slim.

Again, I am not trying to hurt your feelings, but you have a condition, everyone has to play the hand they are dealt. In my honest opinion, you should spend your energy on something that has a higher rate of success.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 7:49 PM

2014-03-07T19:49:02-05:00

<p>SSG Yamada,</p><p> </p><p>The RE4 code isnt the only barrier you will have. </p><p> </p><p>Based on your statement as your reason for being medically retired, specifically psychosis (schizophrenia) is a disqualifying condition for assessment or comissioning physicals IAW AR 40-501 Standards of Medical Readiness, RAR dated 23 Aug 2010, Paragraph 2-27, <br><br><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">c.  Current or history of disorders with psychotic features such as schizophrenia (295), paranoid disorder (297), and </font></font><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman">other unspecified psychosis (298) does not meet the standard.</font></font></p><p><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman"></font></font> </p><p><font face="Times New Roman"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Good luck.</font></p></font></font>

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Mar 7 at 2014 8:11 PM

2014-03-07T20:11:03-05:00

<p>SSG Yamada I included a link so you can read about the RE CODES.</p><p>However I want to make a recommendation, no matter what any Army recruiter tells you don't and I mean don't go Airborne as a way to get in with the condition you currently have. Schizophrenia is not a condition that goes always over night, it requires having to take some powerful medication that may make you feel ok, but with out it your back to level 1 again. I will assure you of one thing, either your going to get a dishonorable discharge or your going to get someone killed or your going to get yourself killed. I know that dreams are high and finishing what you stared is perhaps a desire, but for your sake, don't do it.</p><p> Some times the best thing to do is get your education in a career out side of the military because the military is an organization that is designed to fight a war and win, it is not am 8 hour a day 5 days a week job where you get off at 5 pm and go home. With your condition reconsider your plan, I personally like to say Thank you for your service and thank you for being open and honest in this thread.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/blcode3.htm</p><p><br></p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/abt.careers/careers_usmilitary;kw=;site=usmilitary;chan=careers;pos=lb;sz=728x90;ord=1E3816N2C20kAsMeM"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/blcode3.htm" target="_blank">Military Reenlistment Eligibility (RE) Codes - Army</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">These codes are contained on military discharge documents and determine whether or not one may reenlist or enlist in a military service at a later time. </div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Mar 10 at 2014 7:51 AM

2014-03-10T07:51:17-04:00

SSG(R), Your diagnosis (dx) is non-waiverable and is medically disqualifying for military service IAW AR 40-501, thus the reason you were medically retired. That written, IF and it is a BIG if, you have a current psychiatric evaluation that says you have no dx, and you graduate with your Bachelor degree, and you are able to convince three O6s to write you letters that say you literally 'walk on water,' and are a 'rock-star that they want leading platoons in thier brigades' AND you send a packet to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) asking for an RE-3 based upon new information (new psychiatric evaluation, degree, letters) - then maybe you have a chance - that would be the only way. Alternatively, if you are interested in public service, have a clean record, and are stable with regard to your dx, you might consider volunteering with your State's military reserve (State Guard), or perhaps the Civil Air Patrol. Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 12:17 AM

2014-11-21T00:17:09-05:00

I'd much rather you stay out and take care of yourself. That code is not waiverable nor should it be. Keep working on stabilizing and working towards your future. I'm not trying to be a douche but we need strong officers mentally and physically to lead troops. With that being said best of luck in your future but the service is no longer a viable option for you.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2014 2:19 AM

2014-11-21T02:19:45-05:00

I will be candid as well, not as harsh as the Lt Col. If you have a Schizophrenia, that will never be reversed. You will not ever be allowed back in. I know this to be true. I have a close family member with the same situation that was discharged out of the Navy. He also was trying to figure out ways to get back in including a congressional. There was no way on this planet that was going to happen.

It is good that you have it under control, hopefully it stays that way for a long time. However, I have experience in knowing these things can relapse at any moment. I remember getting a phone call in the middle of the night when said family member was relapsing and we three way conversation.

One of the ways you relapse is by being stimulated stressful situations. The military is full of it. For your own health it is not a good place to be for you or those around you. It just wont work. Can you imagine if you are in a remote location and you cant get your medication or your current stop working? You in essence would be a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

Your best thing to do is stay away from stress as much as possible. You mentioned that you are having trouble coping with civilian life. There are support groups for these things. One organization is called NAMI where people with psychosis such as yours. They even have veteran support groups. It is also something you may have your family members get involved as they have class that educate them on helping you manage your illness.

Understand your illness is not your fault, but at the same time it is real and it is something you need to deal with.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-01-04T12:17:04-05:00

Ummmm. Unless hell has frozen over the Army is never going to let an RE4 back in boots, I don't care what the recruiter told you.
They don't give RE4s out lightly, there is a reason they don't want you back in.
As for the COAD there is no way you would have gotten that with your prognosis.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 13 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-07-13T00:27:48-04:00

My guess is that you will have a tough mountain to climb if you are thinking about coming back in -- especially with the budget cuts coming to the military! You will be competing against a pool of fit candidates with no history of psychosis and who are not in need of any medication.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have to be real, and honest. You asked a good question and this is in no way a personal attack directed at you. All other things equal, who would YOU pick if you were tasked with screening candidates for commissioning? Someone with a past diagnosis of psychosis who requires meds to stabilize? Or someone that has a clean slate, and no medical issues? ???

I am not saying it can't be done but you have a very high mountain to climb. You have to overcome your psychosis and you have to be outstanding in every way if you want to be competitive.

This really is a question for an Air Force recruiter.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-11-26T13:33:01-05:00

From my understanding it would be unlikely if for no other reason most people with schizophrenia need to take medication to stay stable. It would normally be a disqualifier. Since you have medical retirement and 70% VA; I would enjoy your status as a "soldier for life" and move on. Other options would be civilian employment with the military (they have incentives for disabled vets), and volunteer service in a military-style organization such as Coast Guard Auxiliary, state defense forces, Civil Air Patrol. Their medical requirements are far more lenient. People in wheelchairs can be in CG Aux or CAP.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-12-22T22:02:13-05:00

I was a chapter 9 failure to rehabilitate I sought help both times but my commander chose to chapter me I got an honorable due to being a good soldier but I just tried to use the bottle as a crutch I'm no longer drinking but I'm in college and I just wanted to see if it was even an option.

Response by PFC Ryryry Dre made Jan 20 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-01-20T10:23:55-05:00

I was given an re-4 through the marine corps in 2004....your screwed...they will never let you back in unless we go to serious war or they start penal battalions....I had a case worker through Jason Altmyers office who use to be my congressmen for PA...He was through Veteran affairs....He said he had about 200 hundred of those re-4 waivers out and never heard back from one of them....re-4 your out for good....sorry bro....I tried to get back in for ten years through anyways possible....I tried to get my re-4 upgraded through my congressman office....its a crapshoot

Response by PFC Ryryry Dre made Jan 20 at 2016 10:33 AM

2016-01-20T10:33:00-05:00

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Mar 29 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-03-29T16:10:17-04:00

Situation Update: 2016 Feb 29

Current PDRL Retiree and the VA is now reducing my payments but I'm fighting and appealing to have my percentage from the VA to stay at 70% and IU for my disabilities. I'm revisiting my post and I agree wholeheartedly that I was out of my mind writing what I was doing. Maybe my meds was not kicking in good enough or I was on a whim of something. In any case I would like to apologize to any discourse that started in this thread and still would like to continue to be in Rallypoint. I did some research and you can still do a Continuum of Service through the HRC command if your PULHES is in good order. It all depends on your medical condition. I've been on odd jobs and working little to no substantial gain and VA is impeding on the fact that I am able to find a job in the Civilian workforce. So I am trying and Voc Rehab has written a recommendation for IU that I am still not capable of handling substantial gainful employment. There is an error there and I'm waiting for my appeal to see what happens.