“Whilst there are some mental health histories that will almost always preclude entry to the
Mood Disorders
For depressive disorders (for example, major depressive disorder), disqualification from the service occurs if a person had outpatient care that lasted for more than 12 months or any inpatient care.
It generally disqualifies anyone that is or has taken medication for mental illness in the last year. If it's been more than a year you may receive a waiver but the military will need to examine your medical records and speak to your physician.
In some cases, depression is debilitating enough to lead to a military discharge. However, while many types of depression are typically treatable, this is not the case for everyone. Therefore, even treatable depression could lead to a medical discharge for depression if the symptoms continue for a long period of time.
Prevalence and statistics
A 2021 meta-analysis reviewed research to determine the prevalence of depression among members of the armed forces. It found the following: Depression affects 23% of active-duty military. Suicidal ideation or suicide attempts occur in 11% of active-duty military.
These may include your medical history, military criminal record, age, physical fitness level, and drug use. Your educational background or history of mental illness may also disqualify you from joining.
Typically, a 30% VA disability rating for depression is the most common one, or a higher rating. A 30% rating is appropriate if the depression symptoms are worse but still manageable.
Mental Health and Enlisting
Psychotic disorders are one disqualifier. Neurotic, anxiety, mood, somatoform, dissociative, or factitious disorders that required inpatient treatment, six-plus months of outpatient care, or symptoms that mar your ability to do the job – these can also disqualify one from service.
Symptoms related to ADHD can interfere with functioning and job performance. If you are unable to function adequately (for example, follow an appropriate daily routine, get to appointments on time, et cetera) without ADHD medication, you might not be able to join the military.
While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.
Do antidepressants show up on a military drug screen? SSRIs won't but if your mistaking them for anti anxiety medicine like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, klonopin, Ativan, temazepam, etc) then yes they certainly will.
2) What is prohibited? Illegal narcotics such as methamphetamines, cocaine and its derivatives, opioids, and hallucinogens such as LSD and MDMA are prohibited for service members. Marijuana and derivatives like CBD are prohibited even in states where their consumption is legal for civilians.
In the Army, Navy, and Marines in particular, recruiters largely advise applicants with ADHD to be off any and all stimulant or nonstimulant medications for at least one year. Some recruiters, notably within the Air Force, tell applicants they must be off medication for 15 months or more.
Times have changed for veterans experiencing mental health disorders. In the past, it was often thought that if you couldn't “see” an injury, it didn't exist. Thankfully, the VA now recognizes service-connected conditions like anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder.
Current Standards
Those seeking to serve in the military have their vision tested during their enlistment physical and receive eyeglasses if they need them. They must be able to see 20/40 or better using both eyes together at a distance.
Apparently, the Army is somewhat lenient when it comes to handling applicants who have various medical conditions. Moreover, autism is not necessarily a disqualifier for applicants joining the Army as compared to other disorders. However, your chances of enlistment will depend on the spectrum of the disorder.
However, because ADHD is not disqualifying per se, individuals who want to serve in the military are encouraged to pursue this option, along with other career possibilities.
Medical conditions, criminal history, age, physical fitness, and drug abuse can all disqualify you from joining the Army. Other disqualifying factors include failing to meet minimum educational requirements, having a dishonorable discharge from the military, or having a record of mental illness.
Trained healthcare personnel may determine if the Service member requires further evaluation or health education and contact the Service member. The MHAs consist of a two-stage self-report assessment using validated tools to assess alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms.
The Mental Health Assessments (DHA4 and DHA5) are a series of deployment health screenings designed to identify mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other behavioral health conditions that may require referral for additional care and treatment.
While Military OneSource does not provide health care services, it does point members of the military family to the resources available to help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.
VA disability ratings for depression claims range from 0% (formal diagnosis, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with occupational and social functioning or to require continuous medication), with intermediate steps at 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% up to 100% (total occupational and social impairment).