What diagnosis will keep you out of the military?

Asked by: Dr. Kiarra Kovacek  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)

Impulsivity and conduct disorders. Any form of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment, or hospitalization. Neurotic, mood, somatoform, dissociative or factitious disorders requiring medication, outpatient treatment, or hospitalization. Eating disorders.

What diagnosis disqualify you from the military?

Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...

What mental illness is not allowed in the military?

Current or a history of dissociative disorders, including hysteria and depersonalization, as well as current or a history of a somatoform disorder, such as hypochondriasis or chronic pain disorder, are disqualifying conditions.

What disqualifies you from enlisting in the military?

All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.

What medical conditions will get you discharged from the military?

5.17) If a service member has a physical or mental condition that impacts their ability to perform their assigned tasks or could put others at risk. They may be discharged if another reasonable accommodation cannot be made. Examples include sleepwalking, seasickness, claustrophobia, etc.

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What are the five types of military discharges?

The Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes six characterizations of service for military service members to receive on discharge: (1) Honorable; (2) Under Honorable Conditions (General); (3) Under Other than Honorable Conditions; (4) Bad Conduct; (5) Dishonorable, and (6) Uncharacterized.

What STDs disqualify you from the military?

For sti it states: “current or history of genital infection or ulceration, including, but not limited to herpes genitalis or condyloma acuminatum, if of sufficient severity to require frequent intervention or to interfere with normal function, is disqualifying.” also disqualifying is current untreated syphilis.

What conditions keep you out of the military?

Medical Conditions That Can Keep You from Joining the Military
  • Abdominal Organs and Gastrointestinal System. The following conditions may disqualify you from military service: ...
  • Blood and Blood-Forming Tissue Diseases. ...
  • Dental. ...
  • Ears. ...
  • Hearing. ...
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. ...
  • Upper Extremities. ...
  • Lower extremities.

Can MEPS see your medical records?

Yes, they are allowed to look at any medical records that can demonstrate a preexisting condition, many of which occur well before someone is 18. Yes, if there is a disqualifying condition it would keep you from joining.

What fails a military background check?

You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...

Can mental health get you kicked out of the military?

If you develop anxiety or depression while serving in the military, it may be grounds for a medical discharge or retirement. The outcome depends on factors including the severity of your symptoms and how they respond to treatment.

What is the most common mental illness in the military?

The most common mental health problems among personnel and veterans are depression, anxiety and alcohol problems.

Does the military check your mental health records?

The third screening measure consists of a review of medical screening forms and a general psychiatric evaluation, which is integrated into the entrance physical examination at military entrance processing stations.

What mental health disqualifies you from the military?

Psychiatric and Personality Disorders
  • Any disorder or history of disorders with psychotic features.
  • History of impulse control and conduct disorders.
  • History of depression requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.
  • History of anxiety requiring medication, outpatient treatment or hospitalization.

What disabilities does the Army not accept?

What Types of Disabilities are Disqualifying?
  • Blindness or low vision that does not correct with glasses.
  • Deafness of hard of hearing, even with the use of a hearing aid.
  • History of Bariatric Surgery.
  • Anything that interferes with the proper wearing of a military uniform or equipment. Limitation of motion. HIV or AIDS.

What medications disqualify you from the army?

Non-Deployable Medications
  • Blood modifiers. ...
  • Antineoplastics (oncologic or non-oncologic use). ...
  • Immunosuppressants, like chronic systemic steroids.
  • Biologic response modifiers. ...
  • Benzodiazepaines, whether used chronically or newly prescribed.

What do MEPS doctors look for?

They will test your vision… …and hearing… …and blood pressure. You will undergo a series of maneuvers to determine your physical capabilities. You will have blood drawn to test for the HIV virus. You will have a drug and alcohol test.

What disqualified you from the military?

These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.

Can I join the army with a history of depression?

But despite growing awareness of how common – and treatable – most mental health issues are, a past diagnosis of depression, anxiety or other disorders can disqualify a would-be recruit.

What if MEPS disqualifies you?

If an applicant is medically disqualified at a MEPS, they go home without entering the DEP even if they are likely to receive a waiver for their disqualifying medical condition.

Can you be on ADHD meds in the military?

Enlisting in any military branch while actively taking ADHD medication is not possible. That's why many individuals stop taking medication at least 24 months before attempting to enlist.

Do antidepressants disqualify you from the military?

What About Medication? Recruits currently on antidepressants are generally disqualified from enlisting. However, there are exceptions for individuals who have demonstrated prolonged stability without symptoms or medication. In such cases, a waiver may be considered, though these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What is black clap disease?

Key facts. Gonorrhoea ('the clap') is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria that may infect your throat, anus, urethra, cervix and eyes. Gonorrhoea can cause a sore throat, conjunctivitis, unusual vaginal or penile discharge, and pelvic and genital pain.

What STDs does MEPS check for?

“The only STI testing that is required for all military service members throughout their military career is HIV testing, which is required every two years,” says Robinson. “However, any service member can be tested for multiple STIs for free–they just need to ask their health care provider.

What allergies can disqualify you from the military?

If you have a current diagnosis of anaphylactic allergy to nuts or other foods and you really are allergic to these, you cannot join up. If you are allergic to wasp or bee stings you may be eligible but only if you have been desensitised and no longer need to carry an adrenaline auto injector (AAI).