ADHD Disqualification/Waiver

Hello, I'm a current senior in high school and extremely interested in USNA. However, I just found out that ADHD can be disqualifying. I am in a sticky situation. Around December of last year, I was diagnosed because I was in a class of 35 people and couldn't concentrate (my grade was NOT suffering). I took the 20 mg Vyvanse every day for a couple of weeks, maybe 3 and I stopped because I didn't like the side effects. My grades remained the same and I had a perfect average before I went on medication and kept my perfect average after. I really don't think I needed it, which is why I don't take the medication and I do fine. I don't qualify for extra time or anything like that. Does this still disqualify me? If so, could I get a waiver?

Also, if I get a statement from my doctor saying it was a misdiagnosis or that I am functioning fine without the meds will I still be disqualified?

Regardless of diagnosis, the issue will be you took medication. There are lots of old threads in the DoDMERB forum for ADD, take a look at them. Go back many pages and you will see lots of comments, recommendations, etc on this topic. Bottom line is make sure you have it well documented when you took the medications (especially when you last took them), any doctors diagnosis/notes, and fill out DoDMERB and let the cards fall where they may. The fact your grades remained consistent will be helpful also.

Is there any hang ups if one is diagnosed with adhd, but on no medication and very limited accommodations...preferential seating and follow up for understanding material?

No1Fanof2 said:

Is there any hang ups if one is diagnosed with adhd, but on no medication and very limited accommodations...preferential seating and follow up for understanding material?

Click to expand...

That would be considered an IEP. Talk to the GC at your HS.

Our guidance dept told us that a student cannot have ANY special classroom accommodations--because none are granted at USNA. So in order for our son's application to receive consideration, we needed to have him declassified prior to his senior year. Ideally, they want a candidate declassified during junior year--so that he/she can be evaluated for a one-year period to see how he/she manages without the accommodations. They will not accept any SAT score that are taken with "extended time" either. This came to our high school in an email directly from USNA Admissions.

I have posted this before, but will reiterate it here for you:

Here is a link to the most current DODERB "rules" I could find with a quick google search.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/613003p.pdf



Specifically, the part dealing with ADD states that such a diagnosis is a disqualifying event unless:

a. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (314) UNLESS the following criteria

are met:

(1) The applicant has not required an Individualized Education Program or work accommodations since the age of 14.

(2) There is no history of comorbid mental disorders.

(3) The applicant has never taken more than a single daily dosage of medication or has not been prescribed medication for this condition for more than 24 cumulative months after the age of 14.

(4) During periods off of medication after the age of 14, the applicant has been able to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average without accommodations.

(5) Documentation from the applicant’s prescribing provider that continued medication is not required for acceptable occupational or work performance.

(6) Applicant is required to enter service and pass Service-specific training periods with no prescribed medication for ADHD.


I will let you take the research from there. PLEASE remember that these standards may have changed and the best place to get up to date information is DODMERB directly.