I am a candidate for the usafa class of 2016. I have never been diagnosed with ADHD, but think that I may have it. I know that ADHD is an automatic diswualification if you take meds for it so I was wondering... If i am accepted this year, would I be able to go to the doctor to get diagnosed (after I had already been fully accepted); or would this diagnosis still be disqualifying? If I was diagnosed with ADHD would Usafa allow me to take Aderall while at the academy. Also what if I waited until the first semester of my 4th class year to get diagnosed? Would that make a difference.
Can I be diagnosed with ADHD after being admitted to usafa?
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falconfamily
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This is something you need to ask in the DoDMERB forum. I am not an expert on this, but it is one thing to be diagnosed after you get to USAFA, it is quite another to be diagnosed before. If you are a student/cadet at USAFA, they would treat it as any other medical condition. If you are a candidate, it would be treated very differently and you need to see what DoDMERB has to say about this.
usna1985
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I would assume that the DODMERB questionnaire would include some questions related to ADHD.
For USNA, the bottom line is that, if you can function without meds or special dispensation (i.e., sitting in the front row, extra time on tests), it's generally not disqualifying. The converse is also true.
If you can't function at 100% w/o special dispensation, you're going to have problems at any SA and in the military, b/c they may not always be able to accommodate the disability. I would think (but do not know) that if this condition came to light while at USAFA, you could be sent home.
You are MUCH better off following up with DODMERB now.
For USNA, the bottom line is that, if you can function without meds or special dispensation (i.e., sitting in the front row, extra time on tests), it's generally not disqualifying. The converse is also true.
If you can't function at 100% w/o special dispensation, you're going to have problems at any SA and in the military, b/c they may not always be able to accommodate the disability. I would think (but do not know) that if this condition came to light while at USAFA, you could be sent home.
You are MUCH better off following up with DODMERB now.
falconfamily
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2011
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- 670
This is the specific language regarding ADHD:
28. LEARNING, PSYCHIATRIC, AND BEHAVIORAL
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.
It is item 6 that you need to be aware of if you were to be diagnosed with ADHD prior to being a cadet at USAFA and it can still be a factor with respect to getting a commission.
As we have already discussed, contact DoDMERB and discuss it with them.
28. LEARNING, PSYCHIATRIC, AND BEHAVIORAL
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.
It is item 6 that you need to be aware of if you were to be diagnosed with ADHD prior to being a cadet at USAFA and it can still be a factor with respect to getting a commission.
As we have already discussed, contact DoDMERB and discuss it with them.