Should I give up on applying?

[keli2889]

Hi! I’m Currently a sophomore in college who is looking to join ROTC. However I have been diagnosed with depression and am currently at the moment on a low dosage of antidepressants. As I understand this is a non waiverable DoDMerb dq. My depression is not a main affecter to my life and abilities though. I have a 3.6 GPA, am in currently in 23 credits, Comp bio major/premed, collegiate sports, ta math, and volunteer. Should I give up on even applying as I know I’ll disqualify the medical processes or should I still try and see what happens first.

Thanks!

 

[Canmum]

23 credits????

 

[blinkus]

This is what USNA says regarding Mental DQs.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Seizure disorders (but not uncomplicated febrile seizures in childhood), degenerative conditions, traumatic
brain injuries, recurrent or severe headaches, and severe motion sickness susceptibility are disqualifying.
History of psychosis or affective illness, personality disorder or immaturity, stammering, stuttering, eating
disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, and bedwetting or sleepwalking persisting into adolescence also are
disqualifying. Academic skills defects, such as learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
are not disqualifying if academic success can be demonstrated without the use of classroom accommodations,
and no medication has been used in the past 12 months, with good grades.

 

[Scoot27]

I thought that the DOD doc was what was used for dqs, it mentions a bit more than that, can you link what source you used?

 

[Academician]

Hi! I’m Currently a sophomore in college who is looking to join ROTC. However I have been diagnosed with depression and am currently at the moment on a low dosage of antidepressants. As I understand this is a non waiverable DoDMerb dq. My depression is not a main affecter to my life and abilities though. I have a 3.6 GPA, am in currently in 23 credits, Comp bio major/premed, collegiate sports, ta math, and volunteer. Should I give up on even applying as I know I’ll disqualify the medical processes or should I still try and see what happens first.

Thanks!

I imagine you reviewed the appropriate sections of the DoD Instruction 6130.03: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol1.PDF

As I have found with my students, generally, you need to go through the process to be definitive. In other words, you may require a medical waiver, or you may not -- only DoDMERB can make that 'call.'

I also recommend that you have a Plan B beyond the SAs and ROTC. Prepare now for the 'additional medical information' (AMI) that DoDMERB will require to process a waiver. Depending upon the details, you may not need the 'waiver' but gather all of the details, doctor's letter(s), etc. that will help you gain the waiver, if needed, as you make your way through your sophomore and junior years.