I have a current diagnosis for Major Depressive Disorder and fainting from over 3 years ago. The symptoms have been resolved for years at this point, and I haven’t received treatment or counseling, but they’re still listed as ongoing health issues in the system. I know I can get them removed as ongoing, but the resolution date will be extremely recent. How can I show I have been symptom free and stable for nearly 3 years at this point?
DoDMERB Mental Health DQ
- Thread starter Opensy
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Aerodriver
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What 'system' are you referring to? Have you received a DQ notification?
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I am glad to read you are in a better place with regard to your mental health.
My unofficial thoughts, hoping @GoCubbies will appear and comment more authoritatively.
Healthcare provider records are critical to providing documentation of progress and current status. From what you have written, you do not have healthcare documentation from appropriate providers for about 3 years, during which time you have improved. You have your own personal account, of course.
I think it will be a matter of time, starting with when you see a provider and have sn updated status in your healthcare records. Then, continued strong performance without relapses, treatment or medication for a period of time.
You can be no older than 22 when reporting to USAFA (website says 1 July of year you report). Depending on your age, there is a window of time to solidify and document your current state.
If your goal is to be an Air Force officer, you can also explore joining an AFROTC unit at college. Or AF OTS after gaining your undergraduate degree.
Your mental health should always come first, though. Always. There are other ways to serve if you cannot get over the military medical accession bar.
Here is the current medical accession standard. See page 50.
My unofficial thoughts, hoping @GoCubbies will appear and comment more authoritatively.
Healthcare provider records are critical to providing documentation of progress and current status. From what you have written, you do not have healthcare documentation from appropriate providers for about 3 years, during which time you have improved. You have your own personal account, of course.
I think it will be a matter of time, starting with when you see a provider and have sn updated status in your healthcare records. Then, continued strong performance without relapses, treatment or medication for a period of time.
You can be no older than 22 when reporting to USAFA (website says 1 July of year you report). Depending on your age, there is a window of time to solidify and document your current state.
If your goal is to be an Air Force officer, you can also explore joining an AFROTC unit at college. Or AF OTS after gaining your undergraduate degree.
Your mental health should always come first, though. Always. There are other ways to serve if you cannot get over the military medical accession bar.
Here is the current medical accession standard. See page 50.
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Did DoDMERB DQ you after you submitted medical records that they requested from you?
Or did DoDMERB DQ you based off your the physical exam and forms you submitted?
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@GoCubbies and @Capt MJ have EXCELLENT insight. They can give you exceptional guidance.
Good luck to you.
Always work backup plans ‘
Good luck to you.
Always work backup plans ‘
No, I just know what I’m going to report is disqualifying. I am just wondering if it would be possible to get a waiver for this if I can get a psychiatric letter showing long term stability even though it is currently listed as “not resolved” under the provider’s patient portal.
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Come back to this forum when/if you officially get your DQ.
I can give you a better answer if you provide the DQ code.
Yes, it is possible to get a waiver, but it depends on your individual situation. If USAFA wants to grant a waiver, you will need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist and USAFA may require you to talk with one of their contracted psychiatrists for an interview/evaluation. If you haven't already, start pulling the records from your mental health team (any counseling/therapy/med management visits).
Herman_Snerd
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@Opensy I see zero downside in you contacting your mental health and health care providers who have you listed as with this current diagnosis, and working with them to document your progress and current status. Work to document your current and recent prescription use, too. If the standards are as below, then document your improvement and progress to best advocate for your future:
Depressive disorder: Symptoms or treatment within the previous 36 months then "start the clock" on a clean record showing progress, a lack of need for treatment at this time to best your chance of moving beyond your prior (but listed as current) diagnosis.
History of recurrent syncope or presyncope, including black out, fainting, loss or alteration of level of consciousness (excludes single episode of vasovagal reaction with identified trigger such as venipuncture) unless it has not recurred during the previous 24 months while off all medication for treatment of this condition.
IDK what else is in your history that might complicate this - for example a hospitalization for suicide attempt etc. It's not my interest or concern (Read clearly - I'm not asking) - just read the standards nicely outlined above and provide all documentation when/ if provided.
I'm a little concerned as a reader, that you went from major depressive dx to possibly not seeing a physician or therapist for a period of time (that's how it reads). Much like someone who had skin cancer needs to be monitored, just make sure your mental health continues to be fed/ watered/cared for, as well. Congrats on the progress. Best of luck to you. Thank you for your willingness to serve - you'll find a way whether it be through the armed services, government agency, alphabet agencies etc..
Depressive disorder: Symptoms or treatment within the previous 36 months then "start the clock" on a clean record showing progress, a lack of need for treatment at this time to best your chance of moving beyond your prior (but listed as current) diagnosis.
History of recurrent syncope or presyncope, including black out, fainting, loss or alteration of level of consciousness (excludes single episode of vasovagal reaction with identified trigger such as venipuncture) unless it has not recurred during the previous 24 months while off all medication for treatment of this condition.
IDK what else is in your history that might complicate this - for example a hospitalization for suicide attempt etc. It's not my interest or concern (Read clearly - I'm not asking) - just read the standards nicely outlined above and provide all documentation when/ if provided.
I'm a little concerned as a reader, that you went from major depressive dx to possibly not seeing a physician or therapist for a period of time (that's how it reads). Much like someone who had skin cancer needs to be monitored, just make sure your mental health continues to be fed/ watered/cared for, as well. Congrats on the progress. Best of luck to you. Thank you for your willingness to serve - you'll find a way whether it be through the armed services, government agency, alphabet agencies etc..
MD11Driver
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I think you’re getting some very good advice above. Capt MJ probably stated it best…”your mental health should always come first.” If you get in, you’ll suddenly be in a long, intense environment, and away from your support system at home. You really need to be very honest with yourself in deciding if this is going to be a good fit for you. SA attendance is not something to be taken lightly.
Best wishes in whatever you decide.
Best wishes in whatever you decide.
Off topic, but as a psychologist, it's quite common and not against care standards to no longer see a therapist/mental health professional once mental health symptoms have resolved. The majority of my patients do not return to therapy for check-ins once symptoms have resolved; the ones who return do so because symptoms reoccur or something new happens. As I tell patients when we terminate treatment - I hope that you don't have need to see me again, but if you do, please don't hesitate to give me a call.