DQ for ADHD Medication

TFO4175

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Oct 27, 2018
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Hello all. I recently received an appointment to USAFA with hopes of being a pilot. Being an older brother, I asked my younger brother what my he would like to do for high school and he said piloting as well. My question, due to his ADHD for several years and taking medication for his ADHD, is it possible for him to have a medical waiver in order to attend USAFA or become PQ if he did the ROTC route?
 
Directly from Dod Instruction 6103.03 (manual for medical quals) Under Section 5.28 para (a)
a. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, if with: (1) A recommended or prescribed Individualized Education Program, 504 Plan, or work accommodations after the 14th birthday;
(2) A history of comorbid mental disorders;
(3) Prescribed medication in the previous 24 months; or
(4) Documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.

These disqualifications apply to both SA's and ROTC Programs, but as always can be waived. He will just have to go thru the waiver process so have him apply at the earliest time possible to give the waiver authority time.
 
Yes, it is possible to receive a medical waiver for such a condition.

Having had ADHD myself, I was still able to receive a waiver and subsequently a 4-year AROTC scholarship. I understand that the medical review boards for ROTC Scholarships and the SAs operate independently in relation to the other. However, if I could offer one piece of advice, have your younger brother start weaning off the medication slowly - this will allow him time to prove what he is academically capable of medication-free. I am no medical expert (nor an expert at anything at all for that matter); this is just what worked for me when I was in high school. I hope this helped/assuaged some of your concerns.
 
Hi, I was in the army for 4 years enlisted. I left the military after my first contract but never had any issues, had perfect PT scores and was a fairly awesome/easy soldier. I have always had ADHD but have never been on medication for it and am still able to do just as good as my peers in all areas. I recently began community college and had a 504 plan made in case I needed it, I wasnt sure how I would do in college after being out so long. I am almost finished with my semester and have not used my accommodations yet and have a 4.0. However, the plan was still made.
I decided I miss the Army and would like to do ROTC next semester at college. Will I have any issues? I clearly don't need accommodations and will be transferring to a 4 year univ from a comm college. I wont be requesting accommodations or even mention that I ever had the plan made but will they call them and ask if I have an accommodations (504 plan)?? I know the main thing they are concerned with is medication. Has anyone else experienced this or something simular?
 
I just went through the whole waiver process for ADHD for the Air Force Academy (Class of 2024!!) got a medical waiver for it. Impulsive is 100% correct in that being on medication after your 14th birthday is an automatic DQ. However, to be considered for a waiver, you have to be off medication for 2 years prior to application date. I personally went on meds in 8th grade and discontinued them after my sophomore year
 
For any adhd folks who were waivered, did you also have 504 or other IEP accommodations as well?
 
If you stopped medication before age 14, and did not continue to consult with a doctor for ADHD beyond age 13, and no accommodations in school, are you required to report it? DS has not started the application process yet (2025) so we have not seen how the questions are asked. Just trying to get additional info before hand
 
If you stopped medication before age 14, and did not continue to consult with a doctor for ADHD beyond age 13, and no accommodations in school, are you required to report it? DS has not started the application process yet (2025) so we have not seen how the questions are asked. Just trying to get additional info before hand

Your son will fill out a medical questionnaire. Make sure he reads the questions thoroughly and answers only what is asked, completely.

My personal opinion as a mom, is to sit beside him and be available to answer his questions. Not watching him (as there are personal questions he needs to answer he may not want mom to know...).

Sometimes young ones think that something is a ‘diagnosis’, when it’s not. Be complete, honest, thorough, answering the questions as asked. This is an online submission, and there isn’t a ‘do-over’ option. Every year there are posts about candidates who have answered what they THOUGHT was asked, opening cans of worms that have to be dealt with.

Good luck! It’s a long process!
 
alisonamsb - This is why the DS....the applicant...should be the one to fill it out (mindful of the advice of justdoit19) .....REQUIRED TO REPORT IT IS THE FALSE PERSPECTIVE....The questions at the beginning of the History form is: "Currently have or any history of" :wiggle:
 
alisonamsb - This is why the DS....the applicant...should be the one to fill it out (mindful of the advice of justdoit19) .....REQUIRED TO REPORT IT IS THE FALSE PERSPECTIVE....The questions at the beginning of the History form is: "Currently have or any history of" :wiggle:

Your son will fill out a medical questionnaire. Make sure he reads the questions thoroughly and answers only what is asked, completely.
Good luck! It’s a long process!

Thank you both for the info. And I should have been more clear. We are not looking to falsely report. I was merely wondering how the question was asked - as in "has the applicant been treated for ADD after the age of 14" vs. a simple "Does the applicant have a history of ADD". MullenLE answered that with the "current or previous history" line of questioning that is used. Thanks again!
 
***SO THAT NO ONE ELSE BECOMES CONFUSED*****

1. Question 131 on the DD Form 2807-2 - ACCESSIONS MEDICAL HISTORY REPORT
Specifically states ("Currently have or any history of" ) - "Evaluated or treated for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder."

2. So the answer to that question is either YES or NO.:wiggle:
 
Read you loud and clear!
 
If the applicant had taken ADHD medication, in the past, do they mark Yes to the amphetamine question? Not sure what qualifies as an amphetamine. Thanks for your help.
 
Yes and then explain it in the remarks column. Coupled with learning disorders.

I'm on a teleconference right now, not looking at the form:

Example : Questions 3 and 55. Prescribed Adderall for ADHD by Dr Schmucatelli on X data
 
How long do you have to be off ADHD meds if you’re applying to USMA. I know USAFA says off meds for 15 months.
 
There's more to it than that...so to be sure you're not misled, email me: Lawrence.e.mullen.civ@mail.mil; provide complete name and last 4; paste your posting above to this email. I can assist you better from there
 
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