Is History of Depression ever waived?

M

MccWSB

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Feb 7, 2021
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We just got the disappointing news that USAFA denied a medical waiver for "History of Depression" and "Prior psychiatric hospitalization for any cause". It says is not waiverable but we can appeal the decision. DS had some depression when he was younger and had a 2 day hospital stay back in early 2019. After the hospital stay he turned his life around and high school has been an amazing experience for him. He has no depression anymore, lots of friends, very involved in activities, etc. He's definitely not that 14 year old kid anymore. Would they look at this or is it just not waiverable at all? I feel like we need help deciding whether to go through with the rebuttal process or if the end result will be denied anyways.
 
I don't know what the waiverablility of it is. But my DD had a friend last year that did not pass for mental heath reasons and was told he could try again in 5 years. That was for AFROTC.
 
Can’t speak to USAFA but when I was at USNA one of my plebes had a waiver for past wrist cutting. (I only know this because he was open about it with me during counseling). Not knowing the specifics of your case, I would guess that it’s a very uphill battle but not 100% impossible. It doesn’t hurt to ask and let the chips fall where they may.
 
MccWSB said:
We just got the disappointing news that USAFA denied a medical waiver for "History of Depression" and "Prior psychiatric hospitalization for any cause". It says is not waiverable but we can appeal the decision. DS had some depression when he was younger and had a 2 day hospital stay back in early 2019. After the hospital stay he turned his life around and high school has been an amazing experience for him. He has no depression anymore, lots of friends, very involved in activities, etc. He's definitely not that 14 year old kid anymore. Would they look at this or is it just not waiverable at all? I feel like we need help deciding whether to go through with the rebuttal process or if the end result will be denied anyways.
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When you son received his "waiver not approved" letter, it should have contained the method and contact for appeals. That being said, no one here (except Mr. Mullen who is unavailable) can answer your main question about the DQ for mental health being not possible for a waiver. If you son is willing, go through the appellate process and see where the chips fall. Your son can also call his ALO and get a quick answer, most Admission Officers know what is being waived for any particular year as they see the different results.
 
Impulsive said:
Your son can also call his ALO and get a quick answer, most Admission Officers know what is being waived for any particular year as they see the different results.
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That's a great idea, I'll have him try that.
 
I've seen a recent post or two about candidates waived for depression and anxiety. The hospitalization may be a deciding factor since it likely indicates a more serious mental health concern. However I am just speculating.
 
What strikes me about your post is that your regardless of how this USAFA pursuit goes, your son should hold his head up high and you as a family too should continue to be very proud of him for the turnaround/ growth he’s gone through since the age of 14. It’s great when anyone can put their struggles in the rear view mirror and thrive, as you described.. I cannot offer an opinion on whether this will be waived but I am glad he is reaching out to get an affirmation on next step options with experts, as others guided above. I would also confirm timing barriers – was the 2019 incident considered within 36 months/ too close not to be waived – could he reapply next year with the slate wiped clean so to speak? What is in his medical record between 2019 to present - just know so you know.

Additionally, I just wanted to point out that he has options to serve outside of the Air Force both in government positions and volunteer opportunities like the US Air Force Auxiliary if he chooses. A buddy of mine just RETIRED after 20 years in the state department (well he says state department, but cmon - it was CIA). – he’s in his mid 50s, and will be getting an amazing pension / health benefits for life at a reasonable cost. He plays golf while I'll shlep to work each day for the next 15 years. And many of us have seen characters in movies depicting the role he played post 9/11 with interrogations and intel gathering. He wasn't military - but he absolutely served.

One of my favorite expressions is “detoured, not deterred” should your son find out he won’t be moving forward this year with USAFA. This may affect him but it doesn't need to totally define him.

Best of luck to your son as he works through this with your support.
 
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