Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Waiver for AFROTC

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klaffeine

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I have lived with OCD for the past 9 years and currently take Lexapro/Escitalopram for it. I read somewhere that if one does not take treatment/medication for 2 years before commissioning, they would no longer be automatically disqualified.

I'm considering talking to my doctor to see if I can ween off my medication. If I have no issues with the disorder after 2 years of no treatment, would I still be disqualified because of my history?

Thank you!
 
klaffeine said:
I have lived with OCD for the past 9 years and currently take Lexapro/Escitalopram for it. I read somewhere that if one does not take treatment/medication for 2 years before commissioning, they would no longer be automatically disqualified.

I'm considering talking to my doctor to see if I can ween off my medication. If I have no issues with the disorder after 2 years of no treatment, would I still be disqualified because of my history?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

This is what I believe is the current pre-comm program standard:


Pages 44-46 relate.

DODMERB will Q or DQ you vs the standard. The Services will waive or not waive per their individual Service policy.

Your health and daily function is the most important to discuss with your doctor. If the decision is made to discontinue the medication, there should be follow-up and documentation that you are managing this successfully in all aspects of your life.

Military service can be high stress, in harsh, remote areas far from advanced medical support, with your battle buddies/shipmates/wingmen relying on you to hold up in the operational arena. This is why the bar is set high.

Your health is always first. Then figure out other choices.

Good luck!
 
Capt MJ said:
This is what I believe is the current pre-comm program standard:


Pages 44-46 relate.

DODMERB will Q or DQ you vs the standard. The Services will waive or not waive per their individual Service policy.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your response! In the document, I couldn't find anything related to not taking medication/treatment for 24 months, so it seems that based on the standard, DODMERB will DQ me and I will have to apply for a waiver via the Air Force. As you mentioned, solid documentation of successful management post-medication looks like my best chance.
 
I'm just worried I'll go through all that training and schooling at AFROTC for 3 years, only to get disqualified when it comes time for commissioning.
 
klaffeine said:
I'm just worried I'll go through all that training and schooling at AFROTC for 3 years, only to get disqualified when it comes time for commissioning.
Click to expand...

If you make it that far without medicine, why would you be disqualified?

I think the real battle is living with OCD without medicine first.

Good luck.
 
Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention: I will be applying for the ROTC program in a few months. Must I complete an examination before enrollment to ROTC, or is this only before enlistment?
 
klaffeine said:
I have lived with OCD for the past 9 years and currently take Lexapro/Escitalopram for it. I read somewhere that if one does not take treatment/medication for 2 years before commissioning, they would no longer be automatically disqualified.

I'm considering talking to my doctor to see if I can ween off my medication. If I have no issues with the disorder after 2 years of no treatment, would I still be disqualified because of my history?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

It’s a DQ regardless of how long you’ve been off meds.

It’s DQ in a couple of places:

Para 5.28.o. history of OCD

Para 5.28.q. history of anxiety disorder if you required care for longer than 12 months, treatment within the past 36 months, been an inpatient for the condition, recurrence, or any suicidality.

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. The other types are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder.

The fact you’ve been treated for OCD the past 9 years DQs you per para 5.28.q.

Para 5.28.o. DQs anyone specifically with OCD.

You’ll be DQ’ed at the DODMERB level, and will need a waiver from the USAF.
 
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