Should a behavioral health diagnosis affect whether one receives an Article 15?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:52:50 -0400

I'm trying to get some information in regards to behavioral health med boards.

I recently got a company grade article 15 for doing to dumb stuff. However, before I got the article, my wife sensed something was different with me, as well as I did. So, I ended up going to behavioral health to get some help.

Long story short, I have dissociacated identity dissorder. I am wondering if my NCO's or my command should have pushed for any articles, or if they should have realized that I have a mental disorder and that I am trying to get help with it.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 24 at 2014 2:55 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 14:55:20 -0400

Were they aware of it (as in the Doctor diagnosis) beforehand? If not, they wouldn't necessarily be qualified to identify a disorder.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 14 at 2014 5:44 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 05:44:36 -0500

I would like the name of the psychiatrist who gave you that diagnosis.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 5:58 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 05:58:35 -0500

Dissociacated? I think you mean dissociative. And that's a questionable diagnosis as (from what I've read) even medical experts can't agree if it actually exists or if it's just a symptom of other psychiatric issues. Furthermore, this is probably the #1 "condition" that people get "diagnosed" with when they're either seeking attention, or have legal/financial considerations. It's going to raise eyebrows at to its reality.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 14 at 2014 12:31 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 12:31:32 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member , If I were you, I would seek advice from a Staff Judge Advocate and also research AR 40-501 and the DSM V criteria for diagnosis (300-14). Ultimately, you know yourself better than anyone else. First and foremost, get any and all help you need.

Your Commander and 1SG are many things, medical doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists they are not. Aside from obtaining legal and medical assistance, know you have a forum which will listen and provide support here on RP.

Pertaining to a Medical Evaluation Board, a Commander has the right to have you evaluated if he or she perceives you have a condition which would make you non-retention from a fitness for duty standpoint.

Response by SSG Jim Foreman made Nov 14 at 2014 12:55 PM

SSG Jim Foreman — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 12:55:37 -0500

As you said...you did "dumb stuff" so you got a 15. You knew it was dumb to do and you did it....Man up, suck it up, and take what you earned ( in this case an Article 15). As for your mental health issue, I'm agreeing with Major Ian Dews.