Should "minor" military dependent mental health records be used to determine eligibility for the dependent if they choose to sign up?

2018-04-06T12:30:50-04:00

The Army, Air Force, and Navy have received complaints from military families of potential recruits that were denied service because they received mental health counseling as a minor due to inability to cope with deployments, family issues, PCS, a parent's PTSD, etc. Do you think the military should consider ALL medical records at MEPS to determine eligibility and fitness for service or just those after a certain age?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 1:04 PM

2018-04-06T13:04:46-04:00

I don't think the military should have access to ALL mental health records of minors. I think it should be an age limit cut off like it is done for asthma.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 6 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-04-06T13:27:07-04:00

This is a tough question I find it ironic that the head shrinks we talk to when we come back from deployments tell us there is no stigma and our careers wont be impacted and then the military turns around and does this (if youre referring to the kid who got denied).

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 6 at 2018 3:09 PM

2018-04-06T15:09:02-04:00

Absolutely not. Unless it lead to someone being committed it should bear no weight at all anyway.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-04-06T16:27:39-04:00

They only ask if you tell them so don’t tell them. MEPS will not look at your dependent health records unless you provide them to your recruiter. So don’t do it- that is, don’t say it. Otherwise you will need to provide it or you will not get through MEPS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 9:13 AM

2018-04-13T09:13:43-04:00

Family counseling is not usually a disqualification. Every case of mental health should be looked at for eligibility however