Posted on Dec 15, 2018
Christian King
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Update: Called an Army recruiting center. I was told that unless I get my depression diagnosis overturned, theyll most likely deny me as well and they just dealt with something similar recently. So im pretty much doomed... Really thought I left my shit in 2012....

Warning: I tend to add detail, so this is sorta long. My apologies, but I like to provide any necessary details to give any answers an idea and prevent questions that could've been answered had I not been lazy and just given some details.


So I tried to enlist in the Marines and was, sadly, denied. Apparently, and this was news to me, I am diagnosed with clinical depression and had been since 2012. Now there's a lot to my diagnosis, but the gist of it is: It makes no since, I've never been medicated, and according to all the therapists notes (sent to BUMED) I've never once come in seeming/feeling depressed or suicidal.

Now with that in mind, my recruiter suggested I could go Army or wait a couple yrs. Since I'm more set on the Marines, I am willing to wait. But I am concerned on if it's worth it or possible. I was denied due to a diagnosis I didn't know I had and been fine. How do I "improve" on it in a few years when I was already behaving normally? I have no self-harm scars or history, no drug use, no medications to kick (or using as is), no drinking, no criminal background, not even a speeding ticket, and I don't even smoke. How could I possible do better than I already am? All I can do is get my associates, I guess. But given I was denied for a surprise diagnosis (it literally stated the depression was why), I am discouraged on even trying. Im also concerned on if it's even possible since I was denied by BUMED, and after eight days since being approved by MEPS.

Now if it IS possible, my biggest challenge is obviously this diagnosis. I am seeing a different therapist to get to the bottom of why I'm still diagnosed with something I genuinely didn't know I had, felt I had, or thought about whatsoever. It's mostly to get an updated psych evaluation and assessment. But other than that, is there really ANYTHING I can do to sort of "prove" to BUMED that I'm fine?

And if it isn't possible, then I can peacefully know I tried and find a way to get rid of this diagnosis regardless. I refuse to be latched with a diagnosis that has such a low impact on my life that I didn't even know was there. I admit it did when I was 15, but I'm damn near 22 and obviously changed/removed those stressors.
Posted in these groups: 98226061 WaiversB04bb539 MarinesC4289f1 RE CodeBUMED
Edited 6 y ago
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Responses: 14
CPT Special Forces Officer
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Mr. King,
We need to have a conversation. Contact me via private message. I believe it will be fine.
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Brayden Wright
Brayden Wright
9 mo
contact me pls!!
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LCDR Naval Aviator
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I had a similar issue in my record as a young man. It took 5 years and 5 visits to their psychology center, but they removed it.

Best of luck.
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Christian King
Christian King
6 y
Well that is pretty encouraging with this task of removing it in general, so hopefully I get lucky and get this removed myself!
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SFC Geospatial Engineer
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Navy only. Other branches that's a DODI no go.
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1SG Retired
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It is unlikely the Army will waive the medical condition the Marines denied a waiver for because they use the same standard: DODI 6130.30.
You have to have been stable for 36 months. However, you can't have required treatment for more than 24 months.
Your post stated you had the diagnosis since 2012, but didn't state how long you received treatment.
If you were treated for less than 24 months (cumulative) you MAY be eligible, but you would need 36-months post a diagnosis that the condition no longer exists to be eligible for (not guaranteed) a waiver. However, if you were seen by a doctor or mental health professional (therapist) for more than 24 months, it appears that it may not be waiverable at any point in the future.
DODI 6130.30
29. f. History of depressive disorders, including but not limited to major depression (296), dysthymic disorder (300.4), and cyclothymic disorder requiring outpatient care for longer than 12 months by a physician or other mental health professional (to include V65.40), or any inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential facility.
29. g. Depressive disorder not otherwise specified (311), or unspecified mood disorder (296.90),
UNLESS:
(1) Outpatient care was not required for longer than 24 months (cumulative) by a
physician or other mental health professional (to include V65.40).
(2) The applicant has been stable without treatment for the past 36 continuous months.
(3) The applicant did not require any inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential facility.
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Christian King
Christian King
6 y
This might be why I was denied then. I was steadily seeing therapists from late 2015 to May of this year. However NOT for that diagnosis (which again, i didnt know I even had) but for issues that have since been resolved. But if going to a therapist at all is considered treatment then I assume this is why.
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