Expert: Howard Lorenz - 7/6/2008

Question
I am an eighteen year old who is considering joining the Coast Guard. I see it is as a great thing to do with my life and am considering to do it. But after talking to some people, I have some concerns that some medical issues from my pas will disqualify me. First, I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about five or so, took medication for it, but have been off medication for it for over eight years. Also, I had a period of OCD when I was fifteen. I took medication and received counseling for about six months. After a while, everything got better, and though I was still prescribed the medicine, did not take it for the last few months. (I had moved an hour away and didn't have the time to go do down there to talk to the doctors.) I have not had any other medical problems related to this. Also, during that time. I had a case of walking phenomia that caused heart problems that was laster corrected in an EP study. No problems have happened since the doctors corrected it and no traces to my knowlege have been found in my latest physicals.

I am just wondering if these factors disqualify me and if I should even bother trying for I don't want to waster Military personnel's time.

Answer
Well for one you will not be wasting a recruiters time...thats his job!

The ADHD is not an issue due to the fact that you  have been off the meds now for the last 8 years, the requirement is off for 1 year. I dont know much about OCD, but I can tell you that there was not anythinga about OCD in the regs when I was recruiting. That will be a MEPS call.

The heart thing might be an issue, you will have to have medical records for the CMO at the MEPS. They will review and make a decision based off the records.

The best advise that I can tell you is that you cant waste a recruiters time, its thier job. You know already what the worst answer will be.... But if you dont try you will never know for sure, they may accept your conditions and enlist you...