Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: My son was on ritalin from 5 years old until 7/8 grade. I'm not absolutely sure, but definitely not High School. He went to MEPS and they asked about ritalin and he said yes, he was ready to pick his job.They asked for documentation. The only thing that I could get was the last label printout at the pharmacy in 2002 and a letter from doctor stating records destroyed, and claim history from medicaid. Will this probably be enough along with a statement from me to get a waiver. He's 19 and never been in any trouble not even a traffic ticket He has been on his one/only job for 3.5 years. He scored high on his ASVAB etc.

ANSWER: Donna,
Your son shouldn't have any problem getting a waiver.  What the military requires is that he is not currently on it and has been off it for at least 6 months.  I know it's too late now, but in fact he didn't even have to admit to using it after such a long period.  I don't think he'll have any problem.
Just for my own curiosity, which Service is he interested in?
I know the Air Force has met their quota for recruits and are no longer giving waivers for anything, whereas the Army still gives waivers.
I wish him the best of luck in whatever he chooses.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is indeed the Air Force,so,he needs to go to a different
branch?

Answer
I still think he'll be OK with the Air Force because it's been so long since he used it.  If for some reason they won't accept him then he can try another branch and this time answer "no".  The military just wants to make sure he's not using it within the last 6 months.  If you can't even prove it, how can they?
Colonel H