Expert: John L - 4/17/2010

Question
My husband has been thinking about joining the military, but we've had some concern as to whether or not he will be able to enlist. When he was 17 he had an episode that lead to a 48 hour evaluation in a psychiatric  hospital. (it was an alcohol induced blackout, and his mom chose the psych ward over jail as the police were called.) She also chose to use the basis of this to apply him for S.S.I. and disabilty, which he was granted for bi-polar disorder at 18. This was more a mix of teen angst and puberty than an actual medical condition, but with the coaching of mom he was able to receive disability. He is now 23, and has not been on medication or seen a doctor for almost 5 years. His case has no been re-evaluated so he is still on Disability. It is currently up for review, and since he has no inhibiting mental illnesses and has not been participating in any type of psychiatric care he is going to be dropped as it is no longer necessary. What are the chances of getting a waiver since he will no longer be considered disabled by any type of agency and since it has been such a long span of time since he has had any type of care? Also we've been told that recruitment is very limited right now and if there is any chance of a waiver would there be a branch that is more willing to offer it? He scored a 73 on the practice asvab and has a g.e.d. but also has almost 70 college credit hours. Thanks for your time.

Answer
I doubt he would make it based upon the disability factor and the fact he agreed he was bi polar and needed help.  Even if he just went along, that itself would make him ineligible.  Stranger things have happened, but the chances of him getting in are slim, but not inpossible.