Expert: John L - 2/12/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am active duty AF e-4 25 years old and am wanting to separate next year in order to enroll in Army ROTC at the school I currently attend at night.  I have a TS/SCI clearance and during my flight physical this year I was made aware my last base mental health provider diagnosed me with a condition known as dysthymia.  Currently I think it is a condition that disqualifies you to enter the armed forces.  I talked with the mental health provider here and the Captain who I seen said he thinks it was an invalid diagnosis because my last base only seen me twice (simply because I just wanted to go in for counseling sessions on my own accord).  Also a Colonel at my current base put in notes that say I am perfectly mentally fit.  I also have never taken any meds of any kind.  My question is will I be able to separate and join ROTC or will this possible incorrect diagnosis disqualify me?  Also, what could I do to resolve the situation.  The mental health provider said they would do all they can to help me so I could do ROTC but I am not sure what to tell them to do and I am not sure they know how to correct the situation.  I just need someone with the answer or at least where to go for answers.

ANSWER: once your current contract is up, you can enroll in ROTC.  You do not have to divulge an incorrect diagnosis if you were told later it was not correct, your last physical aid mentally fit, so that must mean you are.  You do have to admit to visiting a menatl health counselor, that by itself will hurt you.  But just have records from your last visit showing medically and menatlly fit for service.  A DODMERD physical is what is needed for ROTC commsiioning anyways.

Mental health is so overwhlemed, they are quick to make diagnosis without proper tests and follow ups, so be careful with future visits.

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

QUESTION: To further clarify, you are sure the DODMERD will not simply look at my prior Air Force records and see a diagnosis of Dysthymia and automatically disqualify me?  Your saying they will look in the notes that say I am mentally fit and evaluate me on my current state.  

I just really need to be sure how they do their business before I separate.  Would hate to have that screw me in the end.

Answer
Since the diagnosis was overturned by another, you never had it, it is the same as being charged with a crime and being found not guilty, it can't count against you.  The minute you tell a dr you were diagnosed with it, you will be done.  There is no question on a physical if you were ever diagnosed with anything. All you have to say is that you saw mental health for stress, (or whatever) but you have a clean bill of health because you did what was expected of you, seek help if you feel you need it, though it can often end a career.  If you are ok iven a clean bill of helth to extend, then you will be ok.  You do need to check into the age limitations for ROTC.  Usually, you have to graduate by age 27.  So ROTC may not actually be an option unless you can get an age waiver. (which they sometomes do)

Good luck