Expert: John L - 9/22/2011

Question
Hello John,

I am currently working with a recruiter in order to join the army as this is something I really want to do. I am a college graduate (BA) with no medical concerns. However, I had a brief period when I was 9-10 (apprx.) in which I was prescribed prozac for OCD (which I did not take, but of course is "on paper") and which disappeared completely. Somewhere in my teen years, apprx 15 or 16 (?) I was involved in brief group therapy and also prescribed prozac for depression(which I was also able to avoid taking, but again "on paper") and also disappeared (non existent in my opinion). I have found and consulted the doctors responsible for this and have discovered that these documents have been purged by the practices. My concern in all of my research is that this will automatically disqualify me from joining, is this true? How likely would a waiver be with the cut backs currently happening? What could I possibly do to make the best case possible for a waiver (what documents could I obtain - would doctors letters suffice)? Some of my research indicates that having been so long ago I should not even disclose this information, but the possible repercussions are not something I want to have to worry about and I want to live up to the army moral standard. Thank you for any helpful advice you can provide.

Answer
The 9-10 yr old issue is not going to hurt you, but the 16 yr old time frame will diminish your chances greatly of getting accepted.

Do not expect a waiver to be approved.  the Army no longer accepts anyone wth a history of mental issues.  A waiver can be submitted, but will be denied.

Sorry.