I apologize if I am posting incorrectly, but I have a question that is very time sensitive.
My son has been accepted into the UMKC school of dentistry and is considering the Navy programs. He is a great kid and is physically very fit. He does however have a history of ADHD that he has largely outgrown but still has a prescription to medication that he uses occasionally to study for tests and did have a special accommodation as an undergraduate for extra time to take tests. He will make terrific officer and is filling out Navy applications now. How will his ADHD be viewed by the Navy and how should he phrase this on his application?
MEPS Regulation 40-1 directs that military entrance processing stations conduct applicant physicals in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 6130.3 and Army Regulation 40-501, both of which list medical standards for military enlistment/appointment. As far as I know, all the military branches use the medical standards found in AR 40-501.
Here is what is written in AR 40-501 chapter 2, section 27, paragraph (a):
2–27. Learning, psychiatric and behavioral disorders
a. Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (314), or Perceptual/Learning Disorder(s)
(315) does not meet the standard, unless applicant can demonstrate passing academic performance and there has been
no use of medication(s) in the previous 12 months.
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DODI 6301.03 is more restrictive for ADHD in chapter 2, section 9, paragraph (a):
2-9. LEARNING, PSYCHIATRIC, AND BEHAVIORAL
a. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (314) UNLESS the following criteria are met:
(1) The applicant has not required an Individualized Education Program or work accommodations since the age of 14.
(2) There is no history of comorbid mental disorders.
(3) The applicant has never taken more than a single daily dosage of medication or has not been prescribed medication for this condition for more than 24 cumulative months after the age of 14.
(4) During periods off of medication after the age of 14, the applicant has been able to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average without accommodations.
(5) Documentation from the applicant's prescribing provider that continued medication is not required for acceptable occupational or work performance.
(6) Applicant is required to enter service and pass Service-specific training periods with no prescribed medication for ADHD.
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So, your son currently does not meet the medical standard to be a Naval Officer under either instruction. Waivers of this standard are technically possible, but my guess is that obtaining a waiver would be unlikely, especially since the dental school programs are so competitive. I have heard anecdotally that AR 40-501 is the one that is actually used at MEPS, which may offer hope for your son. Perhaps if he can discontinue his medication for a year and show that he can still concentrate and make it on his own, he could apply for a 3 year scholarship, or commission after dental school and get loan repayment/signing bonus to help with his student loans. Good luck.
