If you can get written opinions from (multiple) shrinks regarding a possible misdiagnosis, the prognosis for no likely future issues, how he's been doing off meds, etc., it will greatly help his cause.
To add to this post, I just reviewed the psychiatric final report submitted to the FAA and the doctor writes, "I think it is judicious to give him the benefit of the doubt, to eliminate the diagnosis of bipolar illness, and leave a diagnosis of Depression NOS of childhood, which has been in remission since age 15". Hopefully, that statement is of value. I also reviewed the record, and the anti-depressants that he was given were Zoloft and Paxil, not Lexapro and Wellbutrin. Not sure if that makes any difference. Also, it just burns me that this doctor that continued his bipolar diagnosis was actually under disciplinary action by the medical board at the time he was treating my son and we were not aware of this. The court records indicate that this doctor had inappropriate contact with a minor, inadequate record keeping and was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and narcissistic personality disorder! I wonder if this information in the form of the court records would influence the Navy's decision at all?Thank you for explaining the differences between the general physical standards for commissioning and special duty. I can't speak as to the norm of the drugs he was taking, but I have heard that anti-depressants can "unmask" manic behavior. What I find difficult to believe is that a person with bipolar or suffering from depression can function as highly as my son for so many years. I think his GPA, living abroad, holding the same job for 5 y ears, etc. speaks to a mentally healthy person. However, I do understand that the Navy just can't take the risk. In your experience, have you seen many of these mental health waivers occur? Are there any published statistics or data available? What would make a difference here?
Now I'm really confused. Question 16 on the medical pre-screening history report asks "have you ever seen a psychiatrist, psychologist ... for any reason ... to include depression ...? Also, question 49 asks if you ever or are "taking any medications"? So, it seems to me that he has to answer yes to both and explain why. Besides, if he answered no because he believed that he was being truthful, I'm sure the security background check would uncover the records through his 2nd class airman's certificate with the FAA and then he would have to explain why he answered the way he did.
Yes, that's what I keep telling my son....time is on his side. However, I have heard of applicants being permanently disqualified and ineligible to apply again. I'm not sure if that can really happen or not, but it's quite frightening to think about and makes one hesitant to try.
but I also feel confused because there are still so many stories of rejection too.