Not the same ADHD question

[KMR07g]

I know the topic has been discussed time and time again, but I have done many searches and can't find the answer that I'm looking for.

I know that you can get a waiver for ADD/ADHD if you've been off the meds for 1 yr, but I'm curious if anyone has actually gotten a waiver for and been commissioned? All the threads seem to be speculative, but nobody actually seems to have made it. If you were successful, did you make aviator or NFO, and what airframe did you get? (I read that ADD/ADHD may limit you to helos)

A little background on me: I was diagnosed with a mild form of ADHD, and took a very small dose of adderall (10mg & only on schooldays) for the past 4 years. When I first started the meds I noticed a slight increase in my performance, but mainly just used it because it helped me wake up for my early classes. Actually, I stopped taking it before this semester and I have done better than ever without it. However, I’m graduating in a week (Dec. 12) so I won’t be able to prove a long term academic history without the meds.

That being said, what are the chances that it could come back to haunt me if I never mentioned it? I wouldn’t want to ruin my dream of being an aviator because I didn’t disclose something, but it almost seems like a catch-22 where I’m screwed either way.

 

[Cleonard19]

I know you're looking for information on gaining a commission, but I figured I'd help with what I can from my path through the enlisted side and getting medically Qualified for the Naval Academy.

I know that you can get a waiver for ADD/ADHD if you've been off the meds for 1 yr, but I'm curious if anyone has actually gotten a waiver for and been commissioned?

Its 24 months for both enlisting, and at least getting medically qualified for commissioning programs from the enlisted ranks. But you can't just be off it, you need documentation from your health care provider that in their medical opinion your initial diagnosis was either flawed, or you have demonstrated that you are capable of functioning at a high level without the aid of medication. I needed a waiver to enlist, another one to become a nuke, a third to be cleared for subs, and a fourth to be medically cleared to apply to the Naval Academy. The first three were pretty short and simple, but the fourth one required yet another full physical, as well as psychological consult that included some "fun" cognitive tests.

That being said, what are the chances that it could come back to haunt me if I never mentioned it? I wouldn’t want to ruin my dream of being an aviator because I didn’t disclose something, but it almost seems like a catch-22 where I’m screwed either way.

You're definitely screwed if you're caught committing fraud... The waivers are there if you're willing to work for them.

Again, I did not receive a commission, and the requirements to enlist are obviously different, but I don't know how different the requirements are for commissioning off the street vice the enlisted ranks. I've successfully gained waivers for STA-21 (twice) and USNA (once) for my ADHD, but it definitely was not without a great deal of effort and fighting tooth and nail for them. I know two nuke officers that "had" ADHD as children and managed to earn their commission, but I don't know anything about the aviation side of the house.

 

[KMR07g]

Through research and I read that because I was diagnosed by a family practice doctor vs. a psychiatrist, it may increase my chances of getting a waiver. Can anyone verify this? I would ask a recruiter but being that we don't have an OSO here in Tallahassee, I've had to call to the number listed on the Navy website but haven't been able to reach anyone yet, nor has anyone returned my calls.

 

[feddoc]

Probably not since you were diaganosed. However, it may help if you go to a Psychiatrist who says the ADD is not present and, perhaps, never was. Within the waiver guide psychiatry section, 14.7 (I think) the basics for getting a waiver are spelled out. Waiver guide link is at the top of 'DOCs CORNER'.