Can you lie about depression to get into the military?

According to the Department of Defense, you’re disqualified from serving in the U.S. military if you have a current diagnosis or a history of most mental disorders. The presence of any disorder with psychotic features, such as schizophrenia or a delusional disorder, does not allow one to serve.

Can you get medically discharged for depression?

In the military’s scheme of things, serious disorders such as major depression, anxiety or schizophrenia may be grounds for medical discharge or retirement, usually depending on their severity and amenability to treatment.

Does the military look at medical records?

Because the military does not routinely pull medical records, recruits who pass their physical and reveal no prior history may get in. However, if the soldier later gets sick or injured, the Army can check medical records if an undisclosed pre-existing condition is suspected.

Is mental health a dishonorable discharge?

The military may discharge for “other designated physical and mental conditions” servicemembers who have conditions that do not qualify for a disability discharge, but “that potentially interfere with assignment to or performance of duty….” Personality disorders are the most common grounds for discharge under other …

Can you lie about depression at MEPS?

You’ll go to MEPS and take the ASVAB, but your processing will be terminated at a certain point because of being honest about depression. Your records will be sent to the AF surgeon general’s office for review.

What happens if you lie about your medical history at MEPs?

How about this: Lying to join the military is a fraudulent enlistment and can result in a felony conviction. Yes, you need to be caught in the lie, but that isn’t as difficult as you might think.

Should I Lie to the military recruiter about depression?

As a former military recruiter, I can tell you that your recruiter wants you to lie, because admitting to depression might disqualify you. Recruiters need to enlist people to keep their job and career. Do not lie to MEPS. Here’s why. You signed a ton of paperwork to get to go to MEPS.

What happens if you are disqualified from the military for depression?

If you are disqualified ask MEPS if you might qualify for a waiver. These rules are in place to protect you and your fellow service members. Your recruiter is wrong to tell you to lie. He knows that if you get caught he can point to all the paperwork he had you sign, and will refute having told you to deny having depression.

What happens if you lie to get into the military?

If it comes to light at any time that you lied to get in, you can be dishonorably discharged (you probably will never get a job with any government agency or contractor who works for the government). You become disqualified for any military benefits such as the VA.

Can you join the military with a mental illness?

The U.S. Department of Defense has a directive called the Criteria and Procedure Requirements for Physical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces which provides a detailed list of what mental health conditions prevent a person from being in the armed services.