Military waiver evaluations assess whether a person who would otherwise be disqualified from joining or continuing to serve in the military can receive a waiver to enlist or stay in service. A military psychological waiver (or military waiver for mental health) is commonly requested for mental health disqualifications when someone has had a psychological issue or received mental health treatment in the past. Sometimes, as part of the waiver process, you may be asked to undergo an outside psychological evaluation, and that is where we can help. The military is fair but strict, and psychological testing can provide an objective, scientifically backed assessment of your performance.
The following provides a detailed breakdown of military waiver evaluations, but please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation about your specific situation.
Military Waiver Evaluations Overview
A military waiver for mental health is requested when a person has a current or past mental health condition that may make it hard for them to serve safely and effectively. In that case, it would disqualify them from service under normal circumstances.
External Steps in the Process:
Our role is only one part of the military waiver for mental health process. Here is the rest:
- Identification of Disqualification:
- During enlistment, any disqualifications (mental health, medical, moral, or administrative) that might prevent you from serving are assessed from your history and interview. Please note that you should fully disclose any mental health difficulties you’ve ever had, since the process often uncovers things anyway, and being forthcoming is much better than being found to be untrustworthy.
- Evaluation by Authorities:
- Relevant authorities review the request for enlistment, which could include medical professionals for medical and mental health issues or legal boards for moral ones.
- Determination:
- If you are found fit to serve and no waivers are needed, congratulations, and thank you for choosing to serve!
- If you are not found fit, you will be given a list of conditions that you need to be cleared for. For those that are mental health conditions, we may be able to help.
- Testing and Assessment:
- Skip to Military Psychological Waiver Process below
- Military Waiver for Mental Health Request Submission:
- After we are done and you’ve collected other information for your other waivers, your recruiter gathers all necessary documentation. Sometimes, they submit the request to the appropriate office, and sometimes they instruct you to gather additional information before doing so.
- Approval or Denial:
- Once the application is complete, your waivers are either granted or denied. If denied, you are disqualified from service unless you can appeal the decision or resolve the disqualifying issue. This is another area where our services can be beneficial if additional testing might help, although it may sometimes take some time to demonstrate that the problem has been fully resolved.
Common Disqualifying Mental Health Conditions or Situations
- A history of mental health medication
- A current diagnosis of ADHD
- A reported history of depression or anxiety
- Prior statements of self-harm
- Prior psychological-based difficulty
- A history of mental health treatment
- Psychological issues that affected prior service or training
Military Psychological Waiver Process:
If a psychological examination is requested as part of the military psychological waiver process, here is the general process we follow:
- Initial Consultation: You schedule an initial consultation, during which we determine whether there is a reasonable chance that we can assist you.
- Documentation Submission: If we are unsure whether we can assist you, we may request that you submit any relevant documentation you have regarding the initial refusal of enlistment.
- Mental Health Examination: If we determine that we have a reasonable chance of helping (please note that there are no guarantees), we will meet with you to evaluate the condition, assess its severity, and determine whether it may interfere with your duties. We will also want to hear about how you’ve been doing since that time.
- Risk Assessment: Next, the condition is evaluated in the context of military life. For example, can you handle the physical demands, long hours, and stressful service situations, often in remote places where there is no access to mental health treatment or medication?
- Psychological Testing: A core part of our military waiver evaluations is an empirical test that provides objective evidence of your performance. The prior two steps involve some subjective decisions, so the testing is done to bring empirical objectivity.
- Validity Assessment: As part of psychological testing, we use scientific measures to make sure you answered honestly, without withholding important information. It is vital that you answer the questions on psychological testing forthrightly, and keep in mind that everyone is allowed to have a few weaknesses and worries! The military is fair when they evaluate things, so honesty is paramount.
- Letter: Finally, we will write a letter based on whether the condition continues to exist, if so, how manageable it is, whether it can be controlled (e.g., with medication), and if it poses a risk to your or anyone’s safety. If you’ve overcome the condition we’ll describe how that happened and give evidence to back that contention.
It is important to note that we cannot write a letter unless we are confident that you are likely to be found fit for clearance. Also, we have no control over the ultimate decision, which is based on factors beyond our work. We have found that the military is comprehensive but fair. Keep in mind that they are looking out for your welfare and the welfare of those around you. Thus, this process is essential.
If, at any point in the process, we find that we cannot write a confident letter on your behalf, we will notify you and refund any money you’ve paid beyond the time we’ve already spent. We may also offer you advice, such as waiting a certain period before trying to enlist, or seeking specific support to mitigate the impact of the condition.
Factors That Influence Military Waiver Approval:
Severity of the Condition: The armed forces assess how the disqualifying issue impacts the applicant’s ability to perform their duties.
- Needs: A military waiver for mental health is sometimes more likely to be granted during times of increased demand for personnel or when the individual possesses specialized skills that are in high demand.
- Time Since the Condition: For a military psychological waiver, the time since the symptoms occurred and whether you have demonstrated consistent rehabilitation are considered.
- Applicant’s Overall Qualifications: Applicants with strong qualifications in other areas (e.g., high ASVAB scores, physical fitness, work in a specific field) may have a better chance of obtaining a military psychological waiver.
Military Psychological Waiver Possible Outcomes:
- Approved: You can proceed with enlistment or service. You may need to meet additional conditions, such as periodic evaluations.
- Denied: If denied, you will be unable to join or continue serving. However, you may appeal or reapply if you can resolve the disqualifying issue. Sometimes, they designate a specific time after which you can reapply if symptoms or challenges have not recurred, and again, this is where we can help.
- Conditional: You may receive a military psychological waiver with specific conditions, such as being limited to certain roles or requiring ongoing monitoring.
Getting a Military Waiver for Mental Health Conditions
A military psychological waiver is a specific type of medical waiver that addresses mental health conditions that would normally disqualify you from enlisting or continuing to serve. A military waiver for mental health is often necessary when an applicant has a history of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, or other behavioral health disorders.
Conditions That May Require a Military Waiver for Mental Health:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Issue: A military waiver for ADHD may be needed if there is a question of whether you require medication or have had symptoms that interfere with functioning, especially if the condition persists into adulthood. We can do an ADHD assessment to determine the severity of any current symptoms or executive functioning testing for a deeper evaluation.
- Depression:
- Issue: A history of major depressive disorder, especially if treated with medication, particularly if you had recurrent or severe episodes within a specific timeframe (often five years) may require a military mental health waiver. Again, we can use standardized psychological testing for depression to determine the severity of any current symptoms or specifically whether a military waiver for antidepressants is needed.
- Anxiety Disorders:
- Issue: Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder may disqualify you, especially if you’ve been on medication or received therapy within a recent period. We also provide anxiety testing for the current severity and nature of symptoms.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- Issue: PTSD is particularly sensitive within military settings, given the high-stress nature of service. A military waiver for mental health is required for individuals with a history of PTSD, even if they no longer show symptoms. We can provide information about whether the symptoms persist through trauma testing.
- Bipolar Disorder:
- Issue: Bipolar disorder, which involves episodes of mania and depression, typically results in automatic disqualification. However, sometimes a military waiver for mental health issues involving suspected bipolar disorder may be considered on a case-by-case basis. This difficulty is best assessed by an ongoing therapist rather than through psychological testing.
- Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders:
- Issue: Given their severity and potential impact on functioning, these disorders generally result in disqualification without a military waiver for mental health. We do not do these evaluations.
- Suicidal Ideation or Attempts:
- Issue: Any history of suicidal thoughts, ideation, or attempts usually necessitates a military psychological waive. This is particularly true if the event occurred within a specified timeframe, often the past five to seven years. Our mental health testing covers this area.
Military Psychological Waiver Evaluation Process Tips
- Documentation Submission:
- Medical Records: Provide us with comprehensive mental health records. These may include psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, medication history, and hospital records (if applicable). The more we know, the better we can tailor your battery of fitness-for-duty psychological tests.
- Letters from Providers: Often, you’ll need a letter from your mental health provider (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or therapist) attesting to your current mental health status, treatment history, and stability. These letters are also helpful for us to see.
- Time Since Last Episode:
- Many psychological conditions are evaluated based on how long it has been since you last experienced symptoms or required treatment. For example, for a military waiver for antidepressants, you might need to be symptom-free and off medication for a set period before being considered for a waiver. Keep close track of these timelines. They can be quite helpful as we design your battery of tests and interviews.
- Risk and Functional Assessment:
- Impact on Duties: The military carefully considers whether the condition will affect your ability to handle stress, deploy, and perform duties in potentially high-stakes situations. Consider this when deciding which branch of the military you want to join and what role(s) you are interested in.
- Stability: Assessing your stability is essential, whether you manage your mental health successfully without medication or therapy that might not be available during deployment to remote places.
- Supporting Documentation:
- References: Letters of reference from employers, school counselors, or community leaders may help demonstrate your current emotional and psychological fitness.
- Symptom History: You’ll provide detailed information about the onset, severity, and treatment of your condition. If symptoms have been resolved, we can confirm this in writing.
Conditions Less Likely to Receive a Military Waiver for Mental Health:
- Recent Mental Health Episodes: Applicants for a military waiver for mental health who have experienced a recent crisis, such as hospitalization, suicide attempts, or severe depressive episodes, are less likely to receive a military psychological waiver.
- Severe Psychiatric Disorders: Conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of psychosis are typically automatic disqualifier. They have limited chances for military psychological waiver approval.
- Dependency on Medication: Applicants who rely on psychiatric medications that might not be accessible in a combat or deployment environment (e.g., a military waiver for antidepressants) may have a more challenging time obtaining a military mental health waiver. However, you mustn’t discontinue your medication without the clear advice of your prescriber.
Conclusion and Our Work 
A military psychological waiver is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the waiver is considered based on your history and current mental health status. Stability and recovery play a crucial role in whether a waiver is granted. Conditions considered too risky may lead to denial. However, with proper documentation and a history of stability, we have seen many individuals with past mental health issues receive waivers and serve successfully after our evaluation.
Case Example 1: Military Waiver for ADHD
John, a 19-year-old high school graduate, wanted to enlist in the U.S. Army. However, he had a history of ADHD and was prescribed medication until he was 16. He had been off medication for three years with no academic or behavioral issues. His recruiter informed him that the diagnosis could be disqualifying, but he might be eligible for a military waiver for ADHD.
Military Waiver for ADHD Process
Medical Documentation
- John gathered medical records from his pediatrician and psychiatrist, showing that he had been stable without medication.
- His high school transcripts and teacher letters confirmed no academic struggles post-medication.
Military Waiver for ADHD Testing
- PAI: The PAI is a self-report questionnaire used to evaluate a person’s psychological functioning, personality traits, and potential psychopathology.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
- Helps determine if the candidate has any lingering emotional or behavioral problems.
- Assesses factors such as stress tolerance, impulse control, and aggression—essential traits for military service.
- Can detect exaggeration or malingering (faking good or bad symptoms).
- Testing Process:
- John answered 344 multiple-choice items related to different psychological traits.
- The results were analyzed and it was determined that he had a low likelihood of having the diagnosis of ADHD or any other psychological issue, such as anxiety or depression.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
- Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS-IV): The BAARS-IV (Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale, 4th Edition) is designed to assess ADHD symptoms in adults.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
- Determines if ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood.
- Assesses executive functioning skills such as attention, working memory, and impulsivity.
- Helps evaluators decide if the applicant’s ADHD is mild, moderate, or severe.
- Testing Process:
- John completed a questionnaire evaluating ADHD symptoms from childhood to adulthood.
- His scores indicated that his symptoms did not meet the clinical threshold for ADHD.
- His results also showed that while he may have had symptoms in childhood, there has been a significant decline over time.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
- BRIEF-A: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version: The BRIEF-A is a standardized self-report measure that evaluates executive functioning in daily life. This includes organization, working memory, emotional control, and self-monitoring.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
- Assesses real-world executive functioning, which is critical for military tasks that demand attention, planning, and emotional regulation.
- Helps identify whether any ADHD-like symptoms are currently impairing functioning in adulthood.
- Provides insight into whether difficulties with focus, follow-through, or regulation are within the normal range.
- Testing Process:
- John completed the BRIEF-A, which required him to rate how often he experiences specific problems related to executive functioning.
- His responses fell within the average range, indicating no significant issues with attention, working memory, planning, or self-regulation.
- These results further support the conclusion that he does not meet the criteria for ADHD or executive dysfunction.
- Relevance to a Military Waiver for ADHD:
Military Waiver for ADHD Approval
- Based on an interview with John, all of his history and review by the military, and our evaluation and testing, his request for a military psychological waiver for ADHD was approved.
- He was cleared to enlist with no restrictions.
Outcome
John completed basic training and served in a combat support role. His military psychological waiver process demonstrated that he could meet standards despite his medical history.
Case Example 2: Military Waiver for Antidepressants
Sarah, a 22-year-old woman, aspired to join the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence analyst. However, she had taken antidepressants for mild depression during her senior year of high school and her first year of college. She discontinued the medication two years before her enlistment attempt and had no recurring symptoms.
Her recruiter informed her that a history of antidepressant use within the last 36 months could be disqualifying. However, she encouraged her to apply for a military waiver for antidepressants.
Military Waiver for Antidepressants Process
Medical Documentation
- Sarah provided complete medical records from her primary care physician and therapist.
- The records showed:
- She was prescribed an SSRI (e.g., sertraline) for mild situational depression related to academic stress.
- The medication was discontinued under medical supervision two years ago.e
- She had no hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, or major functional impairments.
- Her therapist noted she had developed strong coping mechanisms and was functioning well without medication.
Military Waiver for Antidepressants Testing
We gave Sarah a psychological evaluation to assess her mental stability and fitness for service. The tests included:
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
- Assessed her stress tolerance, emotional resilience, and ability to function under pressure.
- Results indicated no active depressive symptoms and a stable personality profile.
- Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
- A screening tool for current depressive symptoms.
- Sarah scored within the normal range, reinforcing that her past depression was resolved.
- Clinical Assessment of Depression (CAD)
- A comprehensive, multi-domain tool that assesses mood, motivation, cognitive symptoms, and physical fatigue related to depression.
- Sarah’s total score fell within the non-clinical range.
- Subscale scores, including Depressed Mood, Anxiety/Worry, Diminished Interest, and Fatigue, were all below clinical thresholds, indicating an absence of depressive or anxiety-related symptoms.
- Clinical Interview
- We discussed her history, coping strategies, and reason for discontinuing medication.
- We determined she had a low risk of mental health relapse under military stress.Military Waiver for Antidepressants Approval
The waiver authority approved her request after reviewing her medical records, test results, and the results of our clinical interview. The key factors that led to the approval of her military waiver for mental health related to antidepressants were:
- She had been off medication for two years without recurrence.
- Psychological tests showed no signs of active depression or emotional instability.
- Her therapist provided a strong endorsement of her mental resilience.
Outcome
Sarah successfully enlisted in the Air Force and completed basic training without any mental health issues. She later excelled in her intelligence role, demonstrating strong analytical skills and resilience in the face of pressure.
The military is fair yet thorough and strict in its assessments, as it should be. The unbiased and empirical information we can provide can be quite beneficial in obtaining a military waiver for mental health. However, we have a tremendous amount of respect for the process since it is designed to ensure your safety and health and the safety and health of those you might serve with. For this reason, we cannot guarantee the result of your military waiver for mental health. We sometimes decline military psychological evaluations or stop the process partway if we do not believe it will be beneficial (in these cases, you are refunded any amount you’ve paid beyond the time we’ve already invested).
Please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation to discuss your situation. We always provide a free screening to determine if an assessment may be helpful in the military waiver process.
