Published Oct 27, 2010
NavyNurseRN
14 Posts
I'm filling out my SF-86 and MEPS questionnaire re medical history. Several years ago, my doctor recommended that I take an SRRI (antidepressant) for my anxiety. I took the antidepressant for a short period of time -- under one month. I don't need it anymore and that was several years ago. Will that disqualify me from the military? Also, he noted that I have high blood pressure but I consider high blood to be anything over 140/90, and none of his records indicate that my blood pressure over that. Should I go by what he says and say "Yes" to High blood pressure question on the MEPS form?
And since I plan to declare my taking of antidepressant in the MEPS form, I was wondering if I should do the same for the SF-86. (I promise this is not a silly question. SF-86 has the weird exception. Please read.) I was thinking of saying "NO" and supplement with explanation using SF86A. It was stress or "grief" related to work.
Mental health counseling in and of itself is not a reason to revoke or deny a clearance. In the last 7 years, have you consulted with a health care professional regarding an emotional or mental health condition or were you hospitalized for such a condition? Answer "No" if the counseling was for any of the following reason and was not court-ordered:
1) strictly marital, family, grief not related to violence by you; or
2) strictly related to adjustments from service in a military combat environment.
jeckrn, BSN, RN
1,868 Posts
If the reason that you sought mental health treatment was one of the 2 options to answer no then I would answer no and leave it at that. There is no need to give addition info if it is not needed.
I agree that you need to be honest and put it on your MEPS physical. Before you go to MEPS I would go to where you were treated for anxiety and get the medical records and bring them to you when you go to MEPS for your physical. The doctor may or may not look at them. Also, they may contain enough info that he will be able to sign off at that time.
Did you ever take any HTN meds? If not you will have to use your own judgement since I do not know your medical history.
If the reason that you sought mental health treatment was one of the 2 options to answer no then I would answer no and leave it at that. There is no need to give addition info if it is not needed. I agree that you need to be honest and put it on your MEPS physical. Before you go to MEPS I would go to where you were treated for anxiety and get the medical records and bring them to you when you go to MEPS for your physical. The doctor may or may not look at them. Also, they may contain enough info that he will be able to sign off at that time.Did you ever take any HTN meds? If not you will have to use your own judgement since I do not know your medical history.
Thank you for your thoughts. No, I never took any HTN meds. But since according to the doctor's notes he diagnosed me with high blood pressure, I feel inclined to put in my MEPS form despite my view of what high blood means (e.g 140 mm Hg / 90 mm Hg). My blood pressure now is nowhere near what it was before. It's now usually less than 120/80 due to my regular exercise. I hope I can get my blood pressure checked at MEPS to prove my doctor wrong
It will be checked at MEPS and like going to the doctors office there might be a little bit of white coat syndrome.