All medical chat and queries in here. Please don't start a new one for every single medical question.

[FutureSoldier?]

@FutureSoldier?

It’s almost certain you’ll be deemed unfit.

Appeal against what? You cannot appeal against a standard just because you don’t like it.

Generally the issue is the number of times self-harm occurred, what it was in response to, the length of the period over which it occurred and the length of the period of treatment. For young people, as I suspect you are, depending on the circumstances and reasons, there tends to be a slightly better degree of latitude with regard eventual medical suitability. But don’t get your hopes up. The military can be an incredibly stressful environment & they cannot risk a soldier self harming if stress levels increase.

Still I believe you require 3 years symptom free. Perhaps @amnesia or @theoriginalphantom can illuminate this and confirm? I am almost certain this will have been asked on this forum before. @The_Duke might also be better placed to answer.

Ultimately, the Service Entry Medical bosrdwill advise once you apply and the fuller circumstances are scrutinised by the healthcare experts (bearing in mind I am not remotely qualified to advise in this area- offer this as guidance only)

Thank you for your reply...

I understand that I may be deemed unfit, but I was told it’s likely I’ll never be able to join!

I self harmed by ingesting 11 paracetamol in 2018. It was not a serious attempt of self harm but was a cry for help in response to there being no help or support in this specific circumstance.

Also, it was partially due to the medication I’d been on for approximately 4 months. The dose was upped to the max and it was clearly not right for me. In fact, after the self-harm event I was prescribed additional tablets to counteract the negative side effects of the medication.

Could I appeal, that this incident was in reaction to no mental health support and the strength/negative side effects of the medication I was prescribed?

There’s no appealing the fact I have ADHD and a history of depression. My depression has always been the hopeless feeling of never fulfilling my true potential in retail jobs, but the armed forces could help me do that.

I’ve only been off medication for 3 months (lasted for approximately 1 year) but as I’ve said diet, exercise and routine is my successful method of managing.

And I’d say I’m considered an adult as I’m 26

 

[Mrsheeny]

My GP said there's nothing on their records so they've replied with none, and I mostly had migraines early 2000s, very rarely get them now and I think my last one was over 2 years ago. Even when I have had one, all I've needed to do is go to sleep and I'm fine when I wake up, so it's hardly any different to a generic illness and someone needing to have a singular day off / go home really.

You should be fine then. End of the day, the good folk at assessment centre will have access to your medical records so anything on there will flag up. If they’ve gone then they’ve gone, just stay away from chocolate, coffee and cheese - 3 triggers.

 

[amnesia]

Hello I’m wondering if anyone can help...

I completed my medical triage and attended my army briefing/interview today.

I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, depression and have self harmed once in my life.

I’ve been off medication since November 2019 and have been managing my mental health through diet, exercise and good routine.

However, even though I passed through the medical triage, I am only able to apply for specialist roles...

Has anybody had a similar experience?

Should I appeal?

As @Bobby_Bert said - there is no point appealing just because you dont like the outcome. It doesnt mean the decision is wrong.

You have only been off medication for three months - depression now requires at least 12 months of no symptoms and no treatment.

If you have only self harmed once, and only suffered from depression once, then there is a possibility that you could reapply and be succesful in the future, but not knowing your full medical history it would be wrong of me to make any promises.

The only reason you weren't given an outright rejection on the triage call is because you happened to tick a couple of job choices that dont require such strict rules (eg Medical officer, Vet, 77 Brigade etc.)

You almost certainly arent qualified or eligible for these roles so will get rejected when your PHCR comes in. Your ACC should have checked this before they booked your triage, but it doesnt always happen.

 

[Southern Ron]

I would appreciate if someone could tell me that nothing would happen, say, in the next month or so, so that I could go to Portugal and sort some outstanding things. I'm in for Infantry.

Had my medical a couple of days ago and passed all the elements as expected. But due to me ticking a box in my family questionnaire that my father is of mixed blood my application has been deferred. I was given a letter which basically tells me to wait and they will contact me......how long......no one knows. i am very disappointed as there is no sickle cell history anywhere in my family and no one carries the trait yet I cannot proceed. Letter also says you cannot have your own blood test you have to wait for the army. I feel I may have to move on with my dream as I cannot wait if I am unsure realistically how long this will be.
anyoneelse got any updates, thoughts, rumours at all??? Thanks

 

[Bottomless RE]

You should be fine then. End of the day, the good folk at assessment centre will have access to your medical records so anything on there will flag up. If they’ve gone then they’ve gone, just stay away from chocolate, coffee and cheese - 3 triggers.

Excellent, hopefully you're correct. There's one mention in my medical records from 2004 and some medication for it up until 2006 but no other mention in my records since then and no real history of it. Hopefully it's a straightforward medical pass without any restrictions or deferral required but I'll soon find out. I didn't realise about those three triggers, some of my favourite things there!

 

[Bobby_Bert]

Thank you for your reply...

I understand that I may be deemed unfit, but I was told it’s likely I’ll never be able to join!

I self harmed by ingesting 11 paracetamol in 2018. It was not a serious attempt of self harm but was a cry for help in response to there being no help or support in this specific circumstance.

Also, it was partially due to the medication I’d been on for approximately 4 months. The dose was upped to the max and it was clearly not right for me. In fact, after the self-harm event I was prescribed additional tablets to counteract the negative side effects of the medication.

Could I appeal, that this incident was in reaction to no mental health support and the strength/negative side effects of the medication I was prescribed?

There’s no appealing the fact I have ADHD and a history of depression. My depression has always been the hopeless feeling of never fulfilling my true potential in retail jobs, but the armed forces could help me do that.

I’ve only been off medication for 3 months (lasted for approximately 1 year) but as I’ve said diet, exercise and routine is my successful method of managing.

And I’d say I’m considered an adult as I’m 26

Sorry to read about your journey but it is great you are in a much better place now and are thinking about the future.

Whilst it is appreciated this will have been when you were younger. 3 months off medication really isn’t that long. Be aware that months away from home & the potential to encounter combat and trauma in an operational theatre overseas, may mirror or be more challenging than your previous trigger.

I'm not working in direct recruiting and don't want to give bad advice in this area, but pending @amnesia 's confirmation on this subject, I read it you need to be completely off medication or treatment/counselling for 3 years and more than two episodes of self-harm on your medical records are a permanent bar to entry.

Obviously the medical experts will be seeking reassurance it's minor & unlikely to reoccur. Best of luck

 

[RUBELRUBEL79]

Can anyone help please ? I referred to Ophthalmology in 2017 for a shadow on my optic nerve. Opthalmologist did loads of tests, and discharged me as they said I was fine. It does have a medical name Optic Disc Drusen (Pseudopapilledema)

I passed everything at assessment , however they gave me a 3 month medical deferral as they could not find the discharge letter from the Opthalmologist, and was told once they have that (they think it was lost in copying ! ) I would be given a date for basic training. However, I have had an e-mail today stating that the medical team has reviewed my notes and that they are referring me to an Army approved specialist for a further review, and that I may need to attend an appointment , which could take upto 3 months ?! What's all that about ? Can I speak to anyone do you think to understand this further ? I was told it was a case of them just seeing the discharge letter !

 

[Bobby_Bert]

What is confusing you? You have been referred for an Army approved (single service) expert to review. It couldn’t be clearer.

Just wait out.

 

[amnesia]

@FutureSoldier?

Whilst it is appreciated this will have been when you were younger. 3 months off medication really isn’t that long. Be aware that months away from home & the potential to encounter combat and trauma in an operational theatre overseas, may mirror or be more challenging than your previous trigger.

I'm not working in direct recruiting and don't want to give bad advice in this area, but pending @amnesia 's confirmation on this subject, I read it you need to be completely off medication or treatment/counselling for 3 years and more than two episodes of self-harm on your medical records are a permanent bar to entry.

A single episode of moderate depression now requires an individual to be free of symptoms and treatment for only 12 months.

A single episode of severe depression requires an individual to be symptom and treatment free for 24 months.

Two or more episodes of any sort of depression is a bar to entry.

A single episode of self-harm requires an individual to free of symptoms for 2 years.

Two or more episodes of self harm is a bar to entry.

@Bobby_Bert makes a very good point that military training and service can be very stressful and may bring on a recurrence of mental health problems for those who are already susceptible.

The rules are there to protect you.

 

[amnesia]

Had my medical a couple of days ago and passed all the elements as expected. But due to me ticking a box in my family questionnaire that my father is of mixed blood my application has been deferred. I was given a letter which basically tells me to wait and they will contact me......how long......no one knows. i am very disappointed as there is no sickle cell history anywhere in my family and no one carries the trait yet I cannot proceed. Letter also says you cannot have your own blood test you have to wait for the army. I feel I may have to move on with my dream as I cannot wait if I am unsure realistically how long this will be.
anyoneelse got any updates, thoughts, rumours at all??? Thanks

There are currently regular testing sessions being held at Pirbright for candidates who have declared foreign heritage.

Are there enough sessions being held? No
Are candidates going to have to wait some time? Yes
Does anybody know how long you will have to wait? No
Are Recruiting Group making it up as they go along? Yes completely

In theory those candidates in shortage roles...eg. AGC HR & CAMUS are being called forward first.

To be candid, you are not going to join before mid April anyway, so there is no immediate need to get you tested.

The process is there to protect you.

 

[Southern Ron]

There are currently regular testing sessions being held at Pirbright for candidates who have declared foreign heritage.

Are there enough sessions being held? No
Are candidates going to have to wait some time? Yes
Does anybody know how long you will have to wait? No
Are Recruiting Group making it up as they go along? Yes completely

In theory those candidates in shortage roles...eg. AGC HR & CAMUS are being called forward first.

To be candid, you are not going to join before mid April anyway, so there is no immediate need to get you tested.

The process is there to protect you.

Thank you for the update. It’s good to see some are being tested. While I also understand that the system is there to protect me, I cannot move forward with my application or book a briefing until I have a blood test. So therefore I am in limbo and with the long wait for briefing dates I feel that time is passing for my application sadly.

 

[Bobby_Bert]

Thank you for the update. It’s good to see some are being tested. While I also understand that the system is there to protect me, I cannot move forward with my application or book a briefing until I have a blood test. So therefore I am in limbo and with the long wait for briefing dates I feel that time is passing for my application sadly.

If it's any consolation (I doubt), it took me about 11 months from submitting an application to entering Sandhurst. Granted this was a, erm, while a go.

How old are you/how close are you to the upper age limit? Focusing relentlessly on one's goal is rather admirable but so is remaining nimble of mind and adapting to circumstances. Should the wheel come off you always have the AR. You have until you are 48 years 9 months to apply to join as a reservist Officer.

 

[Southern Ron]

If it's any consolation (I doubt), it took me about 11 months from submitting an application to entering Sandhurst. Granted this was a, erm, while a go.

How old are you/how close are you to the upper age limit? Focusing relentlessly on one's goal is rather admirable but so is remaining nimble of mind and adapting to circumstances. Should the wheel come off you always have the AR. You have until you are 48 years 9 months to apply to join as a reservist Officer.

I’m not anywhere near the top end of the age limit - my concern is the amount of time that this sickle cell and pending blood test may add to my application. In my mind it takes 12-18 months to actually start at Sandhurst and that is fine - but with my current medical showing as deferred my concern is how long this is going to run for before I even get contacted re bloods let alone how far the appointment date will be..... I guess I’m just worried as the original poster had his medical beginning of Jan so he has been hanging over a month already with no word at all. Just a timeframe or appointment to count down to would be nice. Other posters have said this will run and run - this is my main concern as I have no one to contact for an update of the unknown. Really appreciate the replies though guys.

 

[Bobby_Bert]

I’m not anywhere near the top end of the age limit - my concern is the amount of time that this sickle cell and pending blood test may add to my application. In my mind it takes 12-18 months to actually start at Sandhurst and that is fine - but with my current medical showing as deferred my concern is how long this is going to run for before I even get contacted re bloods let alone how far the appointment date will be..... I guess I’m just worried as the original poster had his medical beginning of Jan so he has been hanging over a month already with no word at all. Just a timeframe or appointment to count down to would be nice. Other posters have said this will run and run - this is my main concern as I have no one to contact for an update of the unknown. Really appreciate the replies though guys.

Stick with it. Often the gears grind slowly.

Contact your Capita Careers CM/AFCO and ask directly for an update. Good luck.

 

[amnesia]

Stick with it. Often the gears grind slowly.

Contact your Capita Careers CM/AFCO and ask directly for an update. Good luck.

Dont expect an answer.....nobody knows

 

[Bobby_Bert]

Dont expect an answer.....nobody knows

Bloody good answer

 

[Drs634]

Evening all

I lived overseas for a number of years and moved back to the UK about 5 years ago. I didn't register with a GP (as I had no need to) until late last year when I submitted my application (Officer). My GP from overseas has refused to send my medical records to me, as apparently they simply don't do that there (local GP is being less than helpful and has basically told me its not their problem; they can't be bothered to request my records from overseas). I've just submitted my RGMD, which my GP signed, but wrote that as they have no medical records they cannot comment on my medical history.

I've received conflicting answers from my CSM and other people at the Capita call centre. My CSM reckons that it should go through and I'll just be subject to a more thorough medical in-person, whereas others have told me that I will likely not get through the medical stage of the application without my full medical records. I did provide my overseas GP's details, so perhaps they would be more responsive to an 'official' request for my records if needs be.

Has anyone had any similar experience to this, or know which of the two outcomes would be more likely?

 

[amnesia]

Evening all

I lived overseas for a number of years and moved back to the UK about 5 years ago. I didn't register with a GP (as I had no need to) until late last year when I submitted my application (Officer). My GP from overseas has refused to send my medical records to me, as apparently they simply don't do that there (local GP is being less than helpful and has basically told me its not their problem; they can't be bothered to request my records from overseas). I've just submitted my RGMD, which my GP signed, but wrote that as they have no medical records they cannot comment on my medical history.

I've received conflicting answers from my CSM and other people at the Capita call centre. My CSM reckons that it should go through and I'll just be subject to a more thorough medical in-person, whereas others have told me that I will likely not get through the medical stage of the application without my full medical records. I did provide my overseas GP's details, so perhaps they would be more responsive to an 'official' request for my records if needs be.

Has anyone had any similar experience to this, or know which of the two outcomes would be more likely?

If your RGMD isnt filled out completely you cant / wont be medically cleared.

If you cant provide the information that is missing then I cant see you progressing.

I'm not involved in Officer recruitment, but if you had applied as a Soldier, your application would be deferred pending additional medical information. I cant see it being any different for an Officer application.

Getting your medical records from abroad is your responsibility, not Capita's or the Army's.

 

[FormerPioneer]

Hi, first post so not sure if it should be here or in selection. So i'm rejoining and have my medical in a few weeks but after having nose bleeds when i had the flu a few weeks ago i was sent for an MRI scan on my head because at the same time i was having pain at the back of my head. Results have come back saying i have a cyst on the back of my brain and while the doctor says the radiographers report which iv'e got a copy of says its of no clinical significance my GP has asked for a neurologist appointment so they can make the final decision. My worry is now that at selection on the medical they are just going to send me home. I realise every doctor is different and although my doctor thinks its fine and wont cause any issues i understand the army's stance may be completely different. My doc reckons i was born with this cyst but i understand i cant really say well iv'e served with it before but then there was no need for an MRI before so would never know. I suppose my question is shall i let them know know and risk them saying do one without seeing me or attend selection with everything my doctor has provided me with and see how it goes.

Apologies for the long post

 

[Poliorketes]

Hi everyone, another mental health question for you.

I just had my application rejected on medical grounds (antidepressant use for 24 months) and was wondering if I should try to appeal. My reasons for appealing would be that I haven't been symptomatic or medicated in two years, and am currently a healthy weight.
I was previously bulimic and had 2 episodes of self harm with about a year to 1.5 years in between them. The eating disorder developed while I was in school (I was tired of being called fat and have a tendency to overdo things) and wavered between peaks of severity over a few years, culminating in a leave of absence from university four years ago.
However, I was never hospitalised or dangerously underweight. I took antidepressants and underwent 12 sessions of CBT, and my last prescription for any psychiatric medication was two years ago. I consider myself recovered, and my last episode of self harm was over three years ago (or thereabouts.) I've maintained a healthy weight since then and have no issues with recurring symptoms or troubling thoughts- in fact I have reason to think that the medication I was previously prescribed only worsened my mental state. Since being off the meds I feel better and more stable than I ever did before.
I read the JSP-950 Annexe L and the guidelines for Bulimia, and am wondering if I need to wait for another two years before re-applying, or if I should even bother? In the guidelines on the army website it didn't mention eating disorders and implied just a 2-year period of recovery. I'm in my early twenties so it would be possible to hold off, but obviously I would prefer to apply sooner rather than later given that I'm about to graduate university.

Thanks, and apologies for oversharing!