strangedays
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Michigan
I’m looking for advice on my IRR recall situation.
I served as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army from Dec 1999 until Dec 2001. I served and was discharged honorably. My time is the Army was bewildering. I struggled to grasp what my peers could learn so easily. I often made baffling mistakes that both frustrated and shamed me. It became very clear that I was also exposing my platoon and my friends to considerable risks. Fortunately, my platoon was never sent into combat and I did not cause any harm.
After I finished my tour I sought the advice of a psychiatrist to help me understand my problem. This was when I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This was a revelation in my life. My whole life I have struggled to concentrate and focus. I now understand that I have a philological reason for my behavior. I am currently on a 54mg daily dose of Concerta. (Methylphenidate – Long duration Ritalin) This is the strongest dosage of medication available. I have been taking this medication continuously for over nine months.
On May 5th 2005 I received orders that the Army was involuntarily recalling me from the IRR to active duty for a period of 545 days.
I have researched my condition and I learned that being on stimulant medication for ADHD is a medical disqualifier for reenlistment into active duty. I applied for a medical exemption based on my condition. I included all of the documentation that they requested including my medical records and a letter from my psychiatrist. I was denied without explanation. On appeal I was denied again, this time they stated that my condition was treatable and I was fully deployable.
I deeply love my country and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve. But I now realize that my condition prevents me from safely performing my duty. I cannot in good conscience resume my commitment to the Army.
I would be deeply grateful for any advice.
I only have 30 days until my report date.
I’m looking for advice on my IRR recall situation.
I served as an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army from Dec 1999 until Dec 2001. I served and was discharged honorably. My time is the Army was bewildering. I struggled to grasp what my peers could learn so easily. I often made baffling mistakes that both frustrated and shamed me. It became very clear that I was also exposing my platoon and my friends to considerable risks. Fortunately, my platoon was never sent into combat and I did not cause any harm.
After I finished my tour I sought the advice of a psychiatrist to help me understand my problem. This was when I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This was a revelation in my life. My whole life I have struggled to concentrate and focus. I now understand that I have a philological reason for my behavior. I am currently on a 54mg daily dose of Concerta. (Methylphenidate – Long duration Ritalin) This is the strongest dosage of medication available. I have been taking this medication continuously for over nine months.
On May 5th 2005 I received orders that the Army was involuntarily recalling me from the IRR to active duty for a period of 545 days.
I have researched my condition and I learned that being on stimulant medication for ADHD is a medical disqualifier for reenlistment into active duty. I applied for a medical exemption based on my condition. I included all of the documentation that they requested including my medical records and a letter from my psychiatrist. I was denied without explanation. On appeal I was denied again, this time they stated that my condition was treatable and I was fully deployable.
I deeply love my country and I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve. But I now realize that my condition prevents me from safely performing my duty. I cannot in good conscience resume my commitment to the Army.
I would be deeply grateful for any advice.
I only have 30 days until my report date.