Other Physical and Mental Conditions

The military may discharge you if you have a physical or mental condition that is not considered a disability but could still interfere with your duty performance. Each branch of the armed forces considers different conditions as discharge possibilities. Some examples are: seasickness, bedwetting, airsickness, sleep walking, certain allergies, severe nightmares, severe stuttering, obesity, excessive height, and personality disorders.

If you are feeling depressed or helpless, or out of control, if you can't sleep or can't cope with work or people, if you think about suicide sometimes, you may have a "personality disorder" that could be grounds for discharge.

As with the discharge for disability, you can't officially apply for this discharge, but you or your counselor can bring your condition to your commander's attention. Get a good, strong report from a physician or psychiatrist--civilian, if possible--who has seen you and is willing to write that your condition makes you unable to function in the military. Supporting letters from relatives, clergy members, psychiatric counselors or social workers, and friends in and out of the military can be of great help.

When you approach your commanding officer, explain your problems, feelings, and symptoms, submit your medical reports and letters, and ask for help. Your commander will probably start the discharge process by setting up an interview for you with a military psychiatrist. If not, you may need to approach the command again with more supporting documents or a direct request for discharge. If the commander will not cooperate, ask to see someone in the next higher level of command, or indicate that you will file a complaint under Article 138 of the UCMJ. You might also contact your Congress member, who can make an inquiry on your behalf.

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