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RAF Medical Rejection

Hi,

I've recently sat my P2 presentation and submitted my medical forms and have been informed my application has been closed due to a history of depression. I'm pretty embarrassed as I've never had depression, I used that section to highlight that I've had anxiety in the past and have mistakenly diagnosed myself!? I've got a signed GP letter stating the same as well as a later from a counsellor also confirming I've never had depression. The reason I highlighted this is because I was told that the process is the measure "honest & integrity" and I didn't want to jeopardize my chances later down the line due to medical issues.

Has anyone appealed anything similar and won? Are medical professional's opinions strong enough to change decisions?

Thanks

Reply 1

Drewski

There's honesty and there's honesty...

Yes, an appeal is worth a go, but you have dug yourself a hole here. Your medical records ought to clear it up, but don't expect it to be a quick process.

Each medical appeal is taken on its own merits, so it's very unlikely anyone else's situation - if indeed there is anyone else - would have any indication or bearing on you.

Reply 2

juliam

I agree with Drewski. Each case is different, and quite possibly being judged by different people within the forces.
On a side note, I didn't bother applying because of similar issues. The army's view of mental health problems is not the most compassionate/accurate

Reply 3

yoko64

yeah Im pretty embarrassed. As said I've been "too honest" and shot myself in the foot. I've got a couple of letters signed by people who dealt with me saying no depression, support the appeal etc. So what happens now? Time scale? I'm more angry at myself for being a mug!

Reply 4

Drewski

Original post by juliam

The armed forces can't offer much tolerance for those with mental health issues, there's a reason why they're generally all a bar to service.

Original post by yoko64

Now you wait. You send in what you need to, you answer their questions. And you wait. There are no fixed timescales, because each appeal is looked at individually. I'd say allow a few days for the paperwork to find its way to the correct desk, then give it 3/4 weeks. If there's no answer in that time, give them a polite call asking where the appeal is.

Beyond that, it is a waiting game.

Reply 5

yoko64

Unbelievable! I'm kicking myself here. I was notified within 3 days of my P2 so hopefully its just as fast.

Is there a chance this would be flagged at OASC anyway? And its a hurdle that will have to be addressed at some point?

Reply 6

juliam

Original post by Drewski

The armed forces can't offer much tolerance for those with mental health issues, there's a reason why they're generally all a bar to service.

Now you wait. You send in what you need to, you answer their questions. And you wait. There are no fixed timescales, because each appeal is looked at individually. I'd say allow a few days for the paperwork to find its way to the correct desk, then give it 3/4 weeks. If there's no answer in that time, give them a polite call asking where the appeal is.

Beyond that, it is a waiting game.

Obviously severe, enduring mental health issues are a bar to service. But mild to moderate mental health issues which have been resolved for years are still a bar, which is, in a number of cases, daft and unfounded.

Reply 7

juliam

Let me explain this further - a situation of mild situational anxiety or depression as a young teenager, or a CAMHS referral for bed wetting as a child, or medicalised grief following the death of divorce of parents, should not be a barrier to the armed forces in your late twenties.

Reply 8

yoko64

This is possibly one of the dumbest things ever on my list!

I read somewhere the RAF isn't short of applicants, are they binning off anyone with the slightest medical issue to trim the numbers?

Reply 9

Drewski

Original post by yoko64

This is possibly one of the dumbest things ever on my list!

I read somewhere the RAF isn't short of applicants, are they binning off anyone with the slightest medical issue to trim the numbers?

Yes. Twas ever thus.

Reply 10

yoko64

Original post by Drewski

Yes. Twas ever thus.

so this was doomed from the beginning regardless of the error?

Reply 11

yoko64

Original post by yoko64

so this was doomed from the beginning regardless of the error?

Actually got this overturned pretty quickly, very prompt response from Cranwell medical department. If anyone is reading this in the future, it is a case by case basis and I can't offer insight into your own individual case, however, if you do decide to appeal, write them a letter explaining why you think you should be cleared and as much additional detail as possible, letters from your GP, specialists, even a letter from your local gym.

(edited 7 years ago)

There is always leeway in the 'system'. At the end of the day any decision will always be looked over by a medical professional prior to rubber stamping. For example, having been through the OASC process I have been cleared fit for flying duties, despite having a record of 'migrane'.