Military Service & Epilepsy

Many young men and women consider enlisting in the military to be an honor and a privilege, and are willing to set aside their fear of the many unknown dangers that accompany this service to their country.  And, along with that honor and privilege comes the benefit of travel, intrigue and a well-earned advanced education.   For some, this is the blueprint for success.  But, how exactly does having epilepsy and seizures fit in the military?

Can I enlist if I have epilepsy? The military is not required to follow the same laws of non-discrimination that guide the conventional workforce.  The concern is that a person diagnosed with epilepsy, with or without uncontrolled seizures at the time of their application, may pose a risk not only to themselves, but to their fellow soldiers as well.  Men and women in service are not always in a setting that is favorable for optimum care.  And, if you are disabled with an event during a hazardous situation, you will be unable to support your comrades in arms.  The goal here is for the military to be in a position to deploy to any location, at any time, with any troupe, and with absolutely no limitations.

Over time, regulations have gone through a series of changes as they apply to applicants with epilepsy.  Current applicants will be considered on an individual basis if there has been no seizure activity since the age of five, or if the applicant has been seizure free and without medication for the five years immediately prior to their applying. The concern here is that medication may not always be available, depending on the site of deployment.   Flight training with the Air Force holds more rigorous standards.  Anyone who has a history of a convulsive disorder is barred.  The only exception is an applicant with reported seizures that were related to a febrile illness that occurred before the age of five.  These applicants may be acceptable if their electroencephalogram (EEG) is normal.

Do I need to disclose my epilepsy?
The application for service includes questions about medical conditions.  Again, the same rules do not apply to the military as they do in the general workforce, where such questions on an application are, in most cases, prohibited.  Not being completely truthful when applying amounts to falsifying a legal document.  This action carries severe legal consequences. 

I am enlisted and have had a seizure.  What happens now?
While there is no longer a requirement that a person who develops epilepsy while enlisted be immediately discharged, there exists a significant likelihood of dismissal.  The separation regulations are very clear concerning convulsive disorders, “…when seizures are not adequately controlled (complete freedom from seizures of any type) by standard drugs which are relatively nontoxic and which do not require frequent clinical and laboratory re-evaluation.”  An evaluation is conducted by the Medical Review Board of your particular branch of the military.  They make recommendations about retention, possible assignments or dismissal.  To ensure optimal benefits, be sure that your records indicate that you have received a medical discharge and that all of the information is detailed accurately.

For additional information visit:
• The National Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Social/military/