Can you enlist in the military with epilepsy?

I'm someone who's been diagnosed with epilepsy and I've always wanted to join the military. Does anyone know if this is allowed or if there are any steps I need to take to qualify?

Enlisting in the military when diagnosed with epilepsy can be more complex than it occurs for other individuals. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), a history of epileptic seizures beyond the 6th birthday is disqualifying for military service. However, a waiver may be potentially granted if the recruit has been seizure-free without medications for a period of 5 years.

Each branch of service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force) has their own process for assessing medical conditions and granting waivers. These processes can also depend on urgent needs in certain occupational fields, overall health and fitness of the applicant, and other factors. It's important to note that obtaining a medical waiver isn't guaranteed and can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

As such, the first step would be to contact a military recruiter who can better guide you through the process, understanding your medical history, and starting the potential waiver review process, if applicable. You should also consult with your physician, who might be able to provide additional insight into whether military service would be advisable given your specific medical condition.

Keep in mind that each role within the military carries different physical demands, so it's possible that while some roles may be unavailable to you, others might be open instead. Flexibility in what role or branch of service you're interested in could increase your chances of securing a waiver.

Remember, although potentially challenging, it's not categorically impossible to join the military with a history of epilepsy, so it is worth exploring your options with a recruiter and your physician.