Can you get a military discharge for depression?

Answer by  destinyisntfree (242)

If the depression is severe enough, or brought on during his service time that was not present prior to enlisting, it may be possible to receive a medical discharge. However, I would strongly caution against saying that this is the case if it is not true, and only being said to avoid deployment, as that can result in court marshal.

Answer by  Pat57 (138)

If he is treated at Mental Health he will not be allowed to carry or be near weapons which will stop him from deploying. It is not a gaurenteed discharge, he will most likely sit with the rear detachment for about a year and under go more testing before they make a decision.

Answer by  beerman12 (81)

In most cases, the Army will provide psychiatric care and counseling for soldiers suffering from depression. The Army tends to frown when soldiers try to get out of deployments by saying they are depressed. If it is legitimate however, it is possible to be discharged.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

It is possible but it would be a medical discharge and it is not the best. He could just stop shaving and getting his hair cut and do stupid things to get a general discharge under honorable conditions. Six months later it will be an honorable. That's what I did.

Answer by  pryoplasm (444)

There are medical conditions that allow someone to be discharged. There are many medical boards and such that a person goes through. If this is just to dodge a deployment, that will most likely be found out and have disciplinary reactions. You might want your son to talk to a chaplain or mental health professional for help.