Is a Motor Tic Disorder a Reason for Being Discharged from the Air Force?

Joining the Air Force with any pre-existing conditions, especially those that may not be immediately recognized, can lead to various outcomes depending on the severity and treatment of the condition.

The Evaluation Process

If you suspect you have a motor tic disorder but were only mildly affected before joining the Air Force, and it has significantly worsened since then, the best course of action is to visit the base hospital. Only a medical professional can diagnose and evaluate the condition accurately.

During the evaluation, the doctors will consider several factors, including:

Did you receive an official diagnosis from a medical professional? When was the condition diagnosed? How is the military aware of the problem? Are you currently on medication for the condition? Does the condition interfere with your duties?

Based on these factors, the military may either provide a waiver, assign you to a different job, or consider discharging you.

Waivers and Job Assignments

If you were diagnosed with the condition before joining and chose not to disclose it, you may face significant consequences. However, if the condition was officially diagnosed after you joined, you may be eligible for a medical waiver. In this case, you might be reassigned to a different job that does not interfere with the condition.

Air Force Specifics:

If you are currently serving and performing your duties well, the Air Force would not want to lose you, as highly trained individuals are valuable assets. However, if you are in a job that requires critical skills and you are not performing well due to the motor tic disorder, a medical discharge might be more likely.

It is crucial to provide detailed information about your situation. Here are some questions to consider:

Was the condition officially diagnosed by a doctor and documented? Did you start taking medication for the condition after joining the Air Force? How does the condition affect your job performance and daily duties?

Seeking Advice

If you need guidance on your specific situation, it is advisable to discuss this with an Air Force doctor who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current condition. The Air Force has a complex system for managing medical conditions, and an experienced medical professional can help navigate the process.

Final advice: Always be honest and transparent with your medical information. With the right documentation and professional evaluation, you can work towards a fair and just resolution to your situation.