Psychiatric & Behavioral · DoDI 6130.03 §5.28.e
Can you join the military with Bipolar disorder?
Any history of bipolar or related disorder is disqualifying. On USMEPCOM's 28-condition pre-screen as unlikely to waive.
Listed as disqualifyingWaiver: Effectively noOn USMEPCOM pre-screen — narrow path
What the regulation actually says (§5.28.e)
History of bipolar and related disorders (formerly identified as mood disorders not otherwise specified) including but not limited to cyclothymic disorders and affective psychoses.
Verbatim from DoDI 6130.03 Vol 1 (verified against the Change 2 PDF, April 2021).
What the recruiter says vs. what's true
The myth you'll hear
“Bipolar II is borderline, you might slip through.”
The truth
Both bipolar I and II are listed. Mood-stabilizer prescription history in Genesis is dispositive.
Documentation you'll need
- Full mental health records
- Current psych eval
Quick answers
Is Bipolar disorder disqualifying for military service?
Listed as disqualifying. Any history of bipolar or related disorder is disqualifying. On USMEPCOM's 28-condition pre-screen as unlikely to waive. (Source: DoDI 6130.03 Vol 1, §5.28.e.)
Can you get a waiver for Bipolar disorder?
Effectively no. DoD does not publish waiver-approval rates — any specific percentage you read online is anecdote. Note: this condition is on the 2024 USMEPCOM 28-condition automated pre-screen, meaning applications are routed for disposition before MEPS and the waiver path is statistically narrow.
What documentation do you need for a Bipolar disorder waiver?
Full mental health records; Current psych eval.
Sources
Last verified 2026-05-24. This page surfaces the regulation — it is not medical or legal advice, and it does not replace a MEPS physician. Never conceal a diagnosis: MHS Genesis pulls civilian records, and concealment is fraudulent enlistment under UCMJ Article 83.