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The United States military maintains specific medical standards to ensure service members can perform their duties effectively without undue risk to themselves or others. These standards help military branches determine who is medically qualified for military service. While the specific standards may vary slightly between branches and may change over time, this guide provides an overview of the most common medical conditions that may disqualify individuals from military service.
Understanding these standards before beginning the enlistment process can help you assess your eligibility and, in some cases, prepare documentation for potential medical waivers.
The Military Entrance Process
Before discussing specific medical disqualifiers, it’s important to understand how the military evaluates medical eligibility:
MEPS Examination
All potential military recruits must pass through the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where they undergo a thorough medical examination. This examination includes:
- Comprehensive medical history review
- Physical examination
- Vision and hearing tests
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Specialized tests as required
Medical Documentation
If you have a history of certain medical conditions, you may need to provide:
- Medical records from civilian doctors
- Surgical reports
- Treatment histories
- Letters from treating physicians
- Results of specialized tests
Medical Waivers
Many medical conditions that are technically disqualifying may be waived on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered in the waiver process include:
- Severity of the condition
- Time since diagnosis or treatment
- Current status (resolved, controlled, etc.)
- Military occupational specialty (MOS) being pursued
- Current military needs and recruiting goals
Common Medical Disqualifiers
The following sections outline common medical conditions that may disqualify an individual from military service. Remember that these standards can change, and exceptions (waivers) are possible in many cases.
Height and Weight Standards
Each military branch maintains specific height and weight standards:
- Too Short: Generally, candidates must be at least 58 inches (4’10”) tall
- Too Tall: Upper limits vary by branch but are generally around 80 inches (6’8″)
- Body Composition: Each branch has specific weight-for-height standards and body fat percentage limits
These standards ensure service members can use military equipment safely and effectively while maintaining the physical fitness necessary for military duties.
Vision and Eye Conditions
Vision problems are among the most common disqualifiers, though many can be corrected or waived:
- Refractive Errors: Severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism beyond correctability
- Color Blindness: May be disqualifying for certain specialties, particularly aviation
- Depth Perception Issues: May limit certain specialty options
- Eye Surgeries: Recent LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgeries may require waiting periods
- Retinal Disorders: Including retinal detachment, degeneration, or severe retinopathy
- Glaucoma: May be disqualifying, depending on severity and treatment
- Keratoconus: Progressive thinning of the cornea is generally disqualifying
For many vision issues, corrective procedures or glasses/contacts may make a candidate eligible, particularly for non-combat roles.
Hearing and Ear Conditions
Hearing standards ensure service members can communicate effectively in various environments:
- Hearing Loss: Significant hearing loss beyond certain thresholds
- Chronic Ear Infections: Recurrent or persistent infections
- Perforated Eardrum: Particularly if recently occurred or unstable
- Meniere’s Disease: Inner ear disorder causing vertigo
- Acoustic Neuroma: Tumors affecting hearing and balance
- Significant Tinnitus: Especially if it interferes with communication
- History of Ear Surgery: Some procedures may require waiting periods
Hearing aids are typically not permitted for initial enlistment, though exceptions may exist for certain positions.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Heart and circulatory system conditions receive careful scrutiny:
- Heart Murmurs: Particularly if significant or symptomatic
- History of Heart Surgery: Including valve replacements, septal defect repairs
- Coronary Artery Disease: Including history of heart attacks
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, including atrial fibrillation
- Hypertension: High blood pressure, especially if requiring medication
- Congenital Heart Defects: Even if surgically repaired
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: History of blood clots
- Varicose Veins: If severe or symptomatic
- Raynaud’s Disease: Poor circulation in extremities
Some conditions, particularly if well-controlled, asymptomatic, or surgically corrected long ago, may qualify for waivers.
Respiratory Conditions
Breathing disorders can significantly impact military performance:
- Asthma: History of asthma after age 13, particularly if requiring daily medication or with recent acute episodes
- Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: If severe or requiring regular medication
- Chronic Bronchitis: Recurrent or persistent bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis: Generally disqualifying
- History of Tuberculosis: May require documentation of full recovery
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax: History of collapsed lung
- Chronic Sinusitis: If severe or requiring frequent treatment
- Pulmonary Embolism: History of blood clots in the lungs
- Sleep Apnea: Particularly if requiring CPAP or other interventions
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory disqualifiers, though waivers are possible if the condition has been resolved or well-controlled for a significant period.
Neurological Conditions
The military requires normal neurological function for safety and performance:
- Seizure Disorders: History of seizures after age 6 (with some exceptions)
- History of Traumatic Brain Injury: Depending on severity and residual effects
- Migraines: If frequent, severe, or debilitating
- Multiple Sclerosis: Generally disqualifying
- Cerebral Palsy: Generally disqualifying
- History of Stroke: Generally disqualifying
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Such as muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis
- Significant Tremors: That interfere with normal function
- Narcolepsy: Sleep disorder with sudden sleep attacks
Seizure disorders often receive particular scrutiny, though waivers may be possible for childhood seizures with no recurrences in adulthood.
Mental Health Conditions
Psychological resilience is essential for military service:
- Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or agoraphobia
- Mood Disorders: Including major depression, bipolar disorder, or cyclothymia
- ADHD: If severe or requiring medication within the past 12-24 months
- Eating Disorders: History of anorexia or bulimia
- Personality Disorders: Particularly those causing dysfunction or hospitalization
- Psychotic Disorders: Including schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- History of Suicidal Behavior: Including ideation, attempts, or self-harm
- PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance Use Disorders: Including alcohol or drug dependency
Mental health standards have evolved in recent years, with greater potential for waivers for conditions that are well-controlled or resolved for significant periods. Documentation from mental health providers is typically required.
Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Physical mobility and structural integrity are essential for military duties:
- Spinal Disorders: Including herniated discs, scoliosis over certain degrees, or spinal fusion
- Joint Instability: Recurrent dislocations or severe instability
- Significant Arthritis: Particularly if limiting function
- ACL/PCL Tears: Particularly if not fully healed or causing instability
- Fractures: Recent or improperly healed fractures
- Loss of Range of Motion: In major joints beyond certain thresholds
- Bone or Joint Deformities: If they interfere with function or wearing of military equipment
- Osteomyelitis: Bone infection, particularly if recent or recurrent
- Recurrent Knee or Shoulder Problems: Including surgeries
Documentation of full recovery and return to full physical activity is often required for orthopedic waivers.
Dermatological Conditions
Skin conditions can impact military readiness, particularly in deployed environments:
- Severe Acne: Particularly if requiring Accutane (isotretinoin) treatment
- Psoriasis: Especially if widespread or severe
- Eczema: If severe or requiring ongoing treatment
- Extensive Tattoos: On face, neck, hands, or containing inappropriate content
- Keloids: Excessive scarring that interferes with equipment wear
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Chronic skin inflammation
- Certain Birthmarks: If widespread or severe
- Vitiligo: Loss of skin pigmentation, depending on severity
- Chronic Hives: If severe or unexplained
For many skin conditions, waivers depend on severity, treatment requirements, and potential impact in austere environments.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Digestive system disorders can significantly impact military performance:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Celiac Disease: Intolerance to gluten
- Chronic Liver Disease: Including hepatitis or cirrhosis
- Significant GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease requiring daily medication
- History of GI Surgery: Including gastric bypass or bowel resection
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: If severe or requiring frequent treatment
- History of Bariatric Surgery: Weight loss surgeries require waiting periods and documentation
- Chronic Hepatitis: Depending on type and current status
The military’s concern with these conditions relates to potential complications in deployed environments where specialized diets or medical care may be unavailable.
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Hormonal and metabolic conditions require careful evaluation:
- Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 are generally disqualifying
- Thyroid Disorders: If requiring medication adjustment or with complications
- Adrenal Disorders: Including Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
- Pituitary Disorders: Affecting hormone regulation
- Hypoglycemia: Recurrent low blood sugar episodes
- Metabolic Syndrome: Combination of conditions increasing cardiovascular risk
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Genetic metabolic disorders
- Significant Obesity: Beyond military body composition standards
Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disqualifiers, though limited exceptions may exist for well-controlled Type 2 diabetes in certain branches or positions.
Dental and Oral Conditions
Oral health impacts readiness and deployment capability:
- Missing Teeth: Excessive tooth loss without proper replacement
- Active Orthodontic Treatment: Braces typically need to be removed before basic training
- Severe Malocclusion: Bite issues that interfere with eating or speaking
- TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction if severe or limiting
- Significant Dental Infections: Active disease requiring immediate treatment
- Severe Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease
Most minor dental issues can be corrected, but candidates must be dentally qualified or have a treatment plan before shipping to basic training.
Allergies and Immunological Conditions
Allergic reactions can present serious risks in military environments:
- Severe Food Allergies: Particularly if anaphylactic
- Bee/Insect Sting Allergies: If severe or requiring emergency intervention
- Multiple Drug Allergies: Limiting treatment options
- Latex Allergy: If severe
- Autoimmune Disorders: Including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis
- Severe Environmental Allergies: Requiring regular immunotherapy
- Immunodeficiency Disorders: Affecting immune system function
The military’s concern with allergies relates to potential exposure in deployed environments and limited medical support in field conditions.
Reproductive System Conditions
Certain reproductive conditions may impact readiness:
- Endometriosis: If severe or significantly impairing function
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: If severe or with metabolic complications
- History of Ectopic Pregnancy: Depending on complications and resolution
- Significant Uterine Fibroids: Causing severe symptoms
- Chronic Pelvic Pain: Unresolved or requiring regular treatment
- Testicular Abnormalities: Including undescended testicle or significant varicocele
- Hypogonadism: Requiring hormone replacement therapy
- Hermaphroditism: Generally disqualifying
Pregnancy is temporarily disqualifying for initial enlistment but not permanently disqualifying.
Miscellaneous Conditions
Several other conditions may affect military eligibility:
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Including fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Particularly if requiring ongoing treatment
- History of Organ Transplantation: Generally disqualifying
- Significant Allergies to Military Equipment: Such as chemicals, fabrics, or rubber
- Bleeding Disorders: Including hemophilia or von Willebrand disease
- Cancer: Depending on type, stage, treatment, and time since remission
- HIV Positive Status: Generally disqualifying for initial entry
- Kidney Disorders: Including kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, or single kidney
- Chronic Anemia: Requiring regular treatment
The Medical Waiver Process
If you have a potentially disqualifying condition, you might still qualify for service through a medical waiver. Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Disclosure and Documentation
Be honest about all medical conditions during the recruitment process. Gather all relevant medical records, including:
- Diagnostic reports
- Treatment records
- Surgical reports
- Letters from treating physicians addressing:
- Current status of the condition
- Prognosis
- Medication requirements
- Activity limitations (if any)
2. MEPS Evaluation
At MEPS, military medical personnel will review your medical history and may:
- Request additional documentation
- Conduct additional testing
- Consult with specialists
If a condition is found to be disqualifying, they will note this in your file.
3. Waiver Submission
Your recruiter can help submit a request for a medical waiver, which typically includes:
- Medical documentation
- Personal statement explaining why you should receive a waiver
- Letters of recommendation (in some cases)
- Demonstration of exceptional qualities that would benefit the military
4. Waiver Review
Medical waiver authorities (different for each branch) will review your case and consider:
- Military needs and recruiting goals
- Severity of the condition
- Potential impact on military service
- Risk to you and others
- Likelihood of exacerbation during service
5. Decision
Waiver decisions typically result in one of three outcomes:
- Approved: You may proceed with enlistment
- Disapproved: Your condition is deemed incompatible with military service
- Deferred: More information or time is needed before a decision can be made
Factors Improving Waiver Chances
Several factors may improve your chances of receiving a medical waiver:
- Time: Longer periods without symptoms or treatment
- Documentation: Thorough medical documentation showing resolution or control
- Desirable Skills: Possessing skills in high-demand areas
- Test Scores: High ASVAB or other aptitude test scores
- Physical Fitness: Demonstration of above-average physical capabilities
- Military Needs: Current recruitment goals and personnel shortages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join the military if I’ve taken medication for ADHD?
ADHD itself is not always disqualifying, but candidates typically need to demonstrate stability without medication for a period (usually 12-24 months) before enlistment. Documentation showing academic or work success without medication strengthens waiver requests.
Does my childhood asthma disqualify me?
Childhood asthma that resolved before age 13 is often not disqualifying. If you had symptoms or treatment after age 13, you may need a waiver, which would require documentation showing no recent symptoms or medication use (typically for 3-5 years).
Can I join with a history of depression?
Depression may be waiverable if you:
- Have been stable without medication for a significant period (typically 1-2 years)
- Have documentation from a mental health provider indicating resolution
- Had a brief, situational episode rather than chronic depression
- Were never hospitalized for the condition
Will my tattoos disqualify me?
Tattoo policies vary by branch but generally prohibit:
- Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands (with some exceptions)
- Offensive or inappropriate content
- Extremist or gang-related imagery
- Excessive coverage in visible areas when in uniform
Can I join with prior surgeries?
Prior surgeries are not automatically disqualifying. Factors considered include:
- Complete healing and recovery
- Absence of complications
- Restoration of full function
- Time since the procedure
- Type of surgery and reason it was performed
How does the military check my medical history?
The military relies primarily on:
- Your disclosed medical history
- Medical examination findings
- Records you provide or authorize for release
- The Military Health System and Department of Veterans Affairs records (for prior service)
There is no comprehensive national medical database, but failing to disclose known conditions constitutes fraudulent enlistment, which can result in discharge and other consequences.
Conclusion
Military medical standards exist to ensure service members can perform their duties effectively and safely in demanding environments. While these standards may seem stringent, they reflect the unique physical and mental demands of military service.
If you have a medical condition that may be disqualifying, work closely with your recruiter to understand your options. Many conditions can receive waivers, particularly if well-documented, resolved, or well-controlled. The key is transparency, thorough documentation, and persistence through the waiver process if necessary.
Remember that medical standards evolve based on military needs, medical advancements, and policy changes. What may be disqualifying today might not be in the future, and waiver policies often adjust to meet recruitment goals and incorporate new medical understanding.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about military medical standards and the waiver process, consult these resources:
- Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03: Medical Standards for Military Service
- Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM)
- Military OneSource
- Branch-specific recruiting websites:
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