Accessions and Medical Standards

Military Medical Standards for Accession and Retention

The Department of Defense medical standards for military accession and retention are developed using the best available scientific evidence. The Accession and Retention Medical Standards Working Group develops policy recommendations under the guidance of the Medical and Personnel Executive Steering Committee which guides the Medical Standards Analytics and Research team to develop supporting analysis and research. MSAR issues annual reports and publications to include comprehensive analyses of service member accession and attrition data, allowing DOD stakeholders to make informed policy decisions.

The Department of Defense Instruction DODI 6130.03, Volume 1: “Military Medical Standards: Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction,” establishes disqualifying medical standards for entry into military service. These standards support readiness to bring qualified, effective, and able-bodied persons into military service.

Modification of standards are informed by advances in medical care, periodic analysis of attrition through the first period of enlistment, and the success of candidates who receive waivers by their service for standards in DODI 6130.03.

DODI 6130.03, Volume 2: "Medical Standards for Military Service: Retention" establishes minimum medical standards for application on a case-by-case basis by the military services.

Medical Accession Waivers

Applicants who don't meet the physical and medical standards listed in DODI 6130.03, Volume 1 may be considered for a medical accession waiver after completion of a thorough review. The applicant must have displayed sufficient mitigating circumstances/provided medical documentation that clearly justify waiver consideration.

Select disqualifying medical conditions listed below are considered ineligible for a medical accession waiver or require waiver at the service secretary level.

Disqualifying Conditions for Which Only a Secretary of a Military Department May Approve a Waiver

Condition

  • Current central nervous system shunts of all kinds including endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy
  • Current ostomy (gastrointestinal or urinary)
  • Absence of an eye/lack of vision in one or both eyes
  • Absence of a foot
  • Absence of hand or any bony portion thereof (with the exception of digits)
  • History of chronic hepatic failure
  • History of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • History of corneal transplant
  • History of disorders with psychotic features such as schizophrenic disorders, delusional disorders, or other unspecified psychoses or mood disorders with psychotic features (If not medication/substance induced)
  • History of myocardial infarction
  • History of neurodegenerative disorders, including, but not limited to, those disorders affecting the cerebrum, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord, or muscles
  • History of scleroderma
  • The presence of an implantable pacemaker or defibrillator

Disqualifying Conditions Ineligible for Medical Accession Waiver

Condition

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Any suicidal attempt within the previous 12 months.
  • History of cystic fibrosis
  • Current chronic supplemental oxygen use
  • Current congestive heart failure.
  • Current epilepsy
  • Current treatment for schizophrenia
  • History of paraphilic disorders
  • History of receiving solid organ transplant
  • Homicidality within the previous 12 months
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
  • Trisomy 21