Medical Conditions Normally Not Waiverable

Medical Issues Not Normally Waivered

August 13th, 2008

Many people who are considering the United States Navy as an option wonder if there may be some mental or physical condition from their past which may preclude them from serving. This post is the first of a two part series which will talk about medical conditions and possibly answer your “would I make it with” questions. Today I will list the medical issues/conditions which will not be considered for a waiver.

For those issues with time conditions they are listed as such – like a severe head injury has a five year waiting period, the waiting period is in place to reduce the possibility there were no long term effects from the injury. Conditions that become aggravated while serving on active duty could in the long run be considered “service connected” which in turn could lead to future disability benefits. By restricting some known medical issues, such as the ones listed below, will ultimately save the tax payers money.

Generally the Navy will not waive the following conditions (conditions listed in COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8H);

  • Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), AIDS Related Complex (ARC), HIV Antibody, or history of any of the above.
  • Single kidney – regardless of cause.
  • Loss of an arm or leg.
  • Seizure disorder with seizure and/or medication within five years.
  • History of Cancer with treatment within five years (except basal cell carcinoma).
  • Diabetes Mellitus Type I or Type II.
  • Loss of one eye.
  • History of Cataract surgery.
  • History of any Keratoconus (protrusion of the cornea).
  • History of Glaucoma.
  • Refractive Surgery: Radial Keratotomy.
  • History of Aphakia (lens replacement of the eye).
  • Severe Allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) to insects or food.
  • Cirrhosis.
  • Corneal transplant history.
  • Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (Intestinal ulcers).
  • Severe deformities of the mouth, throat, or nose that interfere with speech or mastication of ordinary food.
  • Severe Scoliosis (spine curvature) or Kyphosis (“hunchback”).
  • History of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.
  • Headaches, recurrent, severe, which require prescription medication or interfere with daily activity.
  • Hepatitis, chronic: Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C carrier.
  • Malignant Hyperthermia/Hyperpyrexia (adverse reaction to anesthesia).
  • Multiple Sclerosis (nerve disease involving muscle weakness and uncoordination) and Muscular Dystrophy (progressive atrophy/wasting of the muscles).
  • Severe orthopedic injuries that result in functional limitations secondary to residual muscle weakness, paralysis, or marked decreased range of motion.
  • Otitis Media (middle ear infection/inflammation), chronic or currently active.
  • Pes Cavus (abnormally high arches of the feet with increased extension of the toes), severe, symptomatic (other than routine orthotic use).
  • Pneumonectomy, removal of entire lung.
  • Pregnancy (except for prior service processing for affiliation).
  • Prosthetic replacement of joints.
  • Psychiatric Conditions: Schizophrenia; Major Depression, recurrent; Bipolar Disorder; Panic disorders; Sexual disorders; and Personality disorders, severe.
  • History of Retinal disease or detachment.
  • Undescended testicle unless surgically removed or confirmed to be congenital absence.
  • Chronic skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis.
  • Spinal Fusion, greater than two vertebral spaces, congenital or surgical involving any number of vertebrae, by any method.
  • History of drug and/or alcohol abuse or diagnosed substance dependence.
  • History of Neurofibromatosis.
  • Congenital (birth) heart defects that have not been repaired.
  • History of intestinal bypass or stomach stapling.
  • Severe head injury within the past five years.
  • Latex allergy.
  • liver function study. Dosage strength of steroids used must also be documented. Use of steroids longer that two months before enlistment application is not medically disqualifying; however, any indication of high steroid dosage and/or chronic use must have internal medicine consultation to evaluate late or residual steroid effects.
  • Anabolic Steroid Use. Any person admitting steroid use within the previous two months is not enlistment eligible. The Chief Medical Officer at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) may consider waivers on an individual basis after attaining internal medicine consultation or appropriate history. If a waiver is recommended, request must be forwarded to Navy Recruiting Command Medical. Send the following test results for waiver consideration:
  1. microscopic urinalysis and
  2. liver function study. Dosage strength of steroids used must also be documented. Use of steroids longer that two months before enlistment application is not medically disqualifying; however, any indication of high steroid dosage and/or chronic use must have internal medicine consultation to evaluate late or residual steroid effects.

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Read Comments (34)

34 Comments »

  • So these conditions are normally not waiverable, but are they ever waivered?

    These conditions can never be considered for a waiver? I had surgical spinal fusion, but I am completely fine now.

    Comment by Greg — December 16, 2008 @ 2:44 pm

  • The list is meant to be a guide based on MEPS and Navy instructions. I suggest you submit your medical records thru your local Recruiter to the MEPS for review, worst they can say is no.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — December 16, 2008 @ 2:53 pm

  • i have had two ACL reconstructions on the same knee when i was younger. i am fully recovered and stayed very active playing basketball and running track througout my high school years, and also playing basketball a year in college. would i need a medical waiver for this? if so, will i be considered for one?

    Comment by bree — July 24, 2009 @ 7:57 pm

  • Bree,

    Based on my experience and what you have told me you should not have a problem. You have been asymptomatic for over a year and have also been very active. Get a couple of letters from coaches explaining your knee has been no problem – and of course have copies of all pertinent medical records. If the MEPS doctor sends it for a waiver (most likely will, they don’t stick their neck out much) you should have an answer back pretty quickly (within a week or so).

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — July 24, 2009 @ 8:13 pm

  • i have had asthma since i was a baby and have had back surgery two years ago but not fused. the back surgery does not affect me. do you think that i could make it?

    Comment by garrett — September 3, 2009 @ 9:13 pm

  • Normally, asthma symptoms after the age of 12 is disqualifying and a waiver will not be approved.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 3, 2009 @ 9:27 pm

  • I was born with atrial septal defect. A fairly common congenital heart defect in which an opening fails to close during childhood. It usually closes in most people by the age of 4 or 5 and I found out that now the condition doesn’t even require surgery. I had surgery to close the hole when I was 9 (I’m now 23), and have never had any problems with it. I run several miles a week, work out and lift weights. My cardiologist wrote a letter stating how my exams and test all returned normal, he also stated that the surgery repaired my heart to normal with no problems. I’m currently waiting on my medical records to arrive in the mail.

    Do you think I’ll be able to get a waiver? I know heart surgeries sound pretty scary, but mine has been repaired and I do have a recommendation from my doctor. Is there anything else I should present to my recruiter?

    Comment by TJP — September 5, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

  • TJP,
    Submit all your medical records and letters from doctors and coaches – I think you have a pretty good chance.

    Let us know how it goes so as other can learn from your experience.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 5, 2009 @ 1:34 pm

  • Thank you NCCM!

    I just got my medical records in the mail today and will give them to my recruiter on Tuesday. He told me it was going to be an extensive process for getting the waiver, and that I may even need to see an outside doctor? My medical records have goo things to say in terms of my overall prognosis. Does it take a long time to get a waiver (over 3 months)? My recruiter told me it would probably be 6 months to a year before I go to boot camp, and I was hoping to expedite the process so I could get in as soon as possible. I really want to join. :)

    Comment by TJP — September 5, 2009 @ 7:24 pm

  • TJP,

    Your Recruiter telling you it may take 6 months to get to RTC is a good thing, he feels somewhat confident you will pass medical :)

    6 months to me seems somewhat optimistic to me though – currently the wait, depending on the job (rating), can be up to a year.

    Good luck (thank you for visiting my site) and keep us informed!! :)

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 5, 2009 @ 8:40 pm

  • Hi, My son wants to join the naval music program (he’s a talented, musician, vocals, instruments, songwriting, recording training, etc) but he has a problem with a knee, he’s had 2 surgeries and is now building the leg strength back up and wearing a brace when working, he had asthma as a child but has not been bothered with symptoms since the age of 10, do you think that or his knee issue would stop him from being accepted ?
    Thank you

    Comment by ltm — September 10, 2009 @ 6:23 pm

  • one more question.. can you get through boot camp or get accepted if a knee issue keeps you from running? If you want to join the navy for the music program is it as important for your physical condition to be top? Thank you again :)

    Comment by ltm — September 10, 2009 @ 6:30 pm

  • ltm,

    If your son is experiencing knee problems he will not pass the MEPS physical. The program a person is joining for has no impact.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 10, 2009 @ 10:56 pm

  • So I sent my medical records to MEPS and they denied it (which was expected by my recruiter) BUT they sent it to BUMED. I had to feel out some additional paperwork and my recruiter sent it back to BUMED. Now it’s a waiting game to see what they say. Either they’ll deny me flat, or they’ll allow me to take a physical (which is what my recruiter thinks will happen). Any thoughts on this process? I’m so new to all of this, I’m just kind of anxiously awaiting what will happen. My recruiter said I’m in a good position because I’m a female who has finished college and I would like to go into a field that difficult for the Navy to fill: linguistics. Do you think this will help at all?

    Comment by TJP — September 14, 2009 @ 11:42 pm

  • TJP,

    Things seem to be tracking as expected :)

    One thing you can correct your Recruiter on: Navy Recruiting does not use BUMED to make medical eligibility recommendations. Navy Recruiting Command has a doctor and staff (CNRC 00M) located at headquarters in Millington, Tn that will review your documentation and make the final recommendation to the Admiral for approval or disapproval.

    In your case, before the recommendation can be made by 00M; 00M must direct MEPS (if 00M determines a waiver may be possible) to provide you with a physical (they may also direct MEPS to send you to an outside specialist for any additional testing).

    So, to recap;

    1. MEPS disqualified you based on medical record review.

    2. MEPS/Navy Liaison recommended that 00M review your medical records to over-ride MEPS to force a physical (good chance of this happening, but 00M can disapprove the request at this point).

    3. If 00M directs the physical then a date for the physical will be scheduled along with any outside consultations which may be required (you need to be prepared to make more than one visit to MEPS depending on consultation requirements).

    4. Once the final results of the physical and consultations are complete (including blood work), those results will be sent to 00M for review. Slim chance the review could reveal additional testing/consultations could be required, but I doubt it. Just preparing you in case.

    5. 00M will review and make recommendation to the Admiral (usually within 3-5 days depending on back load).

    6. You get a call from your Recruiter with the results.

    Hope this makes the medical waiver process more clear!

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 15, 2009 @ 7:53 am

  • My friend (who is trying for the navy seals) had a retinal detachment 6 years ago with reattchment surgery followed by laser surgery to ensure a stronger reattchment. His surgeon told him that his affected retina is held in place better than a normal retina. Now, all of his info has been sent to MEPS and his recruiter just gave him a heads up that he has heard through the grapevine that he may be medically disqualified because of the detachment (he hasn’t received official word yet though). His prognosis is good and he is considered a candidate for lasik and/or PRK. His vision is also correctable to 20/20.

    If he is disqualified, can he get a waiver for it? Should he get a letter from the surgeon stating that his retina is held in place better than a normal one?

    Also, would this condition with a letter from the surgeon disqualify him from other service branches, specifically the marines?

    Comment by Sara — September 19, 2009 @ 4:48 pm

  • It has been my experience that a history of detached retina, even if repaired, is permanently disqualifying and a waiver would not normally be recommended or approved. I can only speak of my experience with the Navy, but believe this would be true for all services.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 19, 2009 @ 6:09 pm

  • My fiance is planning to join the navy, but she has a mild latex allergy. Prolonged exposure to latex gives her a slight rash, and latex powder makes her cough. In fact we think she may have lost some of her sensitivity to it because recent exposures have yielded no symptoms.

    How severe does a latex allergy have to be before it makes a difference?

    Comment by Ian — September 25, 2009 @ 3:01 am

  • Ian, sorry for the delay in answering. For once, I am stumped. I personally have never run across anyone with a “mild” allergy for latex. All my experiences have to do with folks who have more immediate and profound symptoms, all of whom were permanently disqualified with no waiver recommended.

    Let me know how this turns out.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — September 26, 2009 @ 3:19 pm

  • i had purforated ulcer surgery more than 3 years ago i am perfecly fine and in great shape i played for two more years after my surgery and no problems not once, my perfurated ulcer was caused by motrin not stress…so my question is will i get disqualified because of this? i have turned all my medical records and i got my doctor to write a letter saying i am perfectly fine. My recruiter sent all this info up to meps on sept 18, 09. i have still not heard back. he said he was going to re fax them back up, he says that i should be able to get in fine. do you think i just need to wait longer? i know the navy is overmanned at the moment could that be a reason at all? i just hope this doesn’t hold me back because i want to serve so bad, well thanks for the help.

    Comment by Tom H — October 1, 2009 @ 12:23 am

  • Tom H,
    Personally, I have not seen a case where stomach or intestinal surgery has been approved. That being said, you should have received a response from your document medical review within 5 working days of their submittal with either a final judgment or a request for additional documentation.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — October 1, 2009 @ 9:51 am

  • NCCM,

    I just wanted to let you know I’m going to MEPS tomorrow to have a physical and take the ASVAB. 00M requested that I have a physical last week, and I got a call from my recruiter on Thursday telling me to get ready for the upcoming Monday (it all seemed to happen so quickly)!

    Are you required to sign anything at MEPS? I really wanted to be sure I got something in writing stating that my student loans could be repaid, and I didn’t know if my recruiter draws up that contract, or if it’s done at MEPS? Is there anything else you wish you had known before going to MEPS?

    TJP

    Comment by TJP — October 4, 2009 @ 8:50 pm

  • Also, should I bring my medical records to MEPS as well? My recruiter never mentioned this?

    Comment by TJP — October 4, 2009 @ 8:55 pm

  • Info on student loan repayment

    You should not need additional documents beyond what you have already submitted. If you have documents that you haven’t submitted then make sure your Recruiter has them to add to your record at MEPS.

    You won’t be joining during this visit if the physical was requested by 00M – 00M will need the completed physical (blood work and all other tests included) before they can make a final waiver recommendation. Here is the process – http://www.navycs.com/blogs/2009/09/17/navy-recruiting-medical-waiver-process

    Good luck!

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — October 4, 2009 @ 9:59 pm

  • Hi NCCM,

    I just wanted to let you know that everything at MEPS went well (although I must say the attitudes of the MEPS employees were not very nice). Anyway, I also wanted to let you know I took the ASVAB and scored a 95 on it! Initially, I wanted to go in as a legalman. My recruiter told me that might not be feasible, or that I would be waiting for the job for a while and suggested I become a cryptologic technician. I took the DLAB though and completely bombed the test (maybe it was because I was already tired from the physical and wasn’t expecting the test, maybe it was because the test was just too difficult for me–I don’t know). I was told there was a very, very good chance my waiver for my heart surgery would be approved, though. Now I have to focus on choosing a job in the Navy. My recruiter suggests: Air Traffic Controller, Intelligence Specialist, and Legalman (if available). Do you have any info on just what these jobs entail?

    Thank you again for all of your help!

    Comment by TJP — October 7, 2009 @ 6:44 am

  • Hi NCCM,

    I’m still waiting to hear if I’ve received the waiver. It’s only been 2 weeks but it feels like months…!!

    Comment by TJP — October 19, 2009 @ 8:40 am

  • Hi NCCM,

    I just wanted to let you know that I got the waiver!!! I have to go back down to MEPS to select my job. My recruiter is pushing me toward Nuke because of my asvab score, but I’m still unsure if that’s the route I want to take. I just wanted to say thank you for all of the advice you’ve given here and on this website. It really helped me make it through this process.

    Thanks again!

    TJP

    Comment by TJP — October 29, 2009 @ 10:56 am

  • TJP,
    Congrats!!

    Both my older sons joined in the Navy Nuke program :)

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — October 29, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

  • Hi NCCM,

    Guess what! I went back down to MEPS to choose my job and they told me I scored a 128 on the DLAB! They said they were looking at the wrong scores, and that the 64 was the CS score for the Navy test. I can’t believe I passed the DLAB. I could’ve been a CTI but they said they didn’t need women for that job right now. They assigned me the CTN (cryptologic technician networks) job, but my recruiter said he would let me know if another job opened up. I really wanted Air Traffic Control or Intelligence Specialist. We’ll see what happens. I am officially a DEPper though! I have a lot to learn now.

    TJP

    Comment by TJP — November 6, 2009 @ 2:22 pm

  • Congratulations TJP!!! Love it when the process works :)

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — November 6, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

  • I broke my forearm on Feb.3,2008. Was told that I could not join because because of the plate surgically implanted to hold the break together to heal. Called out of state to have all my records forwarded to the recruiter, and he says they won’t even consider me. The surgeon (who happens to me a member of the “Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgery”) believes that my arm in no way would prohibit me from performing my duties in the navy, yet the recruiter says I won’t even be considered. How do you get a waiver if the recruiter won’t even consider you. He said I was a very good candidate (ha said I did very well on the pre-test) Then the subject of my arm came up.

    Comment by Gregory — November 9, 2009 @ 7:32 pm

  • Hi NCCM
    My boyfriend and I have been talking with recruiters, doctors on base, and researching but we still dont have a clear answer. Hes had high blood pressure since he was 12 (not hereditary) and has been on medication within the past year. His high blood pressure seems to be due to his weight, he’s 5′9 235lbs. In basic training hes expected to lose the weight which causes his blood pressure to decrease possibly meaning medication use would be discontinued. He wants to join the navy as soon as possible but is afraid of disqualification. I reccomended that he do ROTC next semester, stop his medication and lose the weight first. Hes already started the processes and is waiting to hear back from the recruiter on his MEPS date. Should he wait? Will he be denied even with a waiver from his own doctor? Will MEPS give him a waiver?
    Thanks!

    Comment by JBC — November 10, 2009 @ 11:02 am

  • Having high blood pressure and being on medication for it will be disqualifying. His weight and BP must be under control without the use of medication. I strongly suggest he follow a doctors advice on how to lose weight, and never stop medication because we feel like it, that could be dangerous.

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — November 10, 2009 @ 11:36 am

  • Gregory,
    Your recruiter should submit your documents for a medical review (if this is your only issue; if there are other factors which may be holding you back then he is making the right choice, ie. ASVAB score, education, height/weight, etc.)

    Comment by NCCM(ret) — November 10, 2009 @ 11:40 am

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