Maintain Copies Of Your Medical Records

Medical Conditions Normally Waiverable

August 14th, 2008

Part two of the what will and what won’t keep you out of the United States Navy medically (provided in the cases listed a waiver is granted). Part one discussed conditions that normally would not qualify for a waiver – this installment discusses the conditions in which a waiver may be granted.

If you appear to be, in all other respects, qualified for enlistment but reveal a history of one or more of the following common conditions you must be advised that the treatment records or a written summary from your private or attending physician will be of value to the examining Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) physician during the pre-enlistment physical examination and may reduce the possibility of temporary medical disqualification.

If you are considering a future in the armed forces there is no time like the present to start gathering the records of your medical past. The medical records will be sent to the MEPS in advance for a medical review so having them ready will save you a ton of time. Having the records may also preclude you from having to attend outsourced consultations which could ultimately delay even further your enlistment.

Please keep in mind this list is not all-inclusive.

Medical conditions which are normally considered waiverable (information consolidated from MEPCOM and COMNAVCRUITCOM Instructions);

History of Ophthalmologic Disorders such as excessive refractive error: +/- 8.00 diopters sphere, +/- 4.00 diopters cylinder. LASIK and PRK surgery to include preoperative refractive measurements. Note: PRK, LASEK, and LASIK are disqualifying if:
- pre-surgery refractive error was greater than +-8 diopters
- less than 6 months have passed since surgery
- you still need medications or treatment stemming from the surgery
- your eyes have not stabilized
- you have not had an eye exam measuring refraction at least 3 months after the surgery
- you have keratitis
- you have corneal vascularization or opacification that puts your vision below enlistment standards
- you have uveitis or iridocyclitis

History of Respiratory disorders such as childhood Asthma, Reactive Airway Disease or Exercise-Induced Asthma, pneumothorax (traumatic or spontaneous).

History of Orthopedic surgery or injury (ORIF, retained hardware, ACL or Arthroscopic, Bankhart repair, bunionectomy).

History of Gynecological disorders such as Endometriosis, Cervical Dysplasia, or abnormal PAP smear.

History of Cardiovascular disorders such as repaired congenital heart malformation or conductive disorder (WPW) treatment.

History of Abdominal/Gastrointestinal disorders such as Hernia repair (must be 60 days postoperative with release from care statement), GERD, hemorrhoids.

History of Neurological disorders such as back pain, surgery or asymptomatic mild Scoliosis, sleepwalking, childhood epilepsy, concussion.

History of Urinary disorders such as kidney stones, proteinuria, or childhood enuresis.

History of Psychiatric disorders such as mood, personality, conduct, or behavior disorder. History of ADD/ADHD with medication use. (Must provide medical treatment records/ transcripts regarding work or school performance after discontinuation of medication. Applicant must have been off medication for one year).

History of Dermatological disorders such as mild skin disorders (i.e., acne, pilonidal cyst, contact dermatitis, urticaria, and warts).

Hearing. Pure tone hearing loss at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz of not more than 30 db on average with no individual level greater than 35 db at these frequencies in either ear. Pure tone hearing loss at 3000 Hz of not more than 45 db and 4000 Hz not more than 55 db in either ear.