TL;DR: Read DODI 6130.03 to find out DODMERB DQ conditions and their exemptions (if applicable)
I'm seeing a lot of questions on here that indicate folks don't know what is/isn't a DQ on the DoDMERB, or where to find that information.
The medical conditions requiring a DQ are spelled out in DODI 6130.03, and a new May 2018 edition is available. There ARE subtle changes from the previous version that have good or bad implications, so ensure you have the latest edition
It is worth reading and then bouncing against your medical records to see if any civilian doctors have used certain verbage that would flag a DODMERB application as having a DQ condition.
For those with no experience with military boards, such as the DODMERB, please understand these boards follow written regulations and instructions like this verbatim.
This means, for example, if you show up for a DODMERB exam with a painful ingrown toenail or ringworm, you will get a DQ until it is resolved.
The good news is that this DODI also specifies all the exceptions to the DQ conditions, which should help when going back to your civilian doctor to have something cleared up or clarified.
Read the DODI. Find the areas in there that concern you, take it to your doctor, and have them reassess you, taking care to use the exact verbage listed for any exceptions (if applicable, of course-don't lie).
Also, a lot of medical professionals are prior-service. Seek them out, as they will likely be very familiar with how critical it is for them to use the correct verbage for successful waivers.
At the end of the day, remember that your DODMERB is your responsibility The best approach is to be proactive. Read the actual regulations for yourself and ensure your medical records are not written in such a careless matter as to cause you a DQ. For whatever reason there is a tendency to overdiagnose and overmedicate these days, perhaps due to liability fears or out of an abundance of caution.
A long time ago, I was DQ'd from a Type 1 scholarship due to a careless diagnosis by a family practice doctor for a largely trivial condition. A fifteen minute reevaluation from a specialist a year later, who took the time to understand the intent of the regulatory restriction on the trivial condition, who reviewed my medical history, and who understood that certain words have meanings, and I was cleared with a more accurate diagnosis of a minor condition that was not disqualifying. I ultimately didn't even need a waiver. Again, don't lie or have your doctor lie, but definitely ensure you get a second opinion for any potential DQ condition.
Also, remember that certain military career fields like pilot carry their own extra, more restrictive medical clearances.
I'm seeing a lot of questions on here that indicate folks don't know what is/isn't a DQ on the DoDMERB, or where to find that information.
The medical conditions requiring a DQ are spelled out in DODI 6130.03, and a new May 2018 edition is available. There ARE subtle changes from the previous version that have good or bad implications, so ensure you have the latest edition
It is worth reading and then bouncing against your medical records to see if any civilian doctors have used certain verbage that would flag a DODMERB application as having a DQ condition.
For those with no experience with military boards, such as the DODMERB, please understand these boards follow written regulations and instructions like this verbatim.
This means, for example, if you show up for a DODMERB exam with a painful ingrown toenail or ringworm, you will get a DQ until it is resolved.
The good news is that this DODI also specifies all the exceptions to the DQ conditions, which should help when going back to your civilian doctor to have something cleared up or clarified.
Read the DODI. Find the areas in there that concern you, take it to your doctor, and have them reassess you, taking care to use the exact verbage listed for any exceptions (if applicable, of course-don't lie).
Also, a lot of medical professionals are prior-service. Seek them out, as they will likely be very familiar with how critical it is for them to use the correct verbage for successful waivers.
At the end of the day, remember that your DODMERB is your responsibility The best approach is to be proactive. Read the actual regulations for yourself and ensure your medical records are not written in such a careless matter as to cause you a DQ. For whatever reason there is a tendency to overdiagnose and overmedicate these days, perhaps due to liability fears or out of an abundance of caution.
A long time ago, I was DQ'd from a Type 1 scholarship due to a careless diagnosis by a family practice doctor for a largely trivial condition. A fifteen minute reevaluation from a specialist a year later, who took the time to understand the intent of the regulatory restriction on the trivial condition, who reviewed my medical history, and who understood that certain words have meanings, and I was cleared with a more accurate diagnosis of a minor condition that was not disqualifying. I ultimately didn't even need a waiver. Again, don't lie or have your doctor lie, but definitely ensure you get a second opinion for any potential DQ condition.
Also, remember that certain military career fields like pilot carry their own extra, more restrictive medical clearances.
