Is an osteochondroma a DQ?

[sunnysky]

Good afternoon all,
I was recently diagnosed with an osteochondroma(benign bone tumor) on my leg above my knee. I noticed it because I am very active and it sometimes causes irritation because it is rubbing on the muscle/tendons there.
Because of this. I will probably get it removed in the coming months.
Is this a disqualification? I am a junior right now, so I will have enough time to recover from surgery and train for the CFA, I'm just worried something like this could be an automatic DQ.
Thanks!

 

[A1Janitor]

Here’s the actual DoD medical standard that applies (DoDI 6130.03, Volume 1, Section 5.25 – Tumors and Malignant Diseases):

Benign tumors that interfere with function, prevent wearing of military equipment properly, or require frequent specialized medical attention are disqualifying.

History of malignant tumors is disqualifying (with very rare exceptions after long remission).

Simple surgical removal of benign tumors is not disqualifying.

An osteochondroma is specifically listed in the DoDMERB guidelines as **“usually not disqualifying” unless it:

• Causes significant functional limitation (e.g., restricts knee motion >10–15°), or
• Is so large it prevents wearing boots/uniform, or
• Keeps recurring after multiple removals.

What you should do right now:

1. Get the surgery scheduled (the sooner the better so you have months to rehab).

2. Keep detailed records from your orthopedic surgeon showing pre- and post-op range of motion, X-rays/MRI, and a letter stating expected full recovery.

3. When you fill out your DoDMERB questionnaire, answer “yes” to the tumor question and upload all the records — be upfront.

4. You’ll likely get a 250 (remedial) code asking for the surgical report and a current exam; once those show you’re back to 100 %, you’re cleared.

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol01.pdf?ver=2024-05-28-123456-789

Start on page 53 of the document.

 

[GoCubbies]

R

Good afternoon all,
I was recently diagnosed with an osteochondroma(benign bone tumor) on my leg above my knee. I noticed it because I am very active and it sometimes causes irritation because it is rubbing on the muscle/tendons there.
Because of this. I will probably get it removed in the coming months.
Is this a disqualification? I am a junior right now, so I will have enough time to recover from surgery and train for the CFA, I'm just worried something like this could be an automatic DQ.
Thanks!

Removal of an osteochondroma is generally not a DQ.

You will need to provide the operative report, pathology report (to prove it’s really an osteochondroma which is benign), and the clinical note from the last visit with orthopedics that says you may return to full and unrestricted activities.

When you see the physician for the DoDMERB exam this summer or fall, make sure it’s well after you’ve been released to full and unrestricted activities. In the DD2807-2, you will positively endorse question 109. State in there that since the surgery, you’ve played x, y, and z sports (not e-sports, though ) which will demonstrate you’re good as new.