Kyphosis... Disqualifying?

H

heloo

Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2021
Messages
26
Hello, I was just freshly diagnosed (yesterday) with a moderate case of kyphosis. I have been really stressing out about this and I'm wondering if this is going to kill my dreams of going to the academy. I've never ever had any symptoms and the doctor said it's more cosmetic than anything (absolutely no impact on my lungs, heart, or physical capacity). It is barely noticeable and as a track and field athlete, I had literally no idea I even had anything like this (I can lift heavier and run faster than the majority of my peers). Will I be disqualified? Can this be waived if necessary? I'm hoping to attend an academy in the class of 2026 and I'm pretty scared about it.
 
Like most medical issues, they are handled on a case by case basis, there are very few hard and fast rules. It will depend on whether your 'moderate case' meets or doesn't meet the standard. If you don't meet the standard, you would be DQ'd, and would need a waiver. The SA decides on a waiver, not DodMERB. Many conditions can be waived, some are more commonly waived than others.

This is the source doc that defines the medical standards; https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/WaiverGuide/DODI_6130.03_JUL12.pdf


This is some relevant sections re: issues with the spine

c. Current deviation or curvature of the spine from normal alignment, structure, or function if:
(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active avocation in civilian life;
(2) It can reasonably be expected to interfere with the proper wearing of military uniform or equipment;
(3) It is symptomatic; or
(4) There is lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.

Best of luck!

UPDATED with correct link
 
Last edited:
A6E Dad said:
(4) There is lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.
Click to expand...
according to this standard, I would be DQ (even though I meet all the other ones). I know you said that waivers are given out on a case-by-case basis and determined by the SA, but have you heard of anyone making it in with a similar situation (kyphosis or other spinal structure conditions)? I read that 1 out of every 5 candidates needs a waiver but I'm wondering if their issues are deemed much smaller than mine and if anyone has ever made it in with something similar.
 
heloo said:
according to this standard, I would be DQ (even though I meet all the other ones). I know you said that waivers are given out on a case-by-case basis and determined by the SA, but have you heard of anyone making it in with a similar situation (kyphosis or other spinal structure conditions)? I read that 1 out of every 5 candidates needs a waiver but I'm wondering if their issues are deemed much smaller than mine and if anyone has ever made it in with something similar.
Click to expand...

Use the search button on top.

Here is the search I grabbed that is a good starting point for you:

 
i posed the wrong link above, corrected now. you can go through that doc to see the actual detailed medical standards.

nobody can tell you whether or not you are likely to get a waiver. even for the same condition, some are waived and some are not.
 
MullenLE said:
The REAL answer?
Click to expand...

Respectfully, was there something inaccurate posted above? Or are you saying you can tell the OP whether or not the SA is likely to grant a waiver?

I'll stop responding to these messages if the info is misleading or not useful
 
A6E Dad said:
Like most medical issues, they are handled on a case by case basis, there are very few hard and fast rules. It will depend on whether your 'moderate case' meets or doesn't meet the standard. If you don't meet the standard, you would be DQ'd, and would need a waiver. The SA decides on a waiver, not DodMERB. Many conditions can be waived, some are more commonly waived than others.

This is the source doc that defines the medical standards; https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/WaiverGuide/DODI_6130.03_JUL12.pdf


This is some relevant sections re: issues with the spine

c. Current deviation or curvature of the spine from normal alignment, structure, or function if:
(1) It prevents the individual from following a physically active avocation in civilian life;
(2) It can reasonably be expected to interfere with the proper wearing of military uniform or equipment;
(3) It is symptomatic; or
(4) There is lumbar or thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, or thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees when measured by the Cobb Method.

Best of luck!

UPDATED with correct link
Click to expand...
this is the kind of info and response to a thread that is not just helpful to the individual, but to everyone else who reads these threads in the future as well. Solid job.
 
No. To be quite honest, I didn't read what you wrote.
My message was specific to him; his situation; and the precision of "Will I be disqualified?" Seeing as that's what I do each and every day for 29 years, only I am suited to answer that question....There are physicians with tremendous civilian credentials on these Forums. Even they would not know the intricacies of the application of the DoD standards. :wiggle: It would be like me saying how to pilot an A6E. I may know some of that, but certainly know what you know.
 
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