Top 30 Army Medical Disqualifications To Know

Serving in the military can be a prestigious and rewarding career, but it requires meeting specific physical and mental standards. The Army has strict medical standards to ensure that soldiers are fit for duty and can perform their responsibilities without risking their own health or the health of others. If you're considering joining the Army, it's essential to understand the medical disqualifications that could prevent you from enlisting.

The Army's medical standards are outlined in the Army Regulation 40-501, Chapter 2, which lists the medical conditions that are disqualifying for military service. Here are the top 30 Army medical disqualifications to know:

Neurological Conditions

The Army has strict standards for neurological conditions, including:

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause seizures. If you have a history of epilepsy, you may be disqualified from serving in the Army.

2. Seizure Disorders

Seizure disorders, such as those caused by traumatic brain injuries or infections, can also be disqualifying.

3. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. If you have multiple sclerosis, you may not be eligible for military service.

Mental Health Conditions

The Army also has standards for mental health conditions, including:

4. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, can be disqualifying.

5. Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, can also be disqualifying.

6. Personality Disorders

Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder, can be disqualifying.

Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic conditions that can be disqualifying include:

7. Herniated Discs

Herniated discs in the spine can be disqualifying if they cause significant pain or disability.

8. Joint Replacements

Joint replacements, such as hip or knee replacements, can be disqualifying if they are not fully recovered.

9. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions that can be disqualifying include:

10. Asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways and can be disqualifying if it is not well-controlled.

11. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a condition that affects the lungs and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

12. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and can be disqualifying.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Cardiovascular conditions that can be disqualifying include:

13. Heart Failure

Heart failure is a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood and can be disqualifying.

14. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the heart and can be disqualifying.

15. Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart's rhythm and can be disqualifying.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal conditions that can be disqualifying include:

16. Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a condition that affects the digestive tract and can be disqualifying.

17. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects the colon and can be disqualifying.

18. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition that affects the esophagus and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases that can be disqualifying include:

19. HIV

HIV is a virus that affects the immune system and can be disqualifying.

20. Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that affect the liver and can be disqualifying.

21. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and can be disqualifying.

Dermatological Conditions

Dermatological conditions that can be disqualifying include:

22. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

23. Eczema

Eczema is a condition that affects the skin and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

24. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition that affects the skin and can be disqualifying if it is severe.

Other Conditions

Other conditions that can be disqualifying include:

25. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects breathing during sleep and can be disqualifying.

26. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep and can be disqualifying.

27. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that affects the body's energy levels and can be disqualifying.

Medical Disqualifications for Specific Military Jobs

Some medical conditions may be disqualifying for specific military jobs, but not for others. For example:

28. Flight Duty

Certain medical conditions, such as a history of seizures or severe vision problems, may be disqualifying for flight duty.

29. Diving Duty

Certain medical conditions, such as a history of lung problems or severe vision problems, may be disqualifying for diving duty.

30. Special Forces

Certain medical conditions, such as a history of severe injuries or chronic medical conditions, may be disqualifying for Special Forces.

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If you're considering joining the Army, it's essential to understand the medical disqualifications that could prevent you from enlisting. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides an overview of the top 30 Army medical disqualifications to know. If you have a medical condition, it's best to consult with a recruiter or a medical professional to determine if you're eligible for military service.