The Chances Of Getting A Medical Waiver For MEPS

MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. It is a military office that tests US military recruits before they can enlist. Failing the MEPS physical exam leads to disqualification from enlisting into the military. Luckily, it is possible to get a medical waiver for MEPS. The waiver gives recruits with acceptable medical conditions a second chance to join the military.

MEPS Testing

After going through initial screening questions with a military recruiter they would book you for testing at a MEPS center. Once you show up for the appointment you are taken through an aptitude test as well as a physical fitness test.

The aptitude test is a multi-choice questionnaire that checks the knowledge levels of military recruits. The physical test, on the other hand, is a complete examination that includes height and weight measurements, vision and hearing tests, blood tests, urinalysis, drug and alcohol checks, flexibility and balance tests, and a pregnancy test for women.

Only after passing both tests would you be allowed to enlist into the military by choosing a job and swearing-in. The whole process takes 2 days, therefore, your recruiter can also arrange overnight accommodation if you need it.

Why Must Recruits Undergo MEPS Testing

Circumstances That Allow A Medical Waiver For MEPS

The MEPS physical test is mandatory because anyone that enters the US Army must be physically fit. Physically unfit recruits would be unable to endure basic training and military service in general. The military has set out clear guidelines for the medical standards that military recruits must meet before they can be enlisted. Some of the requirements are that the recruit must not have any contagious diseases or illnesses that would lead to long absences from services.

Many health conditions can be waivered as long as they aren’t contagious and won’t prevent you from carrying out military duties. In order to get a waiver for such conditions, you must provide appropriate medical history documentation. Serious health conditions usually cause the examining doctor to immediately disqualify the recruit even without performing an exam.

Speak with your recruiter about any concerns you may have with regards to your health. Disclosing health conditions with your recruiter will not get you disqualified but may help you get better guidance on how to get medical waivers. Lying about your health history, however, could get you disqualified from enlisting into the military.

Steps For Getting A Waiver

If you have a medical condition that disqualifies you the doctor may recommend that you get a waiver. The doctor would send your application and health records to the commander of the service you are trying to join. The commander would then consider the level of your qualifications and the status of recruiting targets.

If the commander approves the waiver, your application would then go through a series of approvals by other military doctors. The highest-ranking doctor would then make the final decision on whether or not to approve your waiver.