What medical conditions make you unable to join the military?

Asked by: Charley Brown III  |  Last update: March 7, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (41 votes)

Medical conditions that disqualify you from the military involve issues in mental health (psychosis, severe depression, PTSD), physical health (uncontrolled diabetes, severe allergies, heart/lung/orthopedic problems, vision/hearing loss), neurological disorders (seizures, chronic migraines, concussions), and history of substance abuse or certain surgeries, though waivers are sometimes possible for less severe cases. The Department of Defense sets specific standards, focusing on conditions that would prevent service member safety or effectiveness.

What diseases disqualify you from the military?

Diseases and conditions that can disqualify you from the military include severe mental health disorders (psychosis, bipolar, severe depression, eating disorders, ADHD/learning disabilities past age 14), chronic physical conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, significant heart/lung/kidney issues, autoimmune diseases like Lupus, some cancers), and certain infectious diseases (like Hepatitis B/C carriers), with major disqualifiers often involving conditions requiring significant medication, hospitalization, or impacting physical/mental function under stress. However, many conditions might be waived, depending on severity, treatment, and recent history, though some are non-waivable.
 

What disqualifies someone from entering the military?

All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.

What mental health conditions are not allowed in the military?

Mental disorders that typically disqualify you from the military include psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar), severe mood/anxiety disorders requiring hospitalization or prolonged treatment (e.g., depression, anxiety), eating disorders, history of substance abuse, and severe learning disabilities/ADHD that impair function, though waivers are sometimes possible for milder or well-managed conditions. The core principle is disqualification for current/past conditions that suggest instability or inability to handle military stress, with exceptions for stability after treatment. 

What conditions will keep you out of the military?

Disqualifying conditions for military service are broad, covering significant medical issues (like heart disease, severe allergies, uncontrolled diabetes, certain mental health disorders such as bipolar or schizophrenia, or history of major surgeries/injuries), criminal history (especially felonies, drug offenses, or domestic violence), and failure to meet basic physical/moral standards, but many issues, particularly medical ones, can be waived depending on severity and branch policy, with waivers being a common pathway for otherwise qualified candidates. 

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What disabilities are not allowed in the military?

Disabilities that can disqualify you from the military include many physical conditions (severe asthma, vision problems, hearing loss, orthopedic issues, certain organ conditions, HIV/AIDS) and mental health disorders (psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety/PTSD, personality disorders, ADHD requiring medication), as well as issues interfering with uniform/equipment wear, but many are "waivable," meaning a special permission can sometimes be granted after review, with requirements varying by branch and condition.
 

What STDs stop you from joining the military?

For sti it states: “current or history of genital infection or ulceration, including, but not limited to herpes genitalis or condyloma acuminatum, if of sufficient severity to require frequent intervention or to interfere with normal function, is disqualifying.” also disqualifying is current untreated syphilis.

Can I join the military if I have a mental disorder?

A history of suicidal behavior, including gesture or attempts or a history of self-mutilation, is disqualifying. Current or a history of conduct or behavioral disorders is disqualifying due to concerns about the ability to adapt to military service.

What are the 10 most disabling mental illnesses?

While "debilitating" varies, top contenders for most impairing mental illnesses often include Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders (like Borderline), Anxiety Disorders (OCD, PTSD), Eating Disorders, and Substance Use Disorders, with mood disorders often ranking highest for overall functional disability and mental illnesses collectively being a leading cause of global disability.
 

What are the 7 types of mental disorders?

Mental disorders

  • Key facts. Nearly 1 in 7 people in the world live with a mental disorder. ...
  • Anxiety disorders. ...
  • Depression. ...
  • Bipolar disorder. ...
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
  • Schizophrenia. ...
  • Eating disorders. ...
  • Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders.

Who is not allowed to join the military?

Military disqualifications stem from medical, criminal, and character issues, including severe or recent mental health conditions (like psychosis, bipolar, major depression needing meds), certain chronic illnesses (diabetes, asthma after age 13, severe allergies, epilepsy), significant vision/hearing problems, certain legal offenses (felonies, multiple DUIs), and substance abuse, though waivers may be possible for some issues like a single DUI or some past injuries. Factors like height, weight, and specific vision/hearing standards (like color blindness) can also restrict job eligibility, with the Department of Defense providing detailed medical standards. 

What are the 5 military discharges?

The main types of U.S. military discharges, from best to worst, are Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable (OTH), Bad Conduct (BCD), and Dishonorable, with Uncharacterized (like Entry-Level Separation) sometimes listed separately as not reflecting on conduct; these characters of service determine eligibility for veteran benefits, with Honorable being the best and Dishonorable being the most severe. 

What is 3 clicks in military terms?

In military terms, "3 clicks" (often spelled "klicks") means 3 kilometers, a unit of distance used for brevity and standardization, equating to roughly 1.86 miles (3 kilometers x 0.62 miles/km). It's a phonetic shortening of "kilometer," widely used in radio communication for speed, originating from interactions with metric-using forces and NATO standardization. 

Can I join the army with a medical condition?

Can I join if I have a medical disqualification? You can still join with a medical disqualification as long as you get a medical waiver, which is issued on a case-by-case basis.

What disqualifies you from the military background check?

Military background check disqualifiers often involve serious criminal offenses (especially violent or drug-related felonies), ongoing illegal drug/alcohol abuse, significant financial irresponsibility, mental health issues like certain disorders, foreign influence/ties, past security violations (like revoked clearances), dishonesty, or lack of U.S. citizenship/allegiance, with some minor offenses potentially waived depending on the branch and circumstances. The evaluation is a "whole person" review, weighing negative factors against positive ones like honesty and self-correction. 

What medically discharges you from the military?

Common reasons for medical discharge include: Injuries sustained during service (e.g., combat-related injuries, fractures). Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart conditions, or cancer. Mental health issues, including PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

Conditions that Qualify for Disability Benefits

  • Physical Conditions – Examples include amputations, heart conditions, chronic lung disease, and severe burns.
  • Sensory Issues – Examples include severe hearing loss and blindness.

What are the top 3 deadliest mental illnesses?

The top deadliest mental illnesses, due to high mortality rates from suicide and medical complications, are Eating Disorders (especially Anorexia Nervosa), followed by Substance Use Disorders, and then severe mood/personality disorders like Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, which have significant suicide risks. Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality of any mental illness, while opioid overdose can surpass eating disorders as a cause of death, often intertwined with mental health issues. 

What are the top 10 physical disabilities?

WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY FOR DISABILITY...

  • Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. ...
  • Heart Disease. ...
  • Degenerative Disc Disease. ...
  • Respiratory Illness. ...
  • Mental Illnesses. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Stroke. ...
  • Nervous System Disorders.

Does the military look at medical records?

Yes, the military does review your medical records and mental health history as part of the enlistment process. This review helps determine if you're fit for service under Department of Defense medical standards. When you apply to enlist, you'll complete a detailed medical history questionnaire.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

There's no single "hardest" mental illness, as experiences vary, but Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, and severe Eating Disorders (like Anorexia Nervosa) are often cited as extremely challenging due to their profound impact on reality, emotions, relationships, and daily functioning, often involving symptoms like psychosis, severe mood swings, intense instability, and distorted self-perception. 

Who cannot be drafted?

Exemptions from the U.S. draft (Selective Service) generally include females, men on active military duty, those in service academies, certain non-immigrant visa holders, and men with severe, continuous physical or mental disabilities, though registration requirements vary, with categories like medical professionals or sole surviving sons having specific rules or deferments available. Deferments for factors like dependency (fathers, sole supporters) or religious conscientious objection have existed historically but are subject to change by Congress, with current exemptions focusing on non-service and severe inability.
 

What diseases are not allowed in the military?

Diseases and conditions that can disqualify you from the military include severe mental health disorders (psychosis, bipolar, severe depression, eating disorders, ADHD/learning disabilities past age 14), chronic physical conditions (uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, significant heart/lung/kidney issues, autoimmune diseases like Lupus, some cancers), and certain infectious diseases (like Hepatitis B/C carriers), with major disqualifiers often involving conditions requiring significant medication, hospitalization, or impacting physical/mental function under stress. However, many conditions might be waived, depending on severity, treatment, and recent history, though some are non-waivable.
 

What military branch has the highest STD rate?

The highest rates of chlamydia were observed in the Army (2,290.6 per 100,000 p-yrs) and Marine Corps (2,170.3 per 100,000 p-yrs), while the Navy and Air Force had the highest rates of genital HPV (532.4 and 509.8 per 100,000 p-yrs, respectively).

What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?

Below are some of the most common medical conditions that can disqualify individuals from service.

  • Chronic Health Conditions. ...
  • Heart, Blood, and Vascular Disorders. ...
  • Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders. ...
  • Vision and Hearing Impairments. ...
  • Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Disorders.