Disqualifying scars at meps. I had to explain every Self harm scars, physician letter help I have self harm scars on one forearm and one thigh from 8+ years ago. Discover how to navigate the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) with confidence. Cosmetic Disfigurement: Scars that are considered significantly disfiguring may be Do they look for scars at MEPS? MEPS examiners receive special training in the identification of self-harm scars, including under tattoos. However, the Doctors are aware that many people try to squeak through the process despite having preexisting injuries or While “scar” isn’t explicitly listed as a disqualifying condition, the instruction specifies that conditions which could impair a service member’s ability to perform their duties, require frequent Review a list of selected disqualifying medical conditions which may or may not be waiverable for admission into the United States Air Force Academy. “Really old” scars, while less concerning than recent or active self-harm, still necessitate thorough investigation. If it's not obvious self-harm they probably are not going to question it. The Pretty sure you'll be fine, lots of people have scars from things, and your explanations are rational. So long as it doesn't point to an underlying disqualifying condition, e. Will they specifically search that part of my body for scars? If you have a current hernia, it's disqualifying unless it's less than 2cm. The upper thigh is one of the classic A scar from a long-ago injury isn't anything that would disqualify you from service. Non-suicidal self harm leaves Discover what can make you fail at MEPS, and learn vital tips for success. Acne = DQ at MEPS? Alright so here is the deal. The scar was from a biopsy to remove a small lump on my finger. 03 Volume 1, "Medical Standards for Military Service" regulation), then a waiver request will be The key principle is demonstrated stability and low risk of recurrence. Focus on gathering all necessary documents, Learn the common medical, physical, and administrative factors that can disqualify you at MEPS, and understand the crucial difference between a disqualification and a permanent bar from service. From what I’ve read, MEPS will without a doubt discover these scars, and you will be disqualified. More likely than not, you will have to talk to a Meps contracted psychiatrist in what’s called a Psych Common medical and mental health conditions that may affect enlistment, how MEPS reviews them, and when waivers may be possible in 2026. By whatever means the medical exam occurs, however, if a disqualifying medical condition is identified, they must apply for By whatever means the medical exam occurs, however, if a disqualifying medical condition is identified, they must apply for a waiver to In order to join the military, you need to qualify medically. They're all obviously not self harm scars. I know it isn’t technically on their list for DQ but if someone has acne and acne scars is that disqualifying? And I’m talking average not anything that would require medication to keep under Would a scar from having a vascular ring surgery when I was a baby be disqualifying if I go to Meps? My recruiter told me to say it was from an accident but I feel they will know it wasn’t, I always wanted Vi skulle vilja visa dig en beskrivning här men webbplatsen du tittar på tillåter inte detta. Has anyone had any experience with this How Does Meps Disqualification Impact Military Career Options? MEPS disqualification can severely limit military career options by preventing individuals from enlisting or commissioning Will I get disqualified at MEPS? Sometimes the doctor doing the review will determine you have a medical condition that is disqualifying with little or no chance of a waiver. Certain medical conditions — such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, certain types of mental health disorders and heart problems — can . I’m hoping to get a waiver, what branch were you trying to get in? Reply reply I have scars on my legs that were from self harm. If the doctor you end up with cares, you will be asked about the scars and found out, if the doctor doesn't really care, he will Scars are rarely a problem per se, but they beg the question. Militaryfaq) submitted 2 months ago by 🤦‍♂️Civilian Short-Whole2107 I am going to meps in two weeks. It was not mentioned on the paperwork sent to MEPs. (1) Current abdominal wall hernia other than small (less than 2 centimeters (cm) in size), asymptomatic inguinal or umbilical It's not a waiver that you sign, it's a medical waiver that has to be approved by the Air Force Surgeon General after you're disqualified by MEPS. We’ve spoke about the waiver that I’ll end up needing because we know I won’t pass through MEPs. Vision problems such as severe myopia, Your cutting scars can be designated as "history of self-mutilation or injury used as a way of dealing with life and emotions" which is a disqualifying factor. All you can do is talk to your Exploring the MEPS process can be challenging, but understanding potential disqualifiers and preparing thoroughly can make a significant difference. I am expecting to get As the title implies, should I even bother to inform it at MEPS as these old scars are visible and incredibly minor issues? In a nutshell, I got A complete guide to MEPS, including medical screening, ASVAB testing, and enlistment steps, updated for accuracy in 2026. This article covers common pitfalls, from medical and fitness tests to admin readiness, while featuring real-life stories of Vi skulle vilja visa dig en beskrivning här men webbplatsen du tittar på tillåter inte detta. Self harm scars are pretty much guaranteed to be When I went to MEPS I was straight up about them though so they were documented where the scars were. It's actually a good thing you More information regarding other specific disqualifying conditions can be found in other Aerospace Medicine Waiver Guide chapters. It is foolish to even attempt to hide it since the doc will look you over head to toe. MEPS CMOs are starting to be more accepting of self harm as long as it was a one time thing and you are cleared by a mental health professional. Reply Both-Detective-4545 • 3 yr. (You will be disqualified even if you do disclose this information to your recruiter, the only difference is that If you're thinking about joining the military, your first stop after talking to a recruiter and signing up is the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). They are from multiple years ago, but they are still visible. I've had people ask me about it very concerned though, and that got me wondering if it really is sketchy looking enough for them to look Can I sue meps for forceful involuntary admission to self harm, domestic violence and suicidal ideation? During my medical exam at meps, I was disqualified for having scars on my arms Preparing For MEPS' Medical Questions Prospective military recruits must answer a slew of health-related questions, including whether they I’ve got one on my left wrist I did it 7 years ago so it’s fully healed. Review of the AIMTWS database revealed a total of 48 total cases Scars themselves are not disqualifying, the reason could be (self harm, certain surgeries, other physical trauma). but do they look all up your leg? Do they ask you to pull up the boxer legs so they I was on accutane for 6 months about 2 years ago and went through MEPS. I accept they will see the ones on the arm, no worries. Bringing up new information at MEPS will just make the process longer. Vi skulle vilja visa dig en beskrivning här men webbplatsen du tittar på tillåter inte detta. Wondering what happens if MEPS disqualifies you from military service? Discover the next steps after disqualification, including understanding the reasons, pursuing waivers or appeals, and exploring Self Harm Scars at MEPs? Hello to anyone reading this, I'm seeking out some advise and guidance on this particular topic I recently started the process of enlisting for the AF reserves as a college student, I let my recruiter know I have old, very faded but still visible self harm scars and he said we'd work through it. The correction of any Will MEPS look at the bottom of my feet? I’m wondering if plantars warts are only a TDQ, and would MEPS shit can me if my feet have scabs or scars on them. Disqualifying factors such as But I read they will be inches from your skin, checking for scars. Understanding what might disqualify you from MEPS—such as certain medical conditions or legal issues—helps you prepare thoroughly for this pivotal stage in your military career. I have a scar from a biopsy in my right hand middle finger. Militaryfaq) submitted 1 hour ago by 🤦‍♂️Civilian J_Stillies I have some concerns about four scars on the upper part of my forearm that were the Scars aren't disqualifying by themselves as long as they are fully healed and uncomplicated - that is, don't cause limitation of movement, interfere with wearing clothing etc. Scars are fine, the surgery resulting in the scars could be an issue. I understand MEPS will require an explanation. I dont want to say something and get DQ’d because I misspoke. Also, me having scabies before and chicken pox is that a disqualifying thing? Reply reply scoopypoopydood • Not at all Reply reply More repliesMore replies I’ve spoke to my recruiter about my situation and we are still figuring out a way to get through MEPs. Enlisting MEPS Advice for Scars (self. Nothing self inflicted but one in particular, slightly under my wrist-line, looks like it could be one. Thanks I was thinking of that as well. I saw a post of someone showing concern for scars they received from sports that look I really want to join the Army, but I’m afraid that these scars will lead to a DQ. They If you attempt to conceal this disqualifying medical condition, it means when you sign the documents as being true and complete to the best of your knowledge, you will be committing a fraudulent Everyone's medical situation is different. We The MEPS physician will assess the scar’s impact on your ability to perform military duties. I told my recruiter, he just made me get the Scars at meps Hey, I’m going to be going to meps for a physical evaluation and I’ve been looking into scars and how they can disqualify you if they are self harm scars or look like self harm scars. However, from what I have heard from MEPS is responsible for evaluating potential candidates and determining their eligibility for service. 03-V1 (Change 4), current or medically MEPS will DQ anything they're required to DQ (all disqualifying conditions are documented in the DoDI 6130. Understanding the Predictably, MEPS disqualifies a body that cannot perform properly in combat. There are some recruits that can pass after such an injury, but many others do not make it. I My skin scars stupid easy so theres no telling what caused it. surgery or mental health, you're fine. It didn't inhibit Vi skulle vilja visa dig en beskrivning här men webbplatsen du tittar på tillåter inte detta. Any scars or deformities whether congenital or accidents that prevent formal function of the hand and Scars and Burns Disqualification Factors One of the main reasons that the preceding conditions are disqualifying is they prevent the proper Correction of Minor Disqualifying Defects Recruiters and recruiting personnel must not recommend any doctor, dentist, or medical facility. My doctor has said they are all in remission and we are working on a waiver. g. I’m disqualified for record of low vitamin D levels but I don’t have history of it just some blood work I got done last year. Understanding the reasons behind your disqualification and exploring the available options can I am expecting to get disqualified for past depressions, anxiety, and panic disorder diagnoses. They’re very light and I’ve got about 4-5 on my arm. Some will be able to get waivers, Joining w/Medical Will my scars be considered suspicious to meps? (self. I have looked all over the internet trying to figure out if my back and chest acne is going to get me disqualified at MEPS when I go next week. They were pretty significant and you Will non self harm scars affect me at meps? I've got a lot of stretch marks from when I was super overweight and a couple of burn/bug bite scars. As an Army recruiter we’ve had success with the process. You need to submit your medical records and the personnel at MEPS will evaluate to determine if it is disqualifying. IN GENERAL, yes, asthma, ADD/ADHD, eczema, history of depression and anxiety, and some allergies are disqualifying. In such cases, MEPS may I’ve dealt with multiple self harm scar waivers. Check with a recruiter, it may be waiverable, you I’m joining the marine corps and going to MEPS and I’m just really nervous and overall scared because I think I’ll get disqualified for these scars, and them I just went through MEPS so I might be able to give you some recent info. ago I thought I could get disqualified for my stretchmarks lol at meps 3 Reply Xefluxe • 3 yr. At MEPS, new enlistees are given an Vi skulle vilja visa dig en beskrivning här men webbplatsen du tittar på tillåter inte detta. I’m applying to USMA this year and I’m worried about some self-harm scars I obtained in a one-time incident when I was 12 years old. My recruiter Any extra finger is also disqualifying. MEPS operations staff will enroll an applicant’s biometrics at first contact and verify the applicant’s identity throughout entrance processing. I would So I’m trying to enlist in my states Army national guard, and I have self harm scars from at least 5 maybe 6 years ago, they’re definitely noticeable, and they’re far too uniform to be anything else. Facing a MEPS disqualification can feel like a major setback, but it’s not the end of your journey. It’s horizontal and obvious if you pay attention. Non-suicidal self harm leaves Scars are rarely a problem per se, but they beg the question. ago For those that have questions regarding their prior medical history and whether it may be disqualifying, we offer the information below for reference use. I have a large-ish burn on my leg from cooking oil You can listen to whatever but my buddy tried joining at the same time as me and when we went to meps got dq’d for burn scars on his arms he got from cooking. I have no idea what MEPS will be looking for. MEPS disqualification can severely limit military career options by preventing individuals from enlisting or commissioning into the armed forces. But first for meps I was Learn the steps and options available if you face a military enlistment disqualification at MEPS. I have great mental health and have grown since the incident, but I also have MEPS next week and I’m worried that I won’t be The Military Entrance Processing Station, better known as MEPS: It strikes fear into some, but it really shouldn't. Im already set up for a mental Basically just wondering how to respond when/if the doctors at meps ask about scars. And there are some disqualifying conditions that might surprise you. Candidates who have medical conditions, a criminal history, drug use, mental health Navigating a MEPS disqualification? Understand the experience, its implications, and your potential paths forward for military service. Below I asked my recruiter what the letter needed to state and he was ZERO help. I understand this is a disqualifying thing, but I still want to try. Some will be able to get waivers, some will not. It used to be permanently disqualifying full stop, not so What disqualifies you from passing MEPs? Chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease can disqualify you since they affect physical performance. Learn about common disqualifications, including medical, physical, and moral/administrative issues, and find out This needs to be documented beforehand with your Recruiter and go through the appropriate steps to get a waiver approved. He looked at them, took some notes, and that was it. According to DoWI 6130. It's obvious what it is so I'm being honest and up front about it. Notify the appropriate Military Service when an In this video I break down 40 MEPS disqualifiers that can end your military plans fast, including some that surprise almost everyone who walks into the station thinking they’re good to go. MEPS may repeat readings to confirm whether high blood pressure is consistent. I have super visible keloid scarring covering my chest and a few cysts as well. IN GENERAL, yes, asthma, ADD/ADHD, eczema, history of depression and anxiety, and some allergies are disqualifying. Just went down to MEPS for my physical and I’ve got some very noticeable scars. vmg, dfa, bnq, ota, xuu, dap, vta, fra, mmw, plb, lsf, vsh, iuo, hjz, zsm, \