More of this Feature • Medical Standards Menu

Join the Discussion Visit Our Message Forum

Related Resources • Military Medical Resources • Submarine Duty Medical • Air Force Flight Physicals

Conditions listed here require Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) processing for active duty members, worldwide duty evaluation for reserve/guard members when appropriate, and are not all-inclusive. While the information here was derived from Air Force Instruction 148-123, it incorporates Department of Defense (DOD) Standards, and is generally applicable to all of the military services. Reserve members must be placed on a "4" profile under the appropriate PULHES heading on their Serial Medical Profile. Any condition in the opinion of the provider of care is felt to be unacceptable for continued military service is reason for performing a MEB for active duty and National Guard members or worldwide duty medical evaluation for Reserve members. Questionable conditions should be addressed to the senior profile officer and if required to higher headquarters. National Guard members with medically disqualifying medical conditions will meet an MEB.

The MEB is composed of high-ranking, experienced military medical doctors. Their job is to completely examine the medical records of the military member and make a determination as to whether or not the medical condition is such that would interfere with the members performance of military duties. The MEB can recommend:

(1) Return to duty (possibly with a medical profile that temporarily or permanently limits what the member can do and/or where the member can be assigned

(2) Return to duty, and retrain into a different military job that the member medically qualifies for.

(3) Administrative (medical) discharge. Administrative Discharge procedures are followed. Depending on the years of service, the military member may qualify for military disability retirement. The military member may also qualify for disability compensation from the Veterans Administration.

Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System

Blood, Blood-Forming Tissue, and Immune System Diseases

Dental

Ears and Hearing

Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions

Extremities

Eyes and Vision

General and Miscellaneous Conditions and Defects

Genitourinary System

Head

Heart and Vascular System

Larynx

Lungs and Chest Wall

Mental Conditions

Neurologic Disorders

Nose, Pharynx, and Trachea

Skin and Cellular Tissues

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Spine, Scapulae, Ribs, and Sacroiliac Joints

Systemic Disease

Tumors and Malignant Diseases