MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What form must be signed by the MEPS physician to certify that an applicant is medically qualified for enlistment?
- DD Form 4 (Enlistment Contract)
- DD Form 2807-2 (Medical Prescreen)
- DD Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination) (Correct answer)
- SF-86 (Security Clearance Application)
Correct answer: DD Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination)
DD Form 2808 is the Report of Medical Examination that the MEPS physician signs to document findings and certify medical qualification.
Question 2: Which of the following tattoo locations would be reviewed most carefully during a MEPS medical examination?
- Upper arm (bicep area)
- Scalp, face, or neck tattoos (Correct answer)
- Lower back tattoos
- Tattoos on the forearm below the elbow
Correct answer: Scalp, face, or neck tattoos
Tattoos on the face, scalp, neck, and hands receive the most scrutiny because service branch grooming standards prohibit them for accessions.
Question 3: During the MEPS eye examination, what does the color vision test primarily assess?
- Overall acuity using a standard Snellen chart
- Ability to distinguish colors necessary for military duties such as reading maps and signal lights (Correct answer)
- Peripheral vision range for pilot qualification
- Depth perception for combat arms positions only
Correct answer: Ability to distinguish colors necessary for military duties such as reading maps and signal lights
Color vision testing ensures applicants can perform safety-critical duties that require distinguishing colors such as wire coding, signal lights, and map reading.
Question 4: What is the term for the administrative process at MEPS when an applicant's disqualifying condition is reviewed by higher authority for possible approval?
- Medical Review Board
- Line of Duty Determination
- Waiver submission and adjudication (Correct answer)
- Physical Profile Assignment
Correct answer: Waiver submission and adjudication
A medical waiver is a formal request submitted to the service branch's surgeon general or recruiting command for approval to enlist despite a disqualifying condition.
Question 5: A MEPS applicant reports taking isotretinoin (Accutane) two months ago. What is the likely medical determination?
- Qualified immediately since the medication has been discontinued
- Temporarily disqualified; must wait the required abstinence period (typically 30 days post-treatment) before re-examination (Correct answer)
- Permanently disqualified due to the history of severe acne
- Referred for psychiatric evaluation due to mood-altering medication history
Correct answer: Temporarily disqualified; must wait the required abstinence period (typically 30 days post-treatment) before re-examination
Isotretinoin has a required waiting period after discontinuation due to its teratogenic properties and potential systemic effects before a recruit can be cleared.
Question 6: During the neurological portion of the MEPS physical, what condition in an applicant's history would most likely trigger a temporary disqualification and further documentation request?
- A single febrile seizure before age 5 with no recurrence
- A history of epilepsy or seizure disorder beyond age 5 (Correct answer)
- Migraines treated with over-the-counter medications
- A concussion sustained 3 years ago with full recovery
Correct answer: A history of epilepsy or seizure disorder beyond age 5
Epilepsy or a seizure disorder beyond age 5 is disqualifying per DoDI 6130.03 because unpredictable seizures pose significant safety risks in military service.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the MEPS blood draw during the medical examination?
- To check for genetic disorders and hereditary diseases
- To conduct a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, urinalysis comparison, and STI screening including HIV and syphilis (Correct answer)
- To establish a DNA profile for future casualty identification
- To test for performance-enhancing drugs and steroids
Correct answer: To conduct a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, urinalysis comparison, and STI screening including HIV and syphilis
The MEPS blood draw screens for blood disorders, organ function, and infectious diseases including HIV and syphilis as required by DoD regulation.
MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 3
What form must be signed by the MEPS physician to certify that an applicant is medically qualified for enlistment?