MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an applicant at MEPS receives a TDRL (Temporary Disqualification) rather than a PDQ (Permanent Disqualification), what does this mean?
- The applicant can never re-apply to any branch of the military
- The condition may resolve or be waived in the future, and the applicant can return after the disqualifying factor is addressed (Correct answer)
- The applicant is sent directly to a military hospital for treatment
- The disqualification applies only to combat roles, not support positions
Correct answer: The condition may resolve or be waived in the future, and the applicant can return after the disqualifying factor is addressed
A temporary disqualification means the condition is treatable or time-limited, and the applicant may re-apply once they meet medical standards or obtain a waiver.
Question 2: What is the role of the MEPS CMO (Chief Medical Officer) versus the examining physician?
- The CMO performs all physical examinations while the physician handles paperwork
- The examining physician conducts the hands-on exam; the CMO reviews complex cases, signs off on waivers, and makes final determinations (Correct answer)
- The CMO only handles applicants who request a second opinion
- There is no distinction — both titles refer to the same role
Correct answer: The examining physician conducts the hands-on exam; the CMO reviews complex cases, signs off on waivers, and makes final determinations
The examining physician or PA does the physical, while the MEPS CMO is responsible for overall medical quality, complex case review, and final authority on medical determinations.
Question 3: At MEPS, if an applicant is found to have flat feet (pes planus), what factor most determines whether this is disqualifying?
- The degree of arch collapse measured by X-ray in all cases
- Whether the condition is symptomatic and causes functional limitation or pain, not merely the structural appearance (Correct answer)
- Any degree of flat feet is automatically disqualifying under Army standards
- Only flat feet combined with pronation are disqualifying; flat feet alone are acceptable
Correct answer: Whether the condition is symptomatic and causes functional limitation or pain, not merely the structural appearance
Symptomatic pes planus that causes pain or functional limitation is disqualifying, but asymptomatic flat feet typically do not disqualify an applicant.
Question 4: Which document does MEPS require to verify a prior surgical history disclosed by the applicant?
- A sworn affidavit from the applicant is sufficient
- Operative reports and follow-up medical records from the treating provider (Correct answer)
- Only a letter from the applicant's current primary care physician
- A radiograph of the surgical site taken at MEPS
Correct answer: Operative reports and follow-up medical records from the treating provider
Operative reports provide the definitive record of the procedure performed, hardware placed, and outcome, which MEPS uses to assess current functional status.
Question 5: A male applicant at MEPS is noted to have gynecomastia. Under what circumstance would this condition be disqualifying?
- Any degree of gynecomastia is always disqualifying
- When it is severe, symptomatic, or indicative of an underlying endocrine disorder requiring ongoing treatment (Correct answer)
- Only if the applicant is over age 25 at the time of examination
- Gynecomastia is never disqualifying as it is a cosmetic condition only
Correct answer: When it is severe, symptomatic, or indicative of an underlying endocrine disorder requiring ongoing treatment
Mild gynecomastia common in adolescence is usually not disqualifying, but severe cases or those linked to hormonal disorders may require further evaluation and can lead to disqualification.
Question 6: During the MEPS psychiatric screening, which scenario would most likely trigger a referral for a formal psychiatric evaluation?
- Reporting that a grandparent had dementia
- Disclosing a prior hospitalization for a suicide attempt within the last 5 years (Correct answer)
- Admitting to occasional alcohol use at social events in college
- Reporting current treatment for seasonal allergies with antihistamines
Correct answer: Disclosing a prior hospitalization for a suicide attempt within the last 5 years
A history of psychiatric hospitalization for suicidal behavior is a significant red flag requiring further evaluation, as it represents a high-risk mental health event.
Question 7: What happens to the medical records collected at MEPS after an applicant successfully enlists?
- They are destroyed after 7 years per federal records retention law
- They become part of the service member's permanent military health record and follow them throughout service (Correct answer)
- They are returned to the applicant upon reporting to basic training
- They are archived at MEPS only and are not accessible to military treatment facilities
Correct answer: They become part of the service member's permanent military health record and follow them throughout service
MEPS records are incorporated into the service member's permanent military health record (now managed through MHS GENESIS) and are accessible throughout their military career.
MEPS Medical Examination Procedures 5
When an applicant at MEPS receives a TDRL (Temporary Disqualification) rather than a PDQ (Permanent Disqualification), what does this mean?