MEPS Physical Qualification Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following dental conditions is disqualifying at MEPS without treatment?
- One missing molar fully replaced by a bridge
- Severe orthodontic malocclusion that interferes with chewing (Correct answer)
- Mild gingivitis treated within the past year
- Two dental fillings in permanent teeth
Correct answer: Severe orthodontic malocclusion that interferes with chewing
Significant malocclusion or dental disease that impairs normal chewing or would require extensive treatment in service can be disqualifying.
Question 2: If an applicant's electrocardiogram (ECG) at MEPS shows Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern, what typically follows?
- Immediate enlistment since it is a benign variant
- Disqualification with referral to cardiology for evaluation (Correct answer)
- A repeat ECG in 30 days
- No action unless the applicant reports symptoms
Correct answer: Disqualification with referral to cardiology for evaluation
WPW is a pre-excitation syndrome that carries a risk of sudden cardiac death and is therefore disqualifying pending specialist evaluation.
Question 3: Which skin condition can disqualify an applicant from military service at MEPS?
- A healed surgical scar less than 4 inches long
- Severe psoriasis or eczema covering large body surface areas and requiring systemic medication (Correct answer)
- A single tattoo on the forearm within branch policy
- Mild acne currently treated with topical cream
Correct answer: Severe psoriasis or eczema covering large body surface areas and requiring systemic medication
Extensive inflammatory skin conditions requiring systemic (oral or injectable) immunosuppressive therapy are disqualifying due to medication dependency and field-care limitations.
Question 4: A female applicant is found to be pregnant at MEPS. What is the standard processing outcome?
- Permanent disqualification from all branches
- Temporary disqualification; she may reapply after delivery and medical clearance (Correct answer)
- Automatic enlistment into a non-combat role only
- Immediate referral to military obstetric care
Correct answer: Temporary disqualification; she may reapply after delivery and medical clearance
Pregnancy is a temporary disqualifying condition at MEPS; applicants are deferred and may return for processing after delivery and postpartum medical clearance.
Question 5: What is the significance of the 'PULHES' profile in military physical standards?
- A mnemonic for the six domains evaluated in the military physical fitness test
- A standardized system rating Physical capacity, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing, Eyes, and psychiatric/neurological Status (Correct answer)
- An acronym for the paperwork required to complete MEPS processing
- A scoring scale for the ASVAB aptitude exam
Correct answer: A standardized system rating Physical capacity, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing, Eyes, and psychiatric/neurological Status
PULHES is the military medical classification system that assigns numeric ratings across six body system categories to determine duty limitations.
Question 6: Which of the following would likely result in a PULHES 'H' (hearing) rating of '3' rather than '1'?
- Normal audiogram bilaterally
- Moderate sensorineural hearing loss requiring a hearing aid in one ear (Correct answer)
- Mild high-frequency loss not affecting speech frequencies
- Perfect hearing in the right ear only
Correct answer: Moderate sensorineural hearing loss requiring a hearing aid in one ear
A rating of H3 indicates significant hearing impairment that limits the type of duty assignments an individual can safely perform.
Question 7: An applicant reports a prior ACL reconstruction surgery completed 18 months ago with full documented recovery. What is the most likely MEPS outcome?
- Automatic disqualification due to any prior knee surgery
- Potential qualification if range of motion and function are fully restored and documented (Correct answer)
- Qualification only for desk-based military occupational specialties
- A two-year waiting period from surgery date before any processing
Correct answer: Potential qualification if range of motion and function are fully restored and documented
Prior ACL reconstruction is not automatically disqualifying if the joint has fully healed with normal strength and range of motion supported by medical records.
MEPS Physical Qualification Standards 4
Which of the following dental conditions is disqualifying at MEPS without treatment?