Following is a list of some of the medical conditions that are disqualifying. This is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive list but only a guideline of the most common medical disqualifications. If you are found to be medically disqualified, you may request a medical waiver through the Air Force Academy Admissions Office. See the Medical Waivers section for more information.

Vision Disqualification

Procedures to change refraction disqualify you for all military programs. This includes radial keratotomy (RK); photorefractive keratectomy (PRK); laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK); similar surgical/nonsurgical alteration to the cornea (e.g. orthokeratology); and any other experimental operations. Waivers may be considered for both PRK and LASIK, however, the waiver applicant must meet very strict preoperative and postoperative criteria. A waiver will not be considered until 12 months following the procedure to ensure full healing. Refractive errors in spherical equivalent of greater than +/-8.00 diopters are disqualifying and greater than +/-10 are not waiverable.

Dental Disqualification

Diseases of the jaw or associated tissues that are not easily remediable and will incapacitate the individual or otherwise prevent satisfactory performance of duty. Most malocclusion waivers are granted.

Ears and Hearing

Hearing must meet the acceptable levels for commissioning. Hearing loss greater than 35 decibels in the speech frequencies is disqualifying.

Respiratory System Disqualification

History of asthma, including reactive airway disease, exercise-induced broncho-spasm or asthmatic bronchitis, reliably diagnosed or treated after the 13th birthday, is disqualifying. A history of wheezing requiring medication after the age of 13 is also disqualifying. History of immunotherapy for allergies is disqualifying but usually waiverable.

Heart and Vascular System Disqualification

Any abnormalities of the heart valves, major vessels, heart rate or rhythm may require additional examination procedures.

Genitourinary System Disqualification

Persistence of abnormal findings on urinalysis, a history of bedwetting into adolescence or physiologic or anatomic abnormalities.

Gastrointestinal System Disqualification

Chronic disease of the abdominal organs; chronic or recent hepatitis, including hepatitis B carriers; inflammatory bowel disorders.

Skin Disqualification

Chronic diseases of the skin such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and eczema are cause for disqualification. Waivers may be considered for some mild conditions.

Musculoskeletal System Disqualification

Ununited fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis – any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance. History of ACL reconstruction is disqualifying but usually waiverable.

Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

Seizure disorders (except febrile convulsions in childhood), recurrent or severe headaches, history of mental illness or other disorders which may interfere with performance of military duties.