D102.21Cardiovascular
Dilatation of the aorta
"Dilatation of the aorta on the most recent ECG, CT, or MRI, to include aortic root and ascending thoracic aorta"
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D102.21 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to dilatation of the aorta do not currently meet Department of Defense accession standards as defined in DoDI 6130.03.
This does not end your candidacy. Many conditions flagged under this code are waiverable. The next step is understanding the exact standard that applies to your situation and whether a waiver request is appropriate for your commissioning source.
Official Regulation Text
From DoDI 6130.03-V1, “Medical Standards for Military Service,” Change 6 (February 3, 2026)
Section 6.20.i — Vascular System
“History of aortic dilatation or aortic root dilatation with a diameter greater than the upper limit of normal for body surface area.”
Section 6.11.c — Heart
“Bicuspid aortic valve with any degree of stenosis or regurgitation or aortic dilatation.”
Section 6.11.i — Heart
“Abnormal findings on the most recent electrocardiogram (ECG), with the exception of the findings in Paragraphs 6.11.i.(1)-(10) in an asymptomatic applicant with a normal clinical examination: (1) Incomplete right bundle branch block. (2) Early repolarization. (3) Sinus bradycardia with a rate between 40 and 59 beats per minute. (4) Ectopic atrial or junctional rhythm. (5) Sinus arrhythmia (heart rate variation with respiration). (6) First-degree AV block. (7) Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) second-degree AV block. (8) Left axis deviation defined as QRS axis -30 degrees to -90 degrees. (9) Right axis deviation defined as QRS axis more than 120 degrees. (10) Single premature ventricular contraction (PVC) on a 10-second tracing.”
Section 6.11.e — Heart
“History of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.”
Section 6.20.j — Vascular System
“History of coarctation of the aorta, regardless of repair status.”
What You Can Do Next
- 1Don't panic — a DQ code is not a rejection. Many candidates receive disqualification codes and still earn appointments to Service Academies or ROTC scholarships. Focus on strengthening every other part of your application while addressing the medical issue.
- 2Understand the waiver process for your path. For Service Academy candidates, your admissions officer initiates the waiver request. For ROTC candidates, your detachment handles it. You cannot request a waiver directly from DoDMERB — it must come through your commissioning source.
- 3Be the strongest candidate possible. Waiver authorities consider the whole person — academics, athletics, leadership, and character. The more competitive your overall application, the more likely a waiver request will be initiated and approved.
- 4Gather the right medical documentation. Specialist evaluations, treatment records, and evidence that the condition is resolved or well-managed can make or break a waiver request. Knowing exactly what documentation to submit — and how to present it — matters.
- 5Get expert guidance early. LTC Kirkland (Ret.) has guided hundreds of Academy and ROTC candidates through the DoDMERB process, with medical review support from COL Cajigal (Ret.). A single consultation can clarify your waiver options and develop the right strategy for your specific situation.