D102.22Cardiovascular
Coarctation of the aorta
"Coarctation of the aorta regardless of treatment by surgery, balloon, or stent"
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D102.22 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to coarctation 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.j — Vascular System
“History of coarctation of the aorta, regardless of repair status.”
Section 6.20.g — Vascular System
“History of vascular procedures, including, but not limited to: (1) Arterial bypass surgery. (2) Stent placement. (3) Endarterectomy. (4) Vascular embolization. (5) Any other vascular surgical procedure within the last 12 months, or with complications.”
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.e — Heart
“History of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.”
Section 6.11.t — Heart
“History of recurrent syncope or presyncope, including black out, fainting, loss or alteration of level of consciousness (excludes single episode of vasovagal reaction with identified trigger such as venipuncture) unless it has not recurred during the last 24 months while off all medication for treatment of this condition.”
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.