Unexplained ongoing or recurring cardiopulmonary symptoms
Unexplained ongoing or recurring cardiopulmonary symptoms (to include but not limited to syncope, presyncope, chest pain, palpitations, and dyspnea on exertion)
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D102.95 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to unexplained ongoing or recurring cardiopulmonary symptoms 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)
“Unexplained cardiopulmonary symptoms (including, but not limited to, syncope, presyncope, chest pain, palpitations, and dyspnea on exertion) in the last 12 months.”
“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.”
“History of the following valvular conditions as listed in the current American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines and evidenced by echocardiogram within the last 12 months: (1) Moderate or severe pulmonic regurgitation. (2) Moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation. (3) Moderate or severe mitral regurgitation. (4) Mild, moderate, or severe aortic regurgitation. (5) Mitral valve prolapse associated with: (a) Mild or greater mitral regurgitation. (b) Cardiopulmonary symptoms. (c) Medical therapy specifically for this condition.”
“History of conduction disorders, including, but not limited to, disorders of sinus arrest, asystole, Mobitz type II second-degree AV block, and third-degree AV block.”
“History of myocarditis or pericarditis unless the individual is free of all cardiac symptoms, does not require medical therapy, and has a normal electrocardiogram and a normal echocardiogram for at least 12 months after the event.”
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.