Acne/Isotretinoin (Accutane) use
"Acne, treatment with systemic retinoids, including, but not limited to isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane)"
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D111.00 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to acne/isotretinoin (accutane) use 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)
“Applicants under treatment with systemic retinoids, including, but not limited to, isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane), do not meet the standard until 4 weeks after completing therapy.”
“Severe nodulocystic acne, on or off antibiotics.”
“History of dissecting scalp cellulitis, acne inversa, or hidradenitis suppurativa.”
“History of any dermatologic condition severe enough to warrant use of systemic steroids for greater than 2 months, or any use of other systemic immunosuppressant medications.”
“Conditions with malignant potential in the skin including, but not limited to, high-grade atypia, basal cell nevus syndrome, oculocutaneous albinism, xeroderma pigmentosum, Muir-Torre Syndrome, Dyskeratosis Congenita, Gardner Syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Cowden Syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome, and Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome.”
Waiver Outlook for Skin & Dermatology Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- No requirement for ongoing prescription medication (especially steroids)
- Skin clear of active lesions for at least one year
- Condition limited to small areas with no systemic impact
- Dermatologist evaluation confirming resolved or stable condition
If childhood eczema was misinterpreted as a current condition, a dermatologist letter clarifying it resolved in early childhood can be the single document that secures your waiver.
This condition is covered in depth in The Ultimate DoDMERB Handbook by LTC Kirkland & Capt Dach — including real success scenarios, remedial exam strategies, and the complete waiver playbook. Get the handbook →
Read Our Full Guide on Skin & Dermatology Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates skin & dermatology conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the skin & dermatology guide