DoDMERBQUALIFIED
D123.70Hearing & ENT

Recurrent epistaxis requiring medical intervention within the last 2 years

Greater than 1 episode of epistaxis requiring medical intervention (urgent care or emergency department treatment or procedure) in the past 24 months

What This Code Means

Receiving DQ code D123.70 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to recurrent epistaxis requiring medical intervention within the last 2 years 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 6.7.e — Nose, Sinuses, Mouth, and Larynx
“Greater than one episode of epistaxis requiring medical intervention (urgent care or emergency department treatment or procedure) in the past 24 months.”
Section 6.7.f — Nose, Sinuses, Mouth, and Larynx
“Current chronic sinusitis, current nasal polyp or polypoid mass(es) or history of sinus surgery within the last 24 months, excluding antrochoanal polyp or sinus mucosal retention cyst.”
Section 6.7.h — Nose, Sinuses, Mouth, and Larynx
“History of deformities or conditions or anomalies of the upper alimentary tract, mouth, tongue, palate, throat, pharynx, larynx, and nose, that interfered with chewing, swallowing, speech, or breathing.”
Section 6.7.c — Nose, Sinuses, Mouth, and Larynx
“Symptomatic vocal cord dysfunction, including, but not limited to: (1) Vocal cord paralysis. (2) Paradoxical vocal cord movement. (3) Spasmodic dysphonia. (4) Non-benign polyps. (5) Chronic hoarseness. (6) Chronic laryngitis (lasting longer than 21 days). (7) History of vocal cord dysfunction with respiratory symptoms or exercise intolerance.”

Waiver Outlook for Hearing & ENT Conditions

Moderate Likelihooddepending on the severity and ability to function with mild impairments

Key Factors for Waiver Approval

  • Passing functional hearing tests and ability to hear spoken commands
  • No history of recurrent ear infections or significant conductive hearing loss
  • Comprehensive audiometric testing showing stability over time
  • ENT specialist letter confirming hearing loss does not impede operational duties
Documentation Tip

If your initial hearing test results seem inaccurate, you can undergo retesting at a certified audiology center at your own expense. Updated results with a specialist letter have led to reversals of disqualification.

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 Hearing & ENT Conditions

Learn how DoDMERB evaluates hearing & ent conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.

Read the hearing & ent guide