Current or history of deformities, or conditions or anomalies of the upper alimentary tract that interfere with function
Current or history of deformities, or conditions or anomalies of the upper alimentary tract, mouth, tongue, palate, throat, pharynx, larynx, and nose, that interfere with chewing, swallowing, speech, or breathing
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D124.30 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to current or history of deformities, or conditions or anomalies of the upper alimentary tract that interfere with function 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)
“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.”
“Current cleft lip or palate defects not satisfactorily repaired by surgery or that prevent drinking from a straw or that may reasonably be expected to interfere with using or wearing military equipment.”
“Current ulceration of oral mucosa or tongue, excluding aphthous ulcers.”
“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.”
“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.”
Waiver Outlook for Hearing & ENT Conditions
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
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