D132.44Endocrine & Metabolic
Metabolic bone disease
Metabolic bone disease including; osteopenia, osteoporosis, low bone mass with history of fragility fracture, Paget's disease, osteomalacia, or osteogenesis imperfecta
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D132.44 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to metabolic bone disease 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 6.24.p — Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
“Metabolic bone disease including but not limited to: (1) Osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low bone mass with history of fragility fracture. (2) Paget's disease. (3) Osteomalacia. (4) Osteogenesis imperfecta.”
Section 6.24.l — Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
“History of hyperthyroidism unless treated successfully with surgery or radioactive iodine.”
Section 6.24.a — Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
“Current adrenal dysfunction or any history of adrenal dysfunction requiring treatment or hormone replacement or the presence of adrenal adenoma.”
Section 6.24.o — Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
“Metabolic syndrome, as defined in accordance with the 2005 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and American Heart Association Scientific Statement as any three of the following: (1) Medically controlled hypertension or elevated blood pressure of greater than 130 mmHg systolic or greater than 85 mmHg diastolic. (2) Waist circumference greater than 35 inches for women and greater than 40 inches for men. (3) Medically controlled dyslipidemia or triglycerides greater than 150 mg/dL. (4) Medically controlled dyslipidemia or high-density lipoprotein less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women. (5) Fasting glucose greater than 100 mg/dL.”
Section 6.24.q — Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
“History of hypogonadism that is congenital, treated with hormonal supplementation, or of unexplained etiology.”
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.