Current or history of any abnormality of the retina, choroid, or vitreous
Current or history of any abnormality of the retina, choroid, or vitreous
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D153.00 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to current or history of any abnormality of the retina, choroid, or vitreous 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)
“Retina. Any history of any abnormality of the retina, choroid, or vitreous.”
“Miscellaneous Defects and Diseases. (1) History of abnormal visual fields. (2) Absence of an eye. (3) History of disorders of globe. (4) Current unilateral or bilateral exophthalmoses. (5) History of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, pre-glaucoma, or glaucoma suspect. (6) Any abnormal pupillary reaction to light or accommodation. (7) Asymmetry of pupil size greater than 2 mm. (8) Current night blindness. (9) History of intraocular foreign body, or current corneal foreign body. (10) History of ocular tumors. (11) History of any abnormality of the eye or adnexa, not specified in Paragraphs 6.3.h.(1)-(10), which threatens vision or visual function.”
“Conjunctiva. (1) Current acute or chronic conjunctivitis excluding seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. (2) Current pterygium if condition encroaches on the cornea in excess of 3 millimeters (mm), is symptomatic, interferes with vision, or is progressive. (3) History of pterygium recurrence after any prior surgical removal.”
“Cornea. (1) Corneal dystrophy or degeneration of any type, including, but not limited to, keratoconus of any degree. (2) History of any incisional corneal surgery including, but not limited to, partial or full thickness corneal transplant, radial keratotomy, astigmatic keratotomy, or corneal implants (e.g., Intacs). (3) Corneal refractive surgery performed with an excimer or femtosecond laser, including, but not limited to, photorefractive keratectomy, laser epithelial keratomileusis, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, and small incision lenticule extraction, if any of the following conditions are met: (a) Pre-surgical refractive error in either eye exceeded a spherical equivalent of +8.00 or -8.00 diopters. (b) Pre-surgical astigmatism exceeded 3.00 diopters. (c) Within 180 days of accession medical examination. (d) Complications, ongoing medications, ophthalmic solutions, or any other therapeutic interventions required beyond 180 days of procedure. (e) Post-surgical refraction in each eye is not stable. 1. For refractive surgery procedures within the last 36 months, stability is demonstrated by at least two separate post-operative refractions performed at least 1 month apart that demonstrate no more than +/- 0.50 diopters difference in sphere or no more than +/- 0.50 diopters in cylinder. 2. For refractive surgery procedures more than 36 months ago, stability is demonstrated by at least two separate post-operative refractions that demonstrate no more than +/- 1.00 diopters difference in sphere or no more than +/- 1.00 diopters in cylinder. (4) Current or recurrent keratitis. (5) History of herpes simplex virus keratitis. (6) Current corneal neovascularization, unspecified, or corneal opacification from any cause that is progressive or reduces vision. (7) Any history of uveitis or iridocyclitis.”
“Lens. (1) Current aphakia, history of lens implant to include implantable collamer lens, or any history of dislocation of a lens. (2) Any history of opacities of the lens, including cataract.”
Waiver Outlook for Vision & Eyes Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- Visual acuity correctable to within military standards with glasses or contacts
- Stable refraction with no progressive deterioration over time
- No history of refractive surgery complications or ongoing treatment
- Documentation from an ophthalmologist confirming fitness for duty
Branch-specific vision standards vary significantly. Know the exact thresholds for your commissioning source before pursuing remedials — what qualifies for Army ROTC may not qualify for Naval Academy.
Read Our Full Guide on Vision & Eyes Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates vision & eyes conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the vision & eyes guide