D171.80Genitourinary
Pregnancy
Pregnancy through 6 months postpartum
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D171.80 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to pregnancy 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 6.13.l — Female Genital System
“Pregnancy through 6 months postpartum.”
Section 6.13.a — Female Genital System
“Abnormal uterine bleeding associated with any of the conditions in Paragraph 6.13.a.(1)-(4): (1) Heavy menstrual bleeding within the previous 6 months defined as periods: (a) Heavy enough to soak more than one pad per hour on more than two cycles within the previous 6 months; (b) Lasting longer than 8 days on more than one cycle within the preceding 6 months; or (c) Associated with anemia. (2) Irregular menses more than twice within the previous 6 months defined as periods that were fewer than 21 days apart or associated with anemia. (3) Oligomenorrhea of fewer than four menstrual cycles within the previous 6 months, unless as a result of intentional menstrual suppression via external hormone regulation, an implant, or an intrauterine device. (4) More than 1 day of school or work missed in the previous 6 months due to symptoms associated with menstrual cycles.”
Section 6.13.d — Female Genital System
“Dysmenorrhea resulting in missing more than 1 day of work, or school within the previous 6 months.”
Section 6.13.g — Female Genital System
“History of urogenital reconstruction or surgery, if: (1) A period of 18 months has not elapsed since the date of the most recent surgery; (2) Associated with genitourinary dysfunction or recurrent urinary tract infection; (3) Associated with functional limitations of activities of daily living or a physically active lifestyle; (4) Additional surgery is anticipated; or (5) Treatment for gender dysphoria or in pursuit of a sex transition.”
Section 6.13.k — Female Genital System
“History of chronic pelvic pain (6 months or longer) within the last 24 months.”
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.