D172.90Genitourinary
Current or history of recurrent orchitis or epididymitis
Current or history of recurrent orchitis or epididymitis
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D172.90 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to current or history of recurrent orchitis or epididymitis 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 6.14.f — Male Genital System
“Current or history of recurrent orchitis or epididymitis.”
Section 6.14.i — Male Genital System
“History of genital infection or ulceration, including, but not limited to, herpes genitalis or condyloma acuminatum, if: (1) Current lesions are present; (2) Use of chronic suppressive therapy is needed; (3) There are three or more outbreaks per year; (4) Any outbreak in the last 12 months interfered with normal activities; or (5) After the initial outbreak, treatment included hospitalization or intravenous therapy.”
Section 6.14.l — Male Genital System
“History of chronic or recurrent scrotal pain or unspecified symptoms associated with male genital organs.”
Section 6.14.n — Male 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 6.14.a — Male Genital System
“Current undescended testicle, congenital absence of one or both testicles that has not been verified by surgical exploration, or unexplained absence of both testicles.”
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.