D174.50Genitourinary
Hydronephrosis on most recent imaging not related to pregnancy
Hydronephrosis on most recent imaging not related to pregnancy
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D174.50 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to hydronephrosis on most recent imaging not 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 6.15.o — Urinary System
“Hydronephrosis on most recent imaging not related to pregnancy.”
Section 6.15.b — Urinary System
“Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis): (1) For males, any cystitis not related to an indwelling catheter or genitourinary surgery. (2) For females: (a) Current cystitis; or (b) Recurrent cystitis, not related to an indwelling catheter or genitourinary surgery, defined as: 1. Two episodes of acute bacterial cystitis and associated symptoms within the last 6 months; 2. Three episodes within the last 12 months; 3. Requiring daily suppressive antibiotics; or 4. Non-responsive to antibiotics for 10 days.”
Section 6.15.j — Urinary System
“Asymmetry in size or function of kidneys, including, but not limited to, duplex kidney.”
Section 6.15.q — Urinary System
“History of chronic kidney disease of any type as evidenced by: (1) Estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meter of body surface area for a period of 3 months or longer; (2) Abnormal renal imaging; (3) Cellular casts or active urine sediment; or (4) Abnormal renal biopsy.”
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.