D211.53Neurological
History of significant head trauma
History of significant head trauma
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D211.53 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to history of significant head trauma 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 6.26.i — Neurologic Conditions
“History of head trauma if associated with: (1) Post-traumatic seizure(s) occurring more than 30 minutes after injury; (2) Persistent motor, sensory, vestibular, visual, or any other focal neurological deficit; (3) Persistent impairment of cognitive function; (4) Persistent alteration of personality or behavior; (5) Cerebral traumatic findings, including, but not limited to, epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hematoma on neurological imaging; (6) Associated abscess or meningitis; (7) Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or otorrhea persisting more than 7 days; (8) Penetrating head trauma, including radiographic evidence of retained foreign body or bony fragments secondary to the trauma, or operative procedure in the brain; or (9) Any basilar or depressed skull fracture.”
Section 6.26.e — Neurologic Conditions
“History of headaches within the previous 24 months that: (1) Were severe enough to cause the individual to miss work, school, sports, or other activities more than twice within 12 months (2) Required prescription medications more than twice within 12 months (3) Involved the use of prophylactic medication or therapy.”
Section 6.26.g — Neurologic Conditions
“History of cluster headaches.”
Section 6.26.h — Neurologic Conditions
“History of moderate or severe brain injury.”
Section 6.26.a — Neurologic Conditions
“History of cerebrovascular conditions, including, but not limited to, subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, vascular stenosis, aneurysm, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or arteriovenous malformation.”
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.
Read Our Full Guide on Neurological Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates neurological conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the neurological guide