Absence of a foot or any portion thereof
Absence of a foot or any portion thereof
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D222.70 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to absence of a foot or any portion thereof 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)
“Hand and fingers: (1) Absence of any portion of a finger proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint, including single ray resection. (2) Absence of the distal phalanx or any part thereof of any finger, other than the little finger, if the absence interferes with hand function. (3) Absence of more than the distal phalanx of the little finger. (4) Polydactyly, if it interferes with the wearing of military equipment or function.”
“Limitation of motion. An individual will be considered unfit if the range of motion for any of the measurements listed below is less than the specified value: (1) Shoulder: (a) Forward flexion to 90 degrees. (b) Abduction to 90 degrees. (2) Elbow: (a) Flexion to 100 degrees. (b) Extension to within 15 degrees of full extension. (3) Forearm: (a) Pronation to 45 degrees. (b) Supination to 45 degrees. (4) Wrist: (a) A total range of 30 degrees (flexion plus extension). (b) A total range of 15 degrees (radial plus ulnar deviation). (5) Hand: (a) Inability to clench fist, pick up a pin, grasp an object, or touch tips of at least 3 fingers with thumb. (b) Finger flexion contracture of 15 degrees or more of any interphalangeal joint.”
Waiver Outlook for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- Documentation of full rehabilitation, strength, and agility
- No recurrent dislocations or chronic pain
- Full range of motion confirmed by orthopedic evaluation
- Active participation in competitive sports post-recovery
For scoliosis cases, the key threshold is the Cobb angle measurement. Having your own imaging and specialist evaluation ready — rather than relying solely on DoDMERB's assessment — can strengthen your case.
This condition is covered in depth in The Ultimate DoDMERB Handbook by LTC Kirkland & Capt Dach — including real success scenarios, remedial exam strategies, and the complete waiver playbook. Get the handbook →
Read Our Full Guide on Musculoskeletal Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates musculoskeletal conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the musculoskeletal guide