DoDMERBQUALIFIED
D231.80Mental Health

Current communication disorder

Any current communication disorder that significantly interferes with producing speech or repeating commands

What This Code Means

Receiving DQ code D231.80 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to current communication disorder 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 6.28.l — Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders
“Any current communication disorder that significantly interferes with producing speech or repeating commands.”
Section 6.28.f — Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders
“Depressive disorder if (1) Outpatient care including counseling required for longer than 12 cumulative months; (2) Symptoms or treatment within the previous 36 months; (3) The applicant required any inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential facility; (4) Any recurrence; or (5) Any suicidality (in accordance with Paragraph 6.28.m.).”
Section 6.28.i — Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders
“History of personality disorder or maladaptive personality traits including reasonable suspicion for the presence of an undiagnosed personality disorder, based on: (1) Documentation of the recurrent inability to adapt in a school, employment, or training setting that resulted in significant distress or functional impairment within the previous 24 months and that is not better accounted for by another condition; or (2) Psychological testing revealing that the degree of immaturity, instability, personality inadequacy, impulsiveness, or dependency may reasonably be expected to interfere with their adjustment to the Military Services.”
Section 6.28.g — Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders
“History of a single adjustment disorder if treated or symptomatic within the previous 6 months, or any history of chronic (lasting longer than 6 months) or recurrent episodes of adjustment disorders.”
Section 6.28.k — Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders
“History of any eating disorder.”

Waiver Outlook for Mental Health Conditions

High Likelihoodif no symptoms or treatment within the past year and no academic or work impairments are documented

Key Factors for Waiver Approval

  • Cessation of medication use for at least 12 months
  • Strong academic performance without accommodations (no IEP or 504 Plan)
  • Positive evaluations from teachers or coaches indicating no impairment
  • No comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression
Documentation Tip

Independent psychological and cognitive testing confirming normal executive functioning can be one of the strongest pieces of evidence in an ADHD waiver 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 Mental Health Conditions

Learn how DoDMERB evaluates mental health conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.

Read the mental health guide