"History of nocturnal ventilation support, respiratory failure, or any requirement for chronic supplemental oxygen use"
"History of nocturnal ventilation support, respiratory failure, or any requirement for chronic supplemental oxygen use"
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D242.61 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to "history of nocturnal ventilation support, respiratory failure, or any requirement for chronic supplemental oxygen use" 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)
“History of nocturnal ventilation support, respiratory failure, or any requirement for chronic supplemental oxygen use.”
“History of airway hyper responsiveness including asthma, reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, after the 13th birthday. (1) Symptoms suggestive of airway hyper responsiveness include, but are not limited to, cough, wheeze, chest tightness, dyspnea, or functional exercise limitations after the 13th birthday. (2) History of prescription or use of medication (including, but not limited to, inhaled or oral corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or any beta agonists) for airway hyper responsiveness after the 13th birthday.”
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including, but not limited to, bullous or generalized pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis.”
“Current chest wall malformation, including but not limited to pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum which has been symptomatic, interfered with vigorous physical exertion, has been recommended for surgery, or may interfere with wearing military equipment.”
“Current foreign body in lung, trachea, or bronchus.”
Waiver Outlook for Respiratory Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- Absence of exercise-induced symptoms during high school sports or strenuous activities
- Clear documentation of no symptoms or medication after age 13
- Methacholine challenge or spirometry confirming no asthma response
- Successful exercise test demonstrating normal cardiopulmonary function
If you have the option of using a private physician for remedial testing, it gives you more control over the process and timeline. You can scan and email results directly to DoDMERB, and seek a different provider if the first results are unfavorable.
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 Respiratory Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates respiratory conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the respiratory guide