D242.70Respiratory

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax due to trauma or surgery occurring within the past year

What This Code Means

Receiving DQ code D242.70 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to pneumothorax 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 6.10.p — Lungs, Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum

“Pneumothorax due to trauma or surgery occurring within the last 12 months.”

Section 6.10.o — Lungs, Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum

“History of spontaneous pneumothorax.”

Section 6.10.q — Lungs, Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum

“History of chest wall surgery, including breast, during the last 6 months, or with persistent functional limitations.”

Section 6.10.m — Lungs, Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum

“History of thoracic surgery including open and endoscopic procedures.”

Section 6.10.c — Lungs, Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum

“Infectious pneumonia within the previous 3 months.”

Waiver Outlook for Respiratory Conditions

High Likelihoodif no recent symptoms, no medication use, and pulmonary function tests confirm normal lung function

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

Documentation Tip

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