Manual of the Medical Department (NAVMED P-117): Chapter 15: Medical Examinations: Physical Defects and Waivers

5-72 Significance of Physical Defects

Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

(1) The term physical defect is intended to include all defects, disorders, disabilities, or conditions which may be of significance in determining an applicant's physical qualification to perform the duties of grade, rating, or special qualification.

(2) All physical defects which have been noted will be recorded on the medical examination form. Each defect must be recorded in sufficient detail to show clearly its character, degree, and significance.

(3) If found NPO, the cause or causes must be clearly established and recorded so as to be conclusive regarding the propriety of the rejection. Symptoms of disease are not to be noted as cause of disqualification if it is possible to arrive at a definite diagnosis. The member must be notified and provided an opportunity to rebut these findings in the Health Record, preferably on an SF-600.

(4) The various lists of defects are not intended to be all inclusive. They contain the most frequently occurring causes of being found NPQ for performance of duties and indicate the type of defects which are to be considered disqualifying.