How does the military handle medical records during enlistment?

I'm thinking about enlisting in the military and I'm curious about how medical records are considered. Do they access your full medical history, and are there any conditions that could disqualify me from joining?

Joining the military involves a thorough medical examination process where the recruiters and the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) will want to understand your current and past health status. They don't automatically access your private medical records because of doctor-patient confidentiality laws. Instead, they rely on your honesty during the medical pre-screening process and medical examination to identify health issues.

At the medical examination, you will fill out a form called "Accessions Medical History Report" (DD Form 2807-2) which will ask in-depth questions about your medical history. You should answer these questions to the best of your knowledge and ability. There's no reward for deceit; if you try to hide a pre-existing condition, it might be discovered later on and potentially lead to disqualification or even a discharge.

During the physical exam, the military doctor will assess your overall health based on a series of physical, mental, and lab tests. These tests will discern any medical conditions you are dealing with. Still, it's crucial to disclose all of your past health issues, including things like allergies, surgeries, and mental health history.

Certain medical conditions could indeed disqualify you from military service. These could range from eyesight problems, hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, certain types of surgery in the past, as well as conditions like asthma after the age of 13. The nature of the disqualifying conditions, however, will depend on the branch of military service you plan to join, and some waivers might be available for certain conditions. In other words, even if you have a disqualifying condition, you might still have a chance, given the right circumstances.

It's important to communicate openly and honestly about your medical history during the enlistment process to ensure you're eligible and able to handle the physical and mental requirements that military service entails.