Free Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) MEPS Medical Examinations Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An applicant discloses a history of asthma on their DD Form 2807-2, Medical Prescreen of Medical History Report. They state the last time they used an inhaler or had symptoms was at age 12. They are now 19. What is the most likely initial determination by the MEPS medical staff?
- The applicant is permanently disqualified (PDQ) with no chance for a waiver.
- The applicant will be temporarily disqualified (TDQ) pending submission of additional medical records and a possible consultation. (Correct answer)
- The applicant is immediately qualified for service without further review.
- The applicant must repeat basic training twice to monitor their respiratory health.
Correct answer: The applicant will be temporarily disqualified (TDQ) pending submission of additional medical records and a possible consultation.
A history of asthma, particularly after the 13th birthday, is a condition that requires further scrutiny. MEPS will not permanently disqualify the applicant without reviewing their full medical history. The standard procedure is to issue a temporary disqualification and request all relevant medical records, which may include treatment notes and pulmonary function tests, to determine if the condition is disqualifying and if a waiver is appropriate.
Question 2: During the MEPS medical examination, which of the following is a series of movements designed to evaluate an applicant's joint mobility, flexibility, and balance?
- The "Duck Walk" and other related exercises (Correct answer)
- The Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
- The Oculomotor Function Test
- The Gait and Posture Analysis Protocol
Correct answer: The "Duck Walk" and other related exercises
As part of the orthopedic and musculoskeletal screening, applicants are required to perform a series of 25 specific movements, one of which is colloquially known as the "duck walk." These exercises are done in a group setting (by gender) and are observed by medical staff to identify any limitations in range of motion, instability, or pain in the joints that could be disqualifying.
Question 3: An applicant is found to be medically disqualified at MEPS for a condition that may be waiverable. What is the immediate next step in the process for the applicant?
- The applicant must appeal directly to the Department of Defense.
- The applicant's file is automatically sent to the Surgeon General of the desired service branch for waiver consideration.
- The MEPS Chief Medical Officer (CMO) must first recommend the applicant for waiver consideration. (Correct answer)
- The applicant must wait one full year before reapplying for the same service branch.
Correct answer: The MEPS Chief Medical Officer (CMO) must first recommend the applicant for waiver consideration.
For a waiver to be considered, the process begins at MEPS. The MEPS doctor (CMO) must first determine that while the condition is disqualifying, it is stable and may not hinder military service, thereby recommending the case for a waiver. If the MEPS doctor does not recommend a waiver, the process generally stops. If recommended, the waiver package is then forwarded to the specific service branch's waiver authority for a final decision.
Question 4: Which of the following tests conducted during the MEPS medical exam requires a supervised collection to ensure the integrity of the sample?
- Spirometry test for lung function
- Blood draw for HIV and RPR
- Urinalysis for drugs and medical issues (Correct answer)
- Audiogram for hearing acuity
Correct answer: Urinalysis for drugs and medical issues
To prevent tampering or substitution, the urinalysis is conducted under direct supervision by a MEPS staff member of the same gender. The sample is tested for illegal drugs, as well as for medical indicators such as sugar, protein, and pregnancy (for female applicants).
Question 5: An applicant fails the initial hearing test at MEPS. The test showed a hearing threshold level greater than 30 decibels (dB) at 1,000 and 2,000 Hz in one ear. According to DoD standards, what is the status of this applicant?
- Automatically qualified, as hearing standards are flexible.
- Medically disqualified, as this exceeds the allowable threshold for those frequencies. (Correct answer)
- Required to purchase and use a hearing aid during military service.
- Eligible only for administrative or desk-based job specialties.
Correct answer: Medically disqualified, as this exceeds the allowable threshold for those frequencies.
Department of Defense standards for enlistment specify that an applicant's hearing threshold level in each ear cannot be greater than 30 decibels (dB) on average for the frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, with no single level greater than 35 dB. Failing to meet this standard results in a medical disqualification, which may or may not be waiverable depending on the severity and cause.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the DD Form 2807-2, Accessions Medical History Report, in the MEPS process?
- To serve as the applicant's final enlistment contract.
- To document the results of the ASVAB test.
- To provide a detailed, self-disclosed medical history for prescreening by MEPS medical staff. (Correct answer)
- To register the applicant for the Selective Service System.
Correct answer: To provide a detailed, self-disclosed medical history for prescreening by MEPS medical staff.
The DD Form 2807-2 is the official document used to gather an applicant's medical history before their physical examination. It is a critical prescreening tool that allows MEPS medical personnel to identify potential disqualifying conditions and determine if additional medical records are needed prior to the applicant's visit, facilitating a more efficient process.
An applicant discloses a history of asthma on their DD Form 2807-2, Medical Prescreen of Medical History Report.
They state the last time they used an inhaler or had symptoms was at age 12.
They are now 19.
What is the most likely initial determination by the MEPS medical staff?