Medical Conditions · DoDI 6130.03 §5.10.e
Can you join the military with Asthma after age 13?
Any history of asthma, reactive airway, exercise-induced bronchospasm, or asthmatic bronchitis AFTER the 13th birthday is disqualifying. Pre-13 asthma that fully resolved with no post-13 inhaler use is generally workable.
Disqualifying if criteria metWaiver: Routinely approved
What the regulation actually says (§5.10.e)
History of airway hyper responsiveness including asthma, reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, after the 13th birthday. Symptoms suggestive include cough, wheeze, chest tightness, dyspnea or functional exercise limitations after the 13th birthday. 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.
Verbatim from DoDI 6130.03 Vol 1 (verified against the Change 2 PDF, April 2021).
What the recruiter says vs. what's true
The myth you'll hear
“Childhood asthma doesn't count.”
The truth
Only true if fully resolved BEFORE the 13th birthday and no inhaler prescription after. One rescue inhaler at age 14 puts you in scope.
Documentation you'll need
- Full pulmonology records
- Current PFT (Pulmonary Function Test): FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio
- Negative methacholine challenge (proves no current airway hyper-responsiveness)
- Statement from pulmonologist
Quick answers
Is Asthma after age 13 disqualifying for military service?
Disqualifying if criteria met. Any history of asthma, reactive airway, exercise-induced bronchospasm, or asthmatic bronchitis AFTER the 13th birthday is disqualifying. Pre-13 asthma that fully resolved with no post-13 inhaler use is generally workable. (Source: DoDI 6130.03 Vol 1, §5.10.e.)
Can you get a waiver for Asthma after age 13?
Routinely approved. DoD does not publish waiver-approval rates — any specific percentage you read online is anecdote.
What documentation do you need for a Asthma after age 13 waiver?
Full pulmonology records; Current PFT (Pulmonary Function Test): FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio; Negative methacholine challenge (proves no current airway hyper-responsiveness); Statement from pulmonologist.
Sources
Last verified 2026-05-24. This page surfaces the regulation — it is not medical or legal advice, and it does not replace a MEPS physician. Never conceal a diagnosis: MHS Genesis pulls civilian records, and concealment is fraudulent enlistment under UCMJ Article 83.