Medical Conditions · DoDI 6130.03 §5.27.b
Can you join the military with Sleep apnea (OSA, CPAP)?
Current diagnosis or current treatment of sleep apnea is disqualifying for accession. CPAP use is part of "treatment."
Listed as disqualifyingWaiver: Rarely approved
What the regulation actually says (§5.27.b)
Current diagnosis or treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, including but not limited to sleep apnea.
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
“Just stop using the CPAP for a few weeks before MEPS.”
The truth
The sleep study and CPAP prescription are in your medical record forever. MHS Genesis pulls them. The DQ is "current diagnosis OR treatment" — stopping CPAP doesn't undiagnose you.
Documentation you'll need
- Sleep study (polysomnography) results
- Pulmonology and ENT evaluations
- Evidence that condition resolved (rare — typically would require weight loss + repeat sleep study)
Quick answers
Is Sleep apnea (OSA, CPAP) disqualifying for military service?
Listed as disqualifying. Current diagnosis or current treatment of sleep apnea is disqualifying for accession. CPAP use is part of "treatment." (Source: DoDI 6130.03 Vol 1, §5.27.b.)
Can you get a waiver for Sleep apnea (OSA, CPAP)?
Rarely approved. DoD does not publish waiver-approval rates — any specific percentage you read online is anecdote.
What documentation do you need for a Sleep apnea (OSA, CPAP) waiver?
Sleep study (polysomnography) results; Pulmonology and ENT evaluations; Evidence that condition resolved (rare — typically would require weight loss + repeat sleep study).
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.