Recruits With Heart Failure, Some Mental Health Issues Can't Join Military: Hegseth

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has released a memorandum stating that individuals with certain medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis, are no longer eligible for medical accession waivers to join the military. The memo, dated July 11, emphasizes that severe underlying medical conditions pose significant risks on the battlefield and threaten the health and safety of both the individual and their fellow service members. Medical waivers allow applicants to serve despite not meeting military standards, but approximately 13-16% of applicants were rejected from 2016 to 2020 due to not meeting these standards. The list of newly ineligible conditions includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, current chronic supplemental oxygen use, and suicidal attempts within the previous 12 months, among others. Certain conditions, such as central nervous system shunts and history of chronic kidney disease, will still require approval from secretaries of military departments. The updated medical waiver eligibility aims to ensure the military has high standards and remains ready to fight. The Pentagon stated that only 23% of America's youth are eligible to enlist without a waiver. The Department of Defense remains committed to mission success by ensuring that young Americans who serve are physically and mentally capable of performing their duties in harsh conditions.