While the Department of Defense does not publish an official, real-time failure rate for the MEPS physical exam, historical data and military reports consistently indicate that a significant number of applicants do not pass on their first attempt. Estimates suggest that approximately 15-25% of all applicants are medically disqualified at MEPS.

It is crucial to understand that “failing” MEPS physically often means receiving a temporary disqualification that may be overcome. The high rate is attributed to several key factors:

Pre-Existing but Unknown Conditions: Many applicants are disqualified for conditions they were unaware of, such as high blood pressure, color blindness, or a previously undiagnosed heart murmur.
Failure to Meet Strict Standards: The military’s medical standards (DODI 6130.03) are stringent for valid readiness reasons. Common disqualifiers include poor vision uncorrectable to 20/20, certain asthma history, hearing loss, excessive body fat, and old injuries with limited range of motion.
Inadequate Preparation: Applicants who arrive dehydrated, sleep-deprived, or who have not properly documented their medical history can create issues that lead to temporary disqualification.

Important Note: A medical disqualification is not always permanent. Many applicants who are initially disqualified go on to receive a medical waiver. The waiver approval depends on the specific condition, the needs of the specific branch (like the Air Force), and the applicant’s overall profile.

For a detailed breakdown of what the exam entails, you can read our overview of What is the medical exam for the Air Force MEPS?

For an external resource that discusses medical disqualifications and waiver success, you can explore information from Operation Military Kids.