| Category | Classification | Example Disorders | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Attributable to Service | Battle injuries, acoustic trauma, high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), heat stroke. | | B | Aggravated by Service | Pre-existing congenital deformities, dormant tuberculosis, healed fractures. | | C | Independent of Service (Not Attributable) | Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus (Type 2 without evidence of service nexus), essential hypertension (with specific caveats). | | D | Constitutional / Environmental | Senile cataracts, familial hypercholesterolemia, purely lifestyle disorders. |
Personnel who fall below the "SHAPE-1" (fully fit) status are placed in a Low Medical Category. AO 03/2001 provides the roadmap for whether these individuals can be retained in "sheltered appointments" or must be discharged. army order 03 2001 dgms army
: The order details what duties an individual is "fit" or "unfit" for based on their category. For instance, some categories may be unfit for duties involving running, jumping, or prolonged standing. | Category | Classification | Example Disorders |