Can a splenectomy from MONO cause for disqualification from NAVY?

In DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018, Section 5.22, Subsection G(2), History of Splenectomy is grounds for disqualification. Your recruiter and MEPS can possibly submit for a medical waiver, however....I would caution you to NOT be hopeful and expect the waiver to be denied.

Total splenectomy leaves you at risk for infections and serious complications from infections, some of which can be fatal under the right circumstances. Some people who have had a total splenectomy have to be on lifetime, prophylactic (preventive) antibiotic regimens, and you should very seriously consider asking for and taking a course of antibiotics if you ever need dental work or an elective surgery. A total splenectomy is a pretty serious condition, even if you are/feel healthy today. You should be very cautious around people who are sick.

If you speak a critical language, or have a medical or law degree that is in short supply, or have some other mission critical skill or experience, you may be able to get a waiver. There are other avenues to serve, remember. You could look into working for the state department, treasury or one of the federal law enforcement agencies. If you don't have a 4 year degree, getting one will improve your chances of getting employment in a federal law enforcement agency.

Credentials: Vascular Surgeon, 1.75 years; General Surgeon 6 years. Total splenectomies performed: something around 4 or 5, partials 3-4.

Good Luck.

A medical waiver is "a formal request to consider the suitability for service of an applicant who,
because of current or past medical conditions, does not meet medical standards. Upon the
completion of a thorough review, the applicant may be considered for a waiver. The applicant
must have displayed sufficient mitigating circumstances/provided medical documentation that
clearly justify waiver consideration. The Secretaries of the Military Departments may delegate
the final approval authority for all waivers."

US Army Recruiting Command used to have authority to grant waivers, but I believe they tightened up a bit in 2018, and now waivers have to be processed through Army G-1. Ultimately, MEPS will disqualify you for history of splenectomy, and then your recruiter will have to seek a waiver on your behalf through G-1. If I were a betting man, I would say you have a good chance of being granted a waiver if you have no underlying chronic issues post-splenectomy. However, I have seen identical cases seeking a waiver; one was approved, and the other was denied. So, there is no telling. Go for it and see what happens. There are always ways to fight it if you are denied; don't self-select yourself out by thinking it's not worth your time to pursue this. Good luck!