What can be done about being disqualified from MEPS based on paperwork alone?

I don't know if it's different with the Navy, but with the Army there can absolutely be different fitness for duty standards for initial enlistment/appointment (Chapter 2 of AR 40-501) versus retention (that would be Chapter 3). In other words, if you're already in the military, a condition/surgical history/etc. might not get you kicked out but could be the kind of thing that prevents you from joining. Since this is switching to a new branch of the military, my guess is they're using the accession and not the retention standards, so it sounds like that's the weird limbo you're in right now. I would definitely want more information from the recruiter...is it merely the fact that you had a surgery that made MEPS DQ you, or is it presumed (or actual) limitations or after-effects following the surgery?

Good luck!

The apparent “double standard” for fitness is actually normal for the military. There are many folks who are amputees due to war time injuries who are still in the military. But no service would ever accept a new recruit with an amputation.

The waiver is your only hope. Or wait a bit and reapply later.

I went through a similar situation trying to transition between Army Reserve to Air National Guard this year. I had a 6-year break in service and during that time I had a surgery for a torn labrum in my shoulder, which MEPS initially DQ'd me on the basis of initial accession standards. No matter if you currently serve or are prior service they will treat you like a new recruit during the pre-MEPS physical process.

I had to submit all of my pre/post surgical records, my physical therapy records and an updated eval from my PT saying I met standards for return to duty. The ANG puts all of this through a waiver process and -- IF that gets approved -- MEPS will bring you in. Here's where it gets weird.

Even after the FIRST Navy waiver just to get to MEPS, there is a strong possibility the doc at MEPS could DQ you on paper for a PULHES score of 3 or 4 even though you pass all of the tests at MEPS. Don't lose hope at this point. All this means is the MEPS doc does not want to sign off and they are covering themselves in a sense. The Navy can override this with a SECOND waiver.

Long story short, it will still come down to a Navy DR overriding MEPS two separate times. I passed both of my waivers for ANG, and depending on the physical nature of the job you are looking to go into, there is a decent chance of clearing waivers right now since recruiting is looking to make numbers and prior service experience is valued.

So the process for me was: (1) get first waiver to go to MEPS (2) take MEPS physical (3) get second waiver to override MEPS. Certainly they can say no at any point, but if you have positive recovery results and demonstrate the physical capabilities to perform your job, you have a shot.

I hope this helps and best of luck.