Before a service member is cleared for deployment, they undergo an essential medical screening process designed to ensure fitness for duty. These evaluations assess everything from cardiovascular health to mental readiness. The goal is clear—keep both the individual and their unit safe. But when military medical professionals make mistakes during pre-deployment screenings, the consequences can be devastating. Missed diagnoses, ignored symptoms, or incomplete assessments can lead to injury, illness, or even death once deployed.

At Khawam Ripka LLP, we represent service members, veterans, and military families who’ve suffered harm because of medical negligence within the federal system. In this article, we’ll examine how pre-deployment medical missteps occur, what rights you have under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), and how to take action if a preventable mistake changed your life or your career.

Why Pre-Deployment Screenings Matter

Military deployments place extraordinary physical and psychological demands on service members. These screenings are intended to identify medical conditions that could compromise safety in the field or worsen under combat conditions.

Typical pre-deployment evaluations include:

• Physical exams assessing cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal health 
• Immunization and infectious disease testing 
• Psychological evaluations for combat readiness 
• Review of preexisting conditions or medications 
• Clearance for hearing, vision, and neurological function 

When performed correctly, these screenings protect both individual service members and their units. When performed poorly, they can lead to catastrophic consequences—especially in hostile or resource-limited environments.

Common Medical Errors During Pre-Deployment Evaluations

Even though the military’s medical system is structured and standardized, mistakes can occur at any stage. Some of the most frequent errors include:

1. Missed or Incomplete Diagnoses

Providers may overlook critical health conditions such as heart defects, sleep apnea, or neurological disorders. Undiagnosed illnesses can worsen rapidly in the field, where medical support is limited.

2. Failure to Assess Psychological Readiness

Mental health screenings are often rushed or minimized. Service members struggling with PTSD, depression, or anxiety may be cleared for deployment despite red flags—leading to severe consequences during high-stress missions.

3. Improper Documentation or Lost Records

Errors in recordkeeping can cause inaccurate health histories or missing vaccination data. In some cases, these lapses lead to disqualification—or worse, preventable medical crises overseas.

4. Inaccurate or Outdated Testing Procedures

Relying on outdated medical data or skipping critical diagnostic tests can create a false sense of readiness. Bloodwork, imaging, or cardiovascular screenings may not reflect current health risks.

5. Administrative Negligence

In fast-paced deployment cycles, some screenings are “rubber-stamped” without full review. When administrative shortcuts replace medical diligence, preventable harm follows.

When a Medical Error Becomes Military Malpractice

Under U.S. law, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In the military context, malpractice during pre-deployment screenings might involve:

• Clearing an unfit service member for deployment, resulting in in-theater injury or death 
• Failing to diagnose a preexisting condition that worsens during service 
• Overlooking contraindications to medication or vaccination 
• Ignoring documented psychological or physical symptoms 

If the negligent provider was a federal employee working at a military or VA facility, and the mistake caused harm, you may have a right to pursue compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Understanding Your Rights Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)

The FTCA gives civilians, military retirees, veterans, and dependents the ability to seek compensation for injuries caused by negligence within federally operated medical facilities—including military hospitals and clinics.

To file a valid claim, you must show that:

• The negligent act occurred in a federal medical facility. 
• The provider was a federal employee. 
• The mistake caused measurable harm (physical, emotional, or financial). 
• You filed your claim within two years of discovering the injury. 

This process starts with Standard Form 95 (SF-95), which outlines the facts of your case, identifies the responsible agency, and specifies the damages you’re claiming. The agency (often the Department of Defense or VA) has six months to respond—by settling, denying, or failing to reply. After that, you may proceed to federal court.

How Pre-Deployment Errors Lead to Lasting Harm

Medical mistakes during deployment screenings don’t just affect mission readiness—they can alter the trajectory of a service member’s entire life.

Some real-world consequences include:

• Worsening of preexisting conditions like asthma, cardiac issues, or spinal injuries during active duty. 
• Psychological trauma exacerbated by untreated mental health disorders. 
• Career-ending injuries that could have been avoided with proper medical evaluation. 
• Loss of military benefits or discharge disputes linked to undiagnosed conditions. 

These errors often surface after deployment, when the damage has already occurred—making early documentation and legal support critical to building a case.

Proving Negligence in Pre-Deployment Medical Malpractice Cases

Building a strong case requires careful reconstruction of medical decisions and administrative records. Your attorney may gather:

• Medical records from pre-deployment exams and follow-up care. 
• Command communications confirming fitness clearance. 
• Expert testimony from independent medical specialists. 
• Incident reports from in-theater injuries related to underlying conditions. 
• Witness statements from fellow service members or supervisors. 

The key legal question is whether the provider’s actions fell below accepted medical standards—and whether that negligence directly caused harm.

Challenges Unique to Military Medical Cases

Pre-deployment screening errors often intersect with multiple layers of military bureaucracy, making these claims more complex than civilian malpractice suits. Common challenges include:

• Missing or classified medical records. 
• Transfers between active-duty, reserve, and VA healthcare systems. 
• Delayed symptom reporting due to deployment conditions. 
• Application of the Feres Doctrine, which limits claims for injuries “incident to service.” 

However, veterans and dependents—along with retirees treated post-service—may still qualify under the FTCA. Experienced legal counsel can help determine eligibility and navigate federal requirements.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Pre-Deployment Negligence

Successful claims can result in compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Ongoing medical treatment or corrective procedures 
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress or trauma 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 

While punitive damages aren’t available under the FTCA, settlements can still be significant, particularly in cases involving long-term disability or wrongful death.

Conclusion: Medical Screening Errors Shouldn’t End a Military Career

Pre-deployment screenings are meant to protect service members—not put them at risk. When those responsible for ensuring medical readiness fail to perform their duties properly, the results can be life-altering. But you don’t have to face that fallout alone.

At Khawam Ripka LLP, we stand with military personnel and families whose lives were changed by preventable medical mistakes. Our team understands the complexities of military medical malpractice and the federal laws that govern it. We’ll help you gather the records, consult the experts, and build a case that demands accountability.

📞 Call us today or visit ForTheMilitary.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
Your health, your service, and your future deserve justice—and we’re here to help you fight for it.