4. Medical Exemptions and Deferments
During the Vietnam War, many individuals sought to avoid military service by claiming medical conditions that rendered them unfit for duty. Common ailments cited included asthma, flat feet, and poor eyesight. Some even resorted to more extreme measures, such as intentionally injuring themselves or feigning mental illness, to secure a medical deferment. This strategy was often more accessible to those with the financial means to consult multiple doctors and obtain the necessary documentation (time.com). The effectiveness of this approach varied, as draft boards scrutinized medical claims to prevent fraudulent exemptions.
