Extension: during disability incident to service

§ 5537. Extension: during disability incident to service An enlisted member of the naval service on active duty whose term of enlistment expires while he is suffering from disease or injury incident to service and not due to his misconduct, and who needs medical care or hospitalization, may be retained on active duty, with his consent, until he recovers to the extent that he is able to meet the physical requirements for reenlistment or until it is determined that recovery to that extent is impossible.