How Ukrainian Soldiers Who Desert Their Units Can Still Qualify for Disability Status.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits Among Deserting Soldiers

According to Novyny.live: Ukrainian military personnel who have deserted their units without authorization—a status known as 'SVCh'—retain the right to apply for disability status. This involves submitting documentation to undergo an official medical assessment board. This issue is particularly relevant for members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) who leave their posts, which can occur for various reasons including a refusal to fight or to follow command orders.

To be assigned a disability rating, a servicemember must undergo this expert medical evaluation. A treating physician can refer the individual for this assessment. However, the process is not straightforward. For instance, attorney Vyacheslav Kyrdya confirmed the possibility of applying for disability but noted that everything depends on whether the person is actually referred for evaluation.

The Role of Family Doctors and Legal Status Complications

A significant complicating factor is the role of a family doctor in this process. Attorney Yuriy Aivazyan pointed out that a family doctor may refuse to issue a referral for the medical board because the servicemember technically remains on active military status. This can create a major obstacle for those in the SVCh status seeking disability benefits.

Therefore, while the legal pathway to obtain disability status during desertion exists, its successful navigation depends on numerous factors, including medical findings and the cooperation of physicians.

This situation highlights the complex legal limbo faced by soldiers who leave their units without permission. In the context of an ongoing war where many endure severe psychological and physical trauma, ensuring access to medical services and legal support is critical. The question of disability benefits for military deserters touches on profound legal and ethical debates within Ukrainian society, indicating a need for careful legislative review and potential reform.