Defense Ministry changes medical examination deadlines for soldiers after captivity

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has changed the procedure for undergoing the military medical commission (MMC) for servicemen released from Russian captivity. Now they must undergo a medical examination no later than 30 days after returning to Ukraine.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense on October 20. The relevant changes have been made to the Regulation on military medical examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved by order No. 402.

Previously, the MMC decision on the need for treatment and the causal link of injuries, traumas, concussions, and diseases had to be made no later than four months after the start of the serviceman's treatment in a medical facility.

Under the new rules, defenders released from captivity must undergo the MMC within 30 days after repatriation. This will make it possible to determine the need for further treatment and confirm the circumstances of injuries or diseases more quickly.

As Deputy Minister of Defense Lubov Halan explained, the acceleration of the medical examination is intended to ensure that servicemen can exercise their right to social guarantees and appropriate monetary payments earlier.

If injuries, traumas, or diseases are sustained while in captivity, the MMC establishes their causal link to the defense of the Motherland. The corresponding conclusion is the basis for receiving additional remuneration during treatment.

In addition, if disability or partial loss of working capacity is established, such a conclusion gives the right to a one-time monetary assistance and increased pension under the conditions provided by law.

Emphasizing the Ministry of Defense, the new procedure is designed to reduce the time required to formalize medical conclusions on which the receipt of relevant guarantees depends. However, the 30-day deadline refers to undergoing the MMC, not the direct transfer of funds to the serviceman.