Military Registration and Medical Conditions: Is It Possible to Exclude a Man from Service Due to Hip Osteonecrosis
In the context of Ukraine's current martial law and general mobilization, there is growing concern regarding procedures related to military registration and the possibility of exemption from service due to health issues. A particularly relevant question is whether a man diagnosed with "necrosis of the femoral head" can be excluded from military records and thereby avoid conscription. Lawyer Nelya Romanenko explains that this situation must be considered in accordance with the Ministry of Defense Order No. 402, particularly Article 61, which addresses varying degrees of bodily function impairments. She emphasizes that when determining fitness for military service, authorities evaluate not only the current health condition but also the disease's potential for relapse or progression, treatment outcomes, and remission stability. "If the impairment of functions is moderate, the individual may still be considered fit for service in military reserves or training institutions," the lawyer clarifies. Moreover, she points out that obtaining an official conclusion from the Military Legal Commission (VLK) regarding unfitness for service is currently quite challenging, as this process can take many months or even years. Often, individuals are sent for re-evaluation, prolonging the process and complicating their situation. Given these circumstances, it's essential to understand that exclusion from military registration is not a quick process but requires considerable time and legal intervention. It is also crucial to realize that even if a person is excluded from registration, it does not automatically grant exemption from other obligations or responsibilities associated with state mobilization during martial law.