Can service members declared unfit by a military medical commission sign new contracts?
A finding of unfitness alone does not automatically rule out a contract.
Some serving and former service members declared unfit by a military medical commission may begin or continue military service under contract if they meet the statutory conditions. A finding of unfitness on its own is not grounds for automatically refusing a contract.
Who can sign a contract after being declared unfit?
During martial law, the following groups may continue or enter contract service despite a finding of unfitness:
- Officers serving under call-up.
- Service members called up during mobilisation.
- Reservists called up during a special period.
- People discharged from military service.
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be citizens of Ukraine.
- Be below the maximum age for military service.
- Have been declared unfit due to an illness, wound, injury, concussion or lasting injury sustained while defending Ukraine.
- Have a resulting officially recognised disability or a documented partial loss of capacity for work without recognised disability status.
People who meet these criteria may serve only under contract.
When a contract cannot be signed
This option does not apply in certain cases involving intellectual, sensory or psychological impairments, or mental and behavioural disorders. The full list of medical restrictions is set out in the Regulations on Military Medical Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved by Ministry of Defence Order No. 402 of 14 August 2008.
Service members declared unfit may therefore sign new incentive contracts when the law permits it, subject to the applicable conditions and restrictions.
Information on new Defence Forces contracts is available at army.gov.ua. The Ministry of Defence operates a hotline for questions about new contracts at 1519. Its explainer section also covers the steps service members with health restrictions need to take to sign a new contract.
English translation of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine original · CC BY 4.0.
