The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1186 dated 15 October 2024, which amends the Procedure for Establishing the Relationship between Disability and Injuries or Other Health Damages, is of significant importance for the social protection system for victims of military operations. The document provides for updating the procedures and mechanisms for determining disability, which take into account modern realities and the latest approaches to data processing and cooperation between state authorities.
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Updated conditions and criteria
The document clarifies the territories and timeframes within which individuals can apply for a disability related to hostilities. In particular, three main periods are considered: before December 2014, from December 2014 to February 2022, and since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conditions include the geographical boundaries of the combat zones and situations where the injury occurred in the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation.
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Expanding the powers of interagency commissions
An interagency commission established by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs is responsible for establishing the fact of injuries or other health damage. The commission is composed of representatives of various state bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the National Police, the State Emergency Service and the Security Service of Ukraine. The commission reviews applications, analyses the attached documents, and, if necessary, requests additional data from the relevant government agencies.
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Updated application procedure
For the convenience of citizens, an electronic application form has been introduced through a special account in the Unified State Register of War Veterans. Paper applications are also accepted, but they are processed with the mandatory creation of an electronic file. The application must contain proof of identity, data on the place of residence or stay, conclusions of medical institutions, as well as documents confirming the fact of health damage.
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Commission decisions and appeals
The Interdepartmental Commission is obliged to make a decision within one month from the date of receipt of all documents. If it is necessary to clarify the information, the deadline may be extended up to 15 days. The commission’s decision may be appealed in court in accordance with the Law on Administrative Procedure.
Refusal to establish the disability connection
The Resolution clearly defines the grounds for refusal. These include injuries that occurred as a result of criminal or administrative offences, actions under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the injury occurred outside the areas and periods specified by law.
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Issuance of documents
After a positive decision is made, medical and social expert commissions issue the relevant certificates on the group and cause of disability. For persons under the age of 18, a conclusion on the category of ‘child with a disability’ is issued. Local executive authorities ensure the issuance of certificates and badges for persons with war-related disabilities.
Use of digital technologies
A particularly important innovation is the use of electronic information systems for data collection and decision-making. This significantly speeds up the processing of applications and increases the transparency of the process.
Thus, the amendments improve the mechanism for establishing the link between disability and injuries or other health damage. They provide a clearer and fairer procedure for citizens who suffered damage during hostilities and adapt the regulatory framework to modern challenges.
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