The Ministry of Health has included captivity in the list of reasons for obtaining disability status.

The Cabinet of Ministers has expanded the list of grounds for obtaining disability status. From now on, individuals who have experienced unlawful detention, torture, or suffered other health impairments due to captivity can receive disability status along with the corresponding state support. This basis for establishing disability applies to both civilians and military personnel, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday, February 27.

How to undergo an assessment for disability determination?

To obtain disability status, one must apply to the Commission for Establishing the Fact of Deprivation of Personal Freedom at the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine. In the event of a positive decision, the individual’s information will be entered into the Unified Register of Persons whose deprivation of personal freedom due to armed aggression against Ukraine has been established, and an appropriate document will be issued.

The attending physician or the head of the military medical commission creates an electronic referral for assessment. During the review, the expert team evaluates the individual's health status and limitations regarding daily activities.

Based on the assessment results, the individual receives an extract from the decision of the expert team. If disability is established, recommendations will also be formed as part of this decision, which are included in the individual rehabilitation program. These will reflect the person's need for rehabilitation aids, medical products, and the necessity for services in other areas of their life. These recommendations remain valid for the entire duration of the established disability.

After the disability is established, the individual can take advantage of state support programs, such as receiving rehabilitation aids, a pension, or social assistance, as well as free sanatorium and resort treatment.