The Ministry of Health has expanded the list of reasons for establishing disability

Ukraine has expanded the list of reasons for establishing disability. From now on, this status can be granted to people who have survived captivity or torture.

This is reported by the Ministry of Health.

The basis applies to both military personnel and civilians.

"From now on, the cause of disability may be deprivation of personal freedom as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine. This means that people who have experienced illegal detention, torture, or other health injuries as a result of being in captivity can receive disability status and appropriate state support.", the message says.

The procedure for undergoing a disability assessment for such individuals involves several steps:

1. Step 1. Confirmation of the fact of deprivation of personal liberty. It is necessary to apply to the Commission on Establishing the Fact of Deprivation of Personal Liberty under the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. In case of a positive decision, the person's data is entered into the Unified Register of Persons in Respect of Whom the Fact of Deprivation of Personal Liberty as a Result of Armed Aggression Against Ukraine is Established, and a corresponding document is issued.
2. Step 2. Assessment of daily functioning. The doctor or head of the military medical commission, in accordance with the specified Criteria, generates an electronic referral for assessment. During the review, an expert team assesses the person's health status and limitations in vital activities.
3. Step 3. Obtaining a decision. Based on the results of the assessment, the person receives an extract from the expert team's decision. If a disability is established, recommendations will also be formed as part of this decision, which are part of an individual rehabilitation program (IRP). They will reflect the person's need for rehabilitation aids, medical devices, and the need to receive services in other areas of their life. These recommendations are valid for the entire period for which the disability is established.

Once a disability is established, a person can take advantage of government support programs, including:

• receive rehabilitation aids (through the Social Protection Fund for Persons with Disabilities);
• apply for a pension or social assistance (through the Pension Fund of Ukraine or social protection bodies);
• receive free sanatorium and resort treatment, if such a need is determined by an expert team.