Challenging military medical board decisions

A military medical board’s finding determines fitness for service and underpins a series of further decisions, from mobilisation to discharge. Where the finding does not reflect the person’s actual state of health, the law provides ways of having it reviewed.

When to get in touch

• the board’s decision does not match the actual state of health
• medical records were not taken into account during the examination
• the finding has become an obstacle to discharge on health grounds
• a re-examination or an independent assessment is needed

What the lawyer does

• analyses the board’s decision and the medical records
• prepares an application for re-examination
• files a complaint with the standing (higher) military medical board
• prepares an administrative claim and represents the client in court
• builds the evidence base: discharge summaries, examinations, specialist opinions
• accompanies the client through the re-examination

Where to challenge a military medical board decision

• Board of a district (city) TRC – complaint to the board of the regional (Kyiv city) TRC; on the person’s application, they are referred for examination by the board at the regional TRC (para. 3.3, Chapter 3, Section I of the Regulation).
• Board of a regional (Kyiv city) TRC – to a standing military medical board or to court (ibid.).
• Non-standing boards (including hospital and garrison boards) – to the standing board responsible for the area; the standing board checks the decision against the original medical records or duly certified copies (ibid.).
• Regional military medical board – to the Central Military Medical Board or to court (para. 2.4.10, Chapter 2, Section I); decisions of the Central Board – to court (para. 2.3.5).

If the complaint is upheld

The standing board reviews the decision or refers the person for a check examination and medical assessment by a different board from the one whose decision is challenged. That decision is binding and must be implemented within one month (para. 3.4, Chapter 3, Section I of the Regulation). If the complaint is found unfounded, it is returned with an explanation.

Legal basis

The findings of military medical boards and their significance for military service are provided for by the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service” No. 2232-XII. The boards’ procedure and the routes for challenging their decisions are governed by the Regulation on Military Medical Expert Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved by Order of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine No. 402 of 14 August 2008. Judicial review takes place under administrative court procedure.

Mobilisation legislation changes frequently. This page reflects the position as of November 2026; before acting on it, take advice on the wording currently in force.

Frequently asked questions

Does filing a claim suspend the board’s decision?

Going to court does not of itself suspend the decision, so other procedural avenues and a re-examination are pursued in parallel.

How long do I have to challenge it?

The deadlines depend on the route chosen – administrative or judicial. The lawyer identifies them for your situation so that the right to challenge is not lost.

Where do I complain about a TRC board’s decision?

Against the board of a district (city) TRC – to the board of the regional (Kyiv city) TRC; against the board of a regional TRC – to a standing military medical board or to court (para. 3.3, Chapter 3, Section I of the Regulation).

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request – a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.