Can individuals with Parkinson's disease be drafted? What medical conditions qualify for "unfit for service" status?

In Ukraine, a general mobilization is ongoing, and many eligible men are receiving summons from military enlistment centers (TCK and SP). However, certain medical conditions can serve as grounds for deferral or complete exemption from military service.

One such condition is Parkinson's disease – a progressive neurological disorder that significantly affects a person's motor functions. According to medical standards established by the Ministry of Defense order №262 dated April 27, 2024, Parkinson's disease is classified as one of the degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, which serves as a basis for unfitness for military service.

Individuals suffering from this ailment cannot be mobilized. Additionally, citizens with other neurological disorders are also exempt from conscription, including:

• inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system — meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, encephalomyelitis, intracranial and intravertebral abscess;
• progressive CNS diseases — systemic atrophies, degenerative diseases, paralysis and paralytic states, multiple sclerosis, dystonias (excluding vegetative-vascular), cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, toxic encephalopathy;
• epilepsy with frequent seizures or significant mental disorders;
• rapidly progressing diseases of the peripheral nervous system associated with nerve damage, impaired innervation, and pain syndrome — neuropathy, myasthenia, myopathy, dorsalgia, radiculopathy, cervicalgia, sciatica, lumbago, and others.

To avoid wrongful mobilization, individuals with such diagnoses must undergo a military medical commission (VVK). They should provide documents confirming their illness, including:

• medical institution discharge summaries;
• a neurologist's conclusion regarding the severity of the condition;
• results of examinations (MRI, CT, electromyography, etc.).

It is important to note that if the medical commission's decision was made improperly, it can be appealed. To do this, one must file an appeal with the higher VVK. If the decision remains unchanged, one can take the matter to court.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on whether a man with a bad back could be mobilized. To confirm unfitness, a medical commission must be passed.