How to obtain war veteran status?

One of the most common questions in 2026 among those involved in hostilities is obtaining the status of a war veteran. After all, it is important not only to have grounds, but also to correctly execute the documents and go through the established procedure. The "Prikhodko&Partners" team provides professional legal assistance so that you can obtain this status quickly and without unnecessary obstacles.

Who is entitled to war veteran status?

Persons who participated in the defense of the state / were involved in combat or related tasks can receive this status. The law divides such persons into three main categories:

It is important that the determining criterion for granting the status is documented participation in such activities directly related to ensuring defense.

What is the difference between a UBD and a war veteran?

The difference between the status of a combatant and a veteran lies in the extent and nature of a person's participation in military events.

UBD is a specific concept that covers the category of persons who took a direct part in military operations. It is granted on the basis of supporting documents (orders, certificates, combat orders) and provides for a clearly defined list of benefits and social guarantees.

A war veteran is a broader category that combines several categories of persons listed above.

Therefore, every UBD is a war veteran, but not every veteran has the status of UBD, since not all of them took part in military operations directly.

Procedure for obtaining war veteran status

• The first stage is determining the grounds

At the beginning, it is necessary to establish whether a person is eligible for status and which category they belong to. This determines the further procedure and the list of required documents.

• The second stage is document preparation

Next, you need to collect all the documentation confirming participation in the defense of the Motherland or other grounds for granting status, such as military documents, extracts from orders, certificates, medical reports (in case of disability), as well as a passport and a RNOKPP.

• The third stage is submitting an application

After preparing the papers, the person applies to the authorized bodies. Depending on the situation, one should apply to:

1. TCC and JV;
2. commissions under ministries, military formations or law enforcement agencies;
3. social protection bodies.

• The fourth stage is consideration of the application

The submitted documents are checked by the relevant commissions/bodies, which establish the fact of participation in combat missions, assess the sufficiency of the evidence, and make a decision.

• The fifth stage is obtaining a certificate

In case of a positive decision, the person is granted the status of a war veteran of the appropriate category and is issued a certificate of the established sample. After receiving the certificate, the person acquires the right to benefits and social guarantees provided for by law.

Where can I get a war veteran certificate?

Automatically during service

If a serviceman performs combat missions, his data is entered by an authorized person of the military unit into the Unified state register of war veterans. Based on this information, the status is granted without submitting an application, after which both an electronic and (if necessary) paper certificate is generated.

Independent application

If the data has not been entered, the person can submit the application independently:

1. through the portal "Diia" (online);
2. by mail to the relevant interdepartmental commission;
3. through the CNAP;
4. to social security bodies.

After being discharged from service

For persons who have already completed their service, the specified status is issued by:

1. military registration and enlistment office;
2. commissions under ministries or departments (Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Security Service of Ukraine, National Guard, etc.);
3. structural units on veteran policy at the place of residence.

Legal assistance in obtaining a veteran's certificate

If you have any difficulties with obtaining the status of a war veteran in Ukraine, the lawyers of the company "Prikhodko&Partners" will provide full legal support and help you go through the procedure without unnecessary risks.

We offer:

• analysis of the grounds and consulting;
• assistance in collecting and preparing the necessary documents;
• preparation and submission of applications;
• full support of the case until obtaining a certificate;
• appealing against refusals / inaction of the authorities.

If you have any questions, leave a request on the website and our lawyer will contact you for a consultation.