Is it possible to mobilize with a stomach ulcer?

One of the common medical grounds for possible exemption or postponement from military service is a stomach or duodenal ulcer. In this article, we will look at the cases in which a diagnosis of "ulcer" can be a basis for recognizing a person as unfit for service or requiring restrictions on military service, as well as what documents are required for this.

What disease is meant?

Gastric ulcer (code K25) and duodenal ulcer (code K26) are chronic recurrent diseases that are accompanied by the formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestine. The disease can have a mild or severe course, be complicated by bleeding, perforations, penetration or stenosis, which directly affects the ability to work and the possibility of military service.

What does the law say?

According to Article 53 of the Schedule of Diseases, the Provisions of the Order of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine dated August 14, 2008 No. 402, peptic ulcer disease is considered depending on:

• the presence of complications,
• the frequency of exacerbations,
• the duration of treatment,
• the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract,
• confirmation of the diagnosis endoscopically or radiologically (under artificial hypotension).

Based on these criteria, a person can be attributed to points "a", "b" or "c" of this article. Fitness for service also depends on the item.

What does each of the points mean:

Point "a" - Unsuitability for military service

This point covers the most severe cases:

• gastric resection, anastomosis, vagotomy;
• complications in the form of dumping syndrome, II-III degree malnutrition;
• perforations with complications, stenoses with delayed evacuation of food for more than 24 hours;
• ulcers with penetration, recurrent anastomoses, refusal of surgical treatment if there are indications.

In such cases, a person is recognized as unfit for military service with exclusion from military registration.

Point "b" - these are persons who are suitable for service in the logistical support units, the Central Military District and the Joint Forces Command, military educational institutions, training centers, medical institutions, as well as in units responsible for logistics, communications, security functions and the organization of logistics support.

These include:

• ulcers that do not heal for more than 2-3 months (depending on location);
• frequent relapses - 2 or more times a year with hospitalization;
• giant ulcers - more than 3 cm in the stomach or 2 cm in the intestine;
• extra-bulbar localization of the ulcer;
• multiple ulcers over the past 5 years;
• complications in the form of bleeding with post-hemorrhagic anemia or perforation (if less than 5 years have passed);
• gross deformation of the intestinal bulb with moderate motor disorders.

Item "c" - Individuals, fully fit

This item assumes:

• slight deformation of the duodenal bulb;
• infrequent exacerbations (once a year or less);
• absence of complications or significant functional disorders;
• remission for more than 5 years after a complication (bleeding, perforation, multiple ulcers).

How to prove the presence of peptic ulcer disease?

Mandatory medical confirmation:

• endoscopy with photo protocol;
• X-ray of the stomach and duodenum under artificial hypotension;
• hospital discharge (indicate diagnosis, dynamics, treatment terms);
• documents confirming relapses or complications (tests, ultrasound, CT, surgical protocols, etc.);
• biopsy results (in case of doubt).

Typical errors when passing the VLK

• Provision of an incomplete package of documents;
• The VLK does not take into account the dynamics of the disease (for example, the frequency of exacerbations or remission);
• The ulcer was complicated, but more than 5 years have passed since the date of the complication - and the commission considers it as "healthy".

Therefore, it is important to correctly draw up the available medical data and submit a full package of documents to the VLK.

Is mobilization possible with peptic ulcer disease?

It depends on the stage of the disease and medical documentation: Complications, operations, severe form - a person may be excluded from the register. Moderately impaired functions - persons are fit, but with certain limitations. Stable remission - a person is fully fit.

Need help?

Our company has experience in supporting cases of appealing the conclusions of the VLK and analyzing medical documents, in view of this, we can provide professional advice. If you or your loved ones have encountered the problem of unjustified passing the VLK in the presence of a chronic disease or you want to prepare for passing the VLK, you can contact us for:

• providing advice on passing the VLK;
• analyzing medical documents;
• drawing up a complaint;
• support during the repeated VLK.

Leave a request for a consultation and we will help you protect your rights legally.