The obligation to undergo a VLK once a year: a lawyer’s explanation

Is there an obligation to undergo the military medical commission (VLK) once a year? This question is of interest to many people during martial law, as there is currently a lot of conflicting information. If you need assistance with military registration matters, including medical examinations, contact the lawyers of Prikhodko & Partners.

How often should you undergo VLK again?

Repeated military medical commission examinations are carried out depending on the category of the liable person and specific circumstances. The general rule is that VLK is conducted upon referral from the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TRC) or within legally defined timeframes.

During martial law, a VLK fitness decision is valid for one year from the date the medical examination is completed. At the same time, a repeat examination is conducted only when necessary — for example, in case of changes in health status or upon decision of the TRC.

In some cases, individuals may not be referred for a repeated VLK if there are no health complaints and they have already undergone the required medical examination.

Who must undergo VLK in 2026?

The military medical commission must primarily be undergone by liable persons who received a summons or referral. The examination is also mandatory for those previously classified as “limited fit” who have not yet completed a repeat examination, although the deadline was June 5, 2025. Additionally, VLK is required for candidates for military service under contract, active military personnel after injuries, and after treatment.

A medical examination is also required for women with medical education who have been registered for military service — they must undergo VLK within the established timeframe after registration.

It is also important to note that VLK is required when registering with the TRC, as well as during initial registration at the age of 17 as part of determining fitness for military service.

Liability for failing to undergo VLK

An administrative fine may be imposed if a person had a clear obligation to undergo a medical examination or ignored a lawful referral from the TRC. The mere absence of a “recent” commission decision does not always constitute a legal violation.

Administrative liability under Article 210 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CUAO) is applied in the form of a fine, but only within three months from the date the violation is detected and no later than one year from the date it was committed. If these deadlines are missed, there are no grounds for imposing a fine, and it should be challenged in court.

It should be emphasized again that the one-year validity of a VLK decision does not create an obligation to undergo the commission annually on one’s own initiative. A new medical examination is required only upon referral or in legally defined cases.

Most common mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is ignoring summonses and failing to appear at the TRC. Even if there are grounds for deferment or reservation, such summonses must be properly addressed; otherwise, liability may follow.

Another typical mistake is relying solely on unverified sources and automated services instead of consulting a qualified lawyer. This often leads to a misunderstanding of legal norms that does not correspond to actual practice.

It is also important to highlight situations where a VLK conclusion does not reflect the actual state of health. If a person is declared “fit” but there are medical grounds to dispute this, the decision should be appealed — first through pre-trial procedures and, if necessary, in court.

Additional common mistakes:

• ignoring a referral to VLK;
• failure to update military registration data on time;
• lack of documentation of submitted applications;
• deferment without supporting documents.

Legal assistance with military medical commission matters

If you have received a VLK summons and are unsure how to act, it is advisable to consult a lawyer immediately. A specialist will help assess your situation, verify the legal grounds for undergoing the commission, and propose the optimal course of action.

Our company offers:

1. analysis of documents before the commission;
2. assessment of legal grounds and determination of fitness for service;
3. preparation and submission of legal requests;
4. legal support during VLK.

Still have questions about the military medical commission? Leave a request on the website — and our lawyer will contact you.