Process for Establishing Disability Status and Pensions for Wounded Soldiers from the Artsakh War has Commenced

The Republic's medical-social expert commissions are conducting medical examinations for individuals wounded in the Artsakh war and those previously registered. Based on existing medical documents, the disability group for war-injured participants is determined in a simplified manner.

The medical-social commission in Shirak Province is examining soldiers with amputations in both Gyumri and various regional areas, with specialists also conducting home visits when necessary.

Harutyun Mkrtchyan participated in the defensive battles for Hadrut starting on October 8 and was then transferred to the outskirts of Shushi. He sustained injuries in the intense fighting at Karin Tak on November 4 due to an explosive shell. "I lost my left leg, and my right one was almost severed; the doctors managed to piece it back together. Also, my two fingers were completely crushed, and now I can move them a bit, but naturally, they are shorter now. But it’s okay," says 29-year-old Harutyun.

To establish Harutyun Mkrtchyan's disability status, medical-social expert commission specialists conducted a final examination. Considering all his injuries, the commission immediately classified him as a first group disabled person.

Soldiers and volunteers with amputated limbs and various injuries have approached the commission from different localities in the province. "For about two weeks now, there has been an influx in the region; 10 injured soldiers and officers have applied, of which 9 have already been examined, while one is still in the research phase. Most have applied for amputations, and since there was no three-month delay, they applied immediately, and the examination was organized instantly," noted Hrachya Martirosyan, head of the 4th medical-social expert commission.

“They generally come already examined, having undergone computer tomography, and received treatments; based on that, we draw conclusions. If there are incomplete documents, we request them and continue treatment; we monitor the rehabilitation treatment,” explained Suzanna Ayvazyan, a physician-expert of the 4th commission.

Due to the degree of limitations to their daily activities, injured soldiers are mainly assigned a first group disability for a two-year term, while a third group is granted for life. According to specialists, the assigned disability groups may change, depending on the health conditions observed in the individuals. Considering the number of wounded still receiving treatment at clinics in the capital, experts predict that applications will significantly increase in the near future.

For individuals who face mobility challenges, the medical-expert commission conducts home visits, and applications can be submitted online if necessary.