Sadly, many service members are injured – physically or psychologically – or fall ill during their military service. In some cases, service conditions or failures by those responsible worsen a pre-existing illness.
Anyone injured during service may seek recognition of their rights by filing a claim with the Ministry of Defense Compensation Officer under the Invalids (Benefits and Rehabilitation) Law, 5719-1959.
The law covers conscripts and reservists, career personnel, veterans, Border Police officers, police officers, prison guards, and members of the other security forces.
Recognition as a disabled veteran by the Ministry of Defense brings a wide range of significant, lifelong rights and may also provide a permanent monthly allowance.
Filing a claim with the Compensation Officer is often a complex and cumbersome process that calls for legal knowledge and familiarity with the system. To be recognized, claimants must meet numerous conditions and support their claim with factual and medical evidence about their condition, how it developed, and the fact that it arose “during and as a result of service.”
Tragically, other claims to the Ministry of Defense concern the recognition of bereaved families.
Under the Families of Soldiers Killed in Action (Benefits and Rehabilitation) Law, 5710-1950, the family of a soldier who died “during and as a result of service” is recognized as a bereaved family and is entitled to rehabilitation support, including a monthly allowance.
Even in these painful cases, the Ministry of Defense sometimes disputes whether a person who died in service should be recognized as a fallen IDF soldier.
How we can help
- Claims for recognition of a disability or illness
- Claims for aggravation of a disability or illness
- Claims for consequential (secondary) injury
- Advice and guidance throughout the claims process and in securing your rights
- Representation before the Compensation Officer and the Rehabilitation Division
- Representation in appeals before the courts
- Representation of bereaved families seeking recognition