Limited suitability and temporary unsuitability: what is the difference and what does it mean?

“Limited fitness,” “temporary unfitness,” “repeat VLK,” “mobilization” — for most persons liable for military service, these terms have become a separate language that’s easy to get lost in. This is especially true after the status “limited fitness” was formally abolished and replaced with new wording about fitness with restrictions. In this material, we explain in simple terms how these statuses differ, how they affect the possibility of mobilization and service, the rights of a person liable for military service, and what to do if you disagree with a VLK decision.

What does the status “limited fitness” mean

Definition and legal framework

Historically, Ukraine used fitness categories A, B, V, G, D under the “Schedule of Diseases” under MoD Order No. 402. Category “V” meant “limited fit for military service,” category “G” — “temporarily unfit,” and “D” — “unfit.” A person with the status “limited fit” was deemed to have chronic diseases or conditions that prevent service in any position but allow service with significant restrictions — for example, in support units, headquarters, and not on the front line.

In peacetime, this often meant exemption from conscription, and in wartime — the possibility of mobilization to “lighter” positions. The situation changed after the adoption of Law No. 3621-IX of 21.03.2024 and amendments to the Regulation on Military-Medical Examination (MoD Order No. 262 of 27.04.2024). From 4 May 2024, the status “limited fit for military service” was officially abolished: the phrases “limited fit for military service” and “unfit in peacetime, limited fit in wartime” were removed from legislation.

Instead, more detailed wordings appeared within the “fit” status, for example: fit for military service in support units, TCC & SP, training centers, medical units, logistics, communications, guard/security, etc. In effect, this is the new analogue of the former “limited fit,” but legally the status is now recorded as a variety of “fit,” not a separate category.

Hubska Olha Serhiivna:

“Previously, VLK certificates stated category ‘V — limited fit.’ Now that category has been abolished, but the meaning remains the same — only the wording changed. Instead of ‘limited fit,’ they now write: ‘Fit for military service with restrictions.’”

Medical indicators and criteria

The former “limited fit” category usually covered chronic musculoskeletal diseases (joint or spine deformities) that preclude full physical loads; cardiovascular, endocrine, and neurological diseases with moderate but persistent functional impairment; consequences of injuries, surgeries, and wounds that limit endurance; and other conditions where full combat service is contraindicated but a person can serve in the rear or in “lighter” roles.

Today, the VLK assesses not so much “limited fitness” as the ability to serve in specific conditions: in combat units, support units, headquarters, medical units, etc. This is precisely what the updated Regulation on military-medical examination sets out.

Validity period and who sets it

Fitness decisions are made by the Military Medical Commission (VLK) based on an examination and the Schedule of Diseases. Before the 2024 changes, a “limited fit” conclusion could be long-term; under martial law, the general validity of a VLK decision on fitness/unfitness is usually 1 year unless otherwise stated, and for “temporarily unfit” — from 1 to 12 months, until a repeat examination. The mere expiry of this term does not mean a person must automatically go for a new VLK on their own: a referral for a repeat examination is issued by the TCC & SP or another authorized body.

After the status was abolished, the law required everyone who had “limited fit” in a VLK certificate before 4 May 2024 to undergo a repeat VLK during the transition period (the final deadline was extended to 5 June 2025). Following the repeat VLK, a person receives one of the statuses: “fit,” “temporarily unfit” (with a date for re-examination), or “unfit.” Those who have not undergone re-commissioning are deemed to have violated military registration rules and may be fined under the CoAO norms (wartime fine — from 17,000 to 25,500 UAH).

What does the status “temporarily unfit” mean

Definition and legal framework

“Temporarily unfit” (category “G” in the old system) is a status meaning a person cannot perform military service for a certain period due to health, but improvement is expected, after which fitness can be reassessed. A VLK conclusion is usually phrased as “temporarily unfit for military service, requires treatment with repeat examination after a specified period.”

The legal basis is the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service” and the Regulation on Military-Medical Examination in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (MoD Order No. 402 as amended in 2024).

Reasons for temporary unfitness

These are typically conditions that can be treated or stabilized in a relatively short time. They include acute infectious diseases and complications after them; recent injuries, fractures, surgeries, and postoperative recovery; exacerbations of chronic illnesses that allow service in remission; certain reactive mental disorders correctable by treatment; and pregnancy and the postpartum period for women liable for military service, where applicable.

The key point is that the VLK believes the health condition may change over time, so a date for a repeat examination is set and recommendations for treatment and tests are given.

Validity period and possibility of status change

“Temporarily unfit” is set for a specific period — usually from 1 to 6 months, sometimes up to 12. The VLK certificate must state the date of the repeat exam. Until the repeat VLK, a person is generally not mobilized as fit, but must respond to TCC & SP summons and undergo treatment and medical examinations.

After the repeat exam, the status may change to “fit for military service” (with possible specification of service conditions), “unfit for military service” (with exclusion from the register or without), or, in some cases, again “temporarily unfit” if treatment isn’t finished or the condition remains unstable.

Comparison table of statuses

Key differences: rights/duties, terms, mobilization

Criterion	“Limited fit” (historical status)	“Temporarily unfit”
Health condition	Chronic, persistent impairments allowing service only with significant restrictions, mainly not in combat units.	Temporary conditions (injury, surgery, exacerbation) expected to improve after treatment.
Mobilization possibility	In wartime, mobilization was possible mainly to support units, HQs, and rear units.	Until the repeat VLK date, generally not mobilized, as the person is legally unfit during the validity of the conclusion.
Validity	Previously a de facto long-term status; after changes, everyone must undergo a repeat VLK to clarify fitness.	Limited term (1–12 months) with a repeat VLK date stated in the certificate.
Who sets it	VLK under the Schedule of Diseases, MoD Order No. 402 (old edition).	VLK under the same Regulation, with the wording “temporarily unfit.”
Rights and duties	Registration with restrictions: assignment mainly to “lighter” roles, not to frontline units.	Duty to undergo treatment, follow medical advice, and appear for repeat VLK; a temporary deferment from service.

When statuses can be changed

Former “limited fit” persons were obliged to undergo a repeat VLK within the statutory term. If not done, the TCC may initiate a summons, and the state of fitness is effectively undefined until a new conclusion. After the repeat VLK, the person is assigned “fit,” “temporarily unfit,” or “unfit.”

The “temporarily unfit” status changes after re-examination or with a significant change in health (for better or worse). This usually requires a new referral to VLK and properly prepared medical documents.

Consequences for a person liable for military service

Can they be mobilized with such a status

Given the abolition of the formal “limited fit” status, the decisive factor today is the actual VLK conclusion after the repeat exam. If a person is recognized as fit, they may be mobilized, but the VLK can limit the types of service and positions (e.g., service in support units, logistics, and medical units).

If a person is recognized as temporarily unfit, they should not be mobilized until the end of the period stated in the VLK conclusion and until the repeat exam. In practice, errors or misinterpretations occur, so it’s important to keep all documents and seek legal help if needed.

How the status affects service and duties

For former “limited fit” (who after repeat VLK became “fit” with restrictions), the range of possible positions is narrower: typically not combat units, but support, communications, security, medical, and other auxiliary structures. Thus, the status affects not only the fact of mobilization but also the nature of future service.

For those with a “temporarily unfit” conclusion, the duties include undergoing treatment, following medical recommendations, and appearing at the TCC & SP for repeat exams. They cannot lawfully be sent to service contrary to a valid VLK conclusion, which is an important protection of the rights of a person liable for military service.

How to change the status or appeal a decision

Procedure for setting and changing status

The algorithm generally looks like this: first you receive a referral to VLK — today it may be a paper document from the TCC & SP or the military unit, or an electronic referral via the “Reserve+” app; then you undergo the necessary medical tests (labs, specialist consultations, instrumental diagnostics); after that, the VLK meets and issues a decision on the degree of fitness.

You can change the status if new medical documents have appeared that significantly affect the fitness assessment, if the validity of a “temporarily unfit” conclusion has expired, or if you successfully appealed the previous VLK decision administratively or in court.

Documents, bodies, time limits

Typically needed: passport and tax number, military card or temporary certificate of a person liable for military service, referral to VLK, and all medical documents — hospital discharge summaries, test results, specialist conclusions, and, if available, MSEC documents. Without a sufficient medical base, changing the status will be difficult.

You can appeal a VLK decision out of court — to a higher-level VLK (regional, oblast, Central VLK) — and in court, to an administrative court. General timeframes: you usually go to court within six months from the day you learned your rights were violated, or within three months of receiving a response if you first filed a complaint with a higher-level VLK.

Recommendations if the status is unfair

If you consider your status unfounded, first collect a complete set of medical documents — not only those the VLK considered, but also additional tests and specialist conclusions. Then consult a lawyer specializing in military law and VLK disputes to assess the prospects of appealing the VLK.

Next, file a complaint with a higher-level VLK with a clear description of violations and a request for a repeat or control exam. If necessary, apply to an administrative court within the established deadlines. It’s important not to ignore summons: evading VLK or failing to comply with a requirement for a repeat exam may lead to administrative liability under Arts. 210 and 210-1 of the CoAO — in wartime, the fine for citizens is from 17,000 to 25,500 UAH, and in certain cases may be higher.

FAQ

What is the main difference between “limited fit” and “temporarily unfit”?

Historically, “limited fit” meant chronic conditions with the possibility of service only in certain “lighter” roles, while “temporarily unfit” referred to temporary conditions that may improve. Since 4 May 2024, “limited fit” has been abolished, and in practice the contrast is now “temporarily unfit” versus various options of “fit,” including fitness with restrictions.

How long does “temporarily unfit” last?

A “temporarily unfit” conclusion always specifies a concrete term — from 1 to 12 months — and a repeat exam date. In practice, short terms of 1–3 months mean a treatment pause, and 6–12 months usually provide grounds for a full deferment from mobilization until the repeat VLK. After the stated date, the person must undergo VLK again, and the status may change to “fit,” “temporarily unfit” for a new term, or “unfit.”

Can a person with “limited fit” be mobilized?

Today VLK does not formally use this status: it was abolished by Law No. 3621-IX, and everyone who had “limited fit” before 4 May 2024 was required to undergo a repeat VLK by 5 June 2025. After re-commissioning, the person gets a new status — “fit,” “temporarily unfit,” or “unfit” — and this new conclusion determines whether they can be mobilized. If a former “limited fit” has still not undergone a repeat VLK, this is considered a violation of military registration rules with the risk of an administrative fine, not a “shield” from mobilization.

What documents are needed to change the status?

You need a military card or a temporary certificate, passport, referral to VLK, and a full set of medical documents: discharge summaries, test results, specialist conclusions, and, if available, MSEC documents. The outcome largely depends on the quality of the medical evidence.

Can the decision establishing the status be appealed?

Yes. You can appeal a VLK decision administratively to a higher-level VLK, and also in court under administrative proceedings. The key is to meet deadlines and properly draft the complaint or claim with all available medical documents attached.

How we can help

Cases related to “fit / temporarily unfit / unfit” always combine medical and legal aspects, so it can be difficult to sort them out on your own.

Lawyers at “Pravovyi Lider” will help analyze your VLK conclusion and medical documents, prepare a complaint to a higher-level VLK or a court claim, and support communication with the TCC & SP so that your rights are not violated. Fill out the form or call us — the first consultation is free.