Appealing the decision of the MMB

Appealing a decision of the Military Medical Boards (MMB) is a real protection tool when a conclusion is issued in violation of procedure, without considering key diagnoses, or with paperwork errors. Our attorneys support clients from the initial consultation and collection of medical documents through pre-trial appeal to the higher MMB and filing an administrative lawsuit with a motion for injunctive relief (temporary suspension of the decision during review). We work quickly and systematically, focusing on evidence and procedural deadlines to increase your chances of having the conclusion reconsidered and a repeat MMB scheduled.

What an MMB decision is and why it can be appealed

The role of the MMB in military medical assessment

The MMB determines fitness for military service, records the causal link between illnesses/injuries and service, and issues a conclusion (decision) on the basis of which Territorial Centers for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRSS) make administrative decisions. The commission acts under an approved procedure and the Schedule of Diseases, which sets the fitness criteria for various diagnoses.

When an MMB decision violates rights — main grounds for appeal

Grounds for appeal include: procedural violations (incomplete composition of the commission, absence of mandatory specialized examinations, violation of re-examination deadlines), substantive errors (unaccounted diagnoses, incorrect application of the Schedule of Diseases), technical defects in the document (errors in personal data, dates, signatures, seals), as well as inconsistencies between the medical records and the MMB conclusion. In such cases, the decision can be reviewed administratively (by a higher MMB) or challenged in court.

Our MMB appeal services

Initial (preliminary) consultation

We explain the procedures, timelines, and realistic scenarios. We form a list of required certificates and examinations, and provide recommendations for documenting medical facts and procedural violations. As a result, you receive a clear action plan and a list of first steps.

Detailed analysis of your case and documents

We verify the MMB conclusion’s compliance with mandatory requirements: composition of the commission, minutes, list of examinations under specific articles of the Schedule of Diseases. We assess the medical data, determine whether there are sufficient grounds for a repeat MMB, and choose the optimal route — a pre-trial appeal or going straight to court.

Preparing an application/complaint to challenge the MMB

We prepare a reasoned complaint describing the violations with references to the rules, and attach medical opinions, discharge summaries, and test results. We systematize the evidence so that the higher MMB has a complete and clear body of information for reconsideration.

Pre-trial appeal (to the higher commission)

We file a hierarchical complaint (regional/higher MMB or the Central MMB), control its registration and review deadlines, and coordinate additional examinations. Where possible, we ensure the presence of a military lawyer at the repeat MMB and record the procedure.

Judicial appeal of the MMB decision

We prepare an administrative claim with evidence of violations, motions to obtain documents, and to appoint a forensic medical examination (if needed). We file a motion for injunctive relief to temporarily suspend the MMB decision during the court proceedings.

Support at all stages (securing, control, appeal)

We communicate with the MMB/TCRSS, prepare statements, requests, appeals, and cassation complaints. We control the enforcement of court decisions and arrange repeat examinations in accordance with court orders.

Stages of the MMB appeal procedure

Below is a consolidated table of the stages of an MMB appeal with key deadlines and actions so you can quickly navigate the entire route.

Stage	Key deadline	What we do / result
Complaint to the higher MMB	30 days from receiving the decision	File a reasoned hierarchical complaint, attach medical evidence, initiate a repeat MMB.
Additional examinations	Promptly per the higher MMB’s referral	Undergo the assigned tests, obtain new opinions, and update the evidentiary base.
Administrative lawsuit	3 months after the higher MMB’s response or up to 6 months from the conclusion date (if skipping pre-trial)	File the claim, form the legal position, and move to obtain documents/expertise.
Injunctive relief	Before filing or at any stage	Ask the court to suspend the MMB conclusion or prohibit actions by the respondent during the case.
Court review	Individual (depends on court/expertise)	Representation, motions, expert questioning, appeal if needed.

Step 1 — filing a written complaint to the higher MMB

The complaint is filed within 30 days from receiving the conclusion. If in doubt, file simultaneously to your TCRSS and the regional/higher MMB to avoid losing time. In the complaint, we clearly set out the violations and ask to schedule a repeat MMB or cancel the decision.

Step 2 — additional medical examination / new evidence

The higher MMB may refer you for additional tests. It is important to undergo them quickly, obtain the results, and add them to the case. New data (CT/MRI, specialist opinions) significantly strengthen the position on review.

Step 3 — drafting the lawsuit (if pre-trial efforts failed)

We prepare a claim to the administrative court: description of violations, legal reasoning, list of evidence, and motions to obtain documents. We observe filing deadlines and procedural requirements for the materials.

Step 4 — injunctive relief (suspension of the decision)

We ask the court to temporarily suspend the individual act (the MMB conclusion) during the proceedings or to prohibit certain actions toward the claimant. This is not automatic — a separate motion and the court’s ruling are required.

Step 5 — representation in the administrative court

We participate in the preparatory and main hearings, move for expert examination, question specialists, and obtain documents from medical facilities and the MMB. If needed, we prepare appeals and cassation complaints.

Deadlines and where to file

Administrative deadline (1 month)

It is advisable to file a complaint to the higher MMB within 30 days from the date of receiving the decision. Prompt action allows a quick repeat MMB and helps document procedural violations.

Court deadline (under certain conditions)

You may apply to the administrative court immediately or after the pre-trial stage. As a general approach, focus on 3 months after the higher MMB’s response or up to 6 months from when you learned of the rights violation (usually the conclusion date). The specific deadline depends on the case — we will confirm it during the consultation.

Where to file (higher MMB, regional MMBs, Central MMB, administrative court)

Complaints are filed hierarchically: against decisions of district/city MMBs — to the regional MMB; against regional MMB decisions — to the Central MMB. Central MMB decisions are appealed in court. Claims are filed with the district administrative court under jurisdiction rules.

Documents, evidence, and grounds

Medical records, opinions, medical history

We collect outpatient charts, hospital discharge summaries, specialist consultations, and lab/imaging results. We verify their completeness, relevance, and consistency with the diagnoses.

Certificates, extracts, test results

We add recent certificates from state and private medical facilities and track clinical dynamics. If necessary, we initiate missing tests to eliminate “blind spots” in the evidence base.

Substantiating violations — what the complaint must include

We describe specific procedural violations and Schedule requirements, record what exactly the MMB failed to do or violated, and how it affected the result. We add precise references to entries in medical records and test findings.

Diagnoses not considered / omitted

We verify the application of the relevant Schedule articles, prove the presence of persistent disorders, contraindications, or temporary unfitness with a specific re-examination period. We pay special attention to comorbid conditions and their impact on fitness.

Fees and guarantees

Indicative pricing

The initial consultation with “Pravovyi Lider” is free. During it we promptly assess your situation, outline possible routes (complaint to the higher MMB / lawsuit), provide a list of required documents, highlight key deadlines and risks, and send a brief action plan.

The cost of further support is determined individually depending on case complexity, document volume, medical nuances, and procedural stage. After reviewing the materials, we will provide a written proposal with the scope of work and timelines; we work under a contract, transparently, with phased payment possible.

Guarantees (confidentiality, transparency, contract)

We work strictly under a written agreement, ensure the confidentiality of medical data, provide stage-by-stage reports, and agree on each procedural step. We do not promise “to cancel any conclusion” — instead we honestly assess prospects and explain risks.

Why it pays to choose us

Experience in MMB practice

We specialize in disputes over military medical expertise, know the typical range of errors, and how to document them. We work across the full spectrum of specialties (orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, psychiatry, etc.), and correctly align your diagnoses with the Schedule of Diseases and procedural requirements. We use structured checklists and procedural templates: what exactly to request from medical facilities/MMBs, which examinations are appropriate, how to document refusals and delays, and how to prepare materials for injunctive relief.

Wins / case studies

Below is a selection of real wins: brief stories and results in MMB cases, confirmed by publications and reviews on our social media:

Individual approach, adaptation to medical nuances

We work with specialty physicians and experts, forming a personalized evidence strategy tailored to your diagnosis and treatment history. We consider comorbidities, side effects, and clinical dynamics — for each profile we prepare separate medico-legal justifications and an “evidence map” with priorities. If needed, we involve independent experts for a second opinion and coordinate the timing of additional tests so as not to miss procedural deadlines.

Online / offline support

We consult throughout Ukraine, accept documents online, and ensure an attorney’s offline presence where possible. Documents are accepted through secure channels (e-mail, messengers, cloud folders) with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for medical data; communication — phone/Zoom/Telegram/Viber at a time convenient for you. Upon request, we arrange an attorney’s visit for the repeat MMB, participation in court hearings, and support at the TCRSS.

FAQ

Can I appeal an MMB decision without a lawyer?

Yes, but practice shows that mistakes in wording the claims, missing deadlines, or a weak evidence base reduce the chances of success. A lawyer will help gather relevant medical evidence, follow the procedure, and meet deadlines.

Is the MMB decision automatically suspended?

No. Suspension is possible only by a court ruling on a motion for injunctive relief (including by suspending the individual act). The court assesses risks and indications of unlawfulness before deciding.

How long does court review take?

It depends on the court’s workload, the number of motions, and the need for expert examination. We try to speed up the process through a complete evidence base and properly worded claims.

What if the deadline was missed?

You need to justify valid reasons and ask to restore the deadline (hospitalization, mobilization circumstances, force majeure, etc.). In parallel, we prepare the most complete set of evidence supporting your position.

Can I add new medical records after the MMB decision?

Yes. At the pre-trial stage — together with the complaint; in court — as additional evidence. You can also move to appoint an independent examination.

Need to appeal an MMB conclusion — we’ll do it competently and on time. Leave a request for a free initial consultation: we will assess the chances, check your documents, propose an action plan, and take over full legal support — from the complaint to the court decision.