In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has stated that a military officer with hypertension should not be denied a disability pension simply because the condition is labeled a “lifestyle disorder.” This decision challenges the Union government’s rejection of a previous judgment from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), which supported the retired officer’s claim.
The court emphasized that lifestyle differs for each person. Just saying a disease is lifestyle-related is insufficient to deny a pension. “Medical assessments must thoroughly evaluate each case rather than relying on general statements,” wrote Justices V Kameswar Rao and Manmeet P S Arora.
The officer in question served in the Indian Air Force from October 1981 until March 2019. His disability pension request was dismissed by the government, which argued that his condition arose in a non-combat setting and was not linked to his military duties. However, the court pointed out that the medical board did not clarify why hypertension was categorized as a lifestyle issue. The judges insisted that medical boards need to justify their conclusions to ensure fair treatment.
This ruling is a reminder of the ongoing discussions about how we classify medical conditions. According to a study by the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide live with hypertension, which is often tied to lifestyle choices. Yet, it also has medical and genetic factors that can complicate the narrative.
On social media, reactions to the ruling are mixed. Many support the court’s decision, viewing it as a step towards recognizing the complexities of health conditions. Others fear that it could lead to more claims for disability based on lifestyle diseases.
The discourse around disability pensions is evolving. Recent statistics show that around 25% of veterans face difficulties securing benefits related to health conditions. This highlights the need for clearer guidelines and thorough evaluations by medical boards.
In summary, the Delhi High Court’s decision sheds light on the intricate relationship between lifestyle and health, particularly in the military context. As more officials and experts weigh in, the conversation continues to grow around health, lifestyle, and the rights of those who serve.
For more on the complexities of lifestyle-related health issues, you can refer to this report from the World Health Organization.
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