Is it necessary to undergo the Military Medical Commission if there is a deferment or exemption: current rules for 2026

The question of undergoing the Military Medical Commission (MMC) often arises for people who have a deferment or exemption and are trying to understand whether they need to undergo a medical examination in such cases. In practice, everything depends not only on the status itself but also on the grounds for the summons, the type of document, and the specific situation in military registration. That is why it is important to distinguish general rules, exceptions, and mandatory cases for undergoing the MMC.

What is the MMC

The Military Medical Commission (MMC) is a system of medical commissions that conduct medical examinations and determine a person's fitness for military service based on their health condition.

During martial law, the MMC is a key stage in the mobilization process and personnel support of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. It does not provide treatment or conduct full diagnostics — its function is solely to determine the current fitness for service.

There is no separate law on military medical commissions. Their activities are regulated by a number of normative acts, including the Regulation on Military Medical Expertise in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine "On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization" and "On Military Duty and Military Service," as well as Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 560. Additionally, the basics of health care legislation and relevant medical standards apply.

Who is required to undergo the MMC

During martial law, the medical examination by the MMC is mandatory for those liable for military service who have received a summons or referral from the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRSSC), as well as those subject to re-examination after previous conclusions regarding limited fitness. Separately, the examination is conducted for individuals signing a contract for military service.

Military personnel undergo the MMC when it is necessary to review their health status, including after injury or changes in medical indicators.

Is it necessary to undergo the MMC if there is an exemption or deferment

The presence of an exemption or an official deferment generally means that the person liable for military service is not subject to mandatory referral to the MMC in the usual manner. However, there are exceptions when a medical examination may still be required.

In particular, this applies to cases when a person signs a contract for military service or has valid previous MMC conclusions with a status of limited fitness without undergoing a re-examination. Also, a person may undergo the MMC voluntarily if they want to update their medical status.

Referral to the MMC and its significance

Undergoing the MMC is always carried out only upon receipt of a referral. It is issued by territorial recruitment and social support centers, Armed Forces recruitment centers, or commanders of military units in the case of active military personnel.

There is also the possibility to obtain an electronic referral through the "Reserve+" application. In this case, the user submits a request in the service, after which the document is generated electronically without the need to personally contact the TRSSC.

How the MMC is conducted

The medical examination involves a comprehensive health check. It usually begins with basic tests and the collection of medical documents that can confirm existing diseases or previous diagnoses.

After that, the person is examined by specialized doctors — therapist, surgeon, neurologist, psychiatrist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, dentist, and dermatologist. If necessary, additional examinations may be prescribed, including instrumental diagnostics or inpatient examination.

Where the MMC is conducted

For those liable for military service, commissions operate at territorial recruitment centers based on civilian medical institutions. Military personnel undergo examinations at garrison or hospital MMCs located in military medical facilities. In complex cases, the commission may travel directly to the place of treatment.

Terms and validity of the conclusion

The basic medical examination usually lasts up to six days, and in cases of additional studies — up to 14 days. The MMC conclusion for those liable for military service during martial law is valid for one year.

MMC decisions

Based on the examination results, the commission determines the degree of fitness for military service. This can be full fitness, fitness with certain limitations, temporary unfitness with subsequent re-examination, or complete unfitness for service.

Appealing MMC decisions

If a person disagrees with the conclusion, a pre-trial procedure is first applied: a complaint with medical documents is submitted to a higher MMC within 30 days. If necessary, a re-examination is appointed and a new decision is made.

If this does not yield results, the matter may be taken to court. The court reviews not the medical assessment but the compliance with the procedure — the composition of the commission, completeness of the examination, timing, and correctness of document processing.

Refusal to undergo the MMC

Refusal to undergo the MMC without valid reasons is considered a violation of military registration rules. This may entail administrative liability in the form of a fine, as well as other consequences, including entering data into registration records and possible restrictions in case of systematic evasion.

Valid reasons may include a documented illness, death of a close relative, or force majeure circumstances that make attendance impossible.

Conclusion

An exemption or deferment usually exempts from mandatory MMC examination but does not exclude certain cases when a medical examination is still necessary. These include contract service, repeated medical examinations, or voluntary MMC examination initiated by the individual.

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