Direct answer
Obtain the written rejection and identify whether it disputes service connection, the assessed percentage, the category of discharge or missing evidence. A reasoned departmental appeal, followed where appropriate by an AFT application, should address that precise ground.
Legal position and important distinctions
The medical board assessment and the pension sanctioning decision may be different documents. Compare both rather than attacking an unidentified refusal. Entry fitness is relevant, but it does not automatically prove that every later disease arose from military service. The applicable entitlement rules, clinical history, service exposure and the board’s recorded reasons must be considered together.
Separate three decisions
Diagnosis, the assessed impairment percentage and legal entitlement to pension are different enquiries. Identify which board or authority decides each question. A supporting medical certificate is not final pension sanction. Likewise, a low medical category does not necessarily establish permanent incapacity or inability to undertake civil employment.
Prepare an evidence-based appeal
Date enrolment, first diagnosis, treatment, boards, discharge and rejection. Link every disputed finding to a specific annexure and page. Where ER 2023 applies, examine the six-month first and second pension-appeal provisions from the relevant rejection or sanction letter. Administrative time-bar provisions and judicial condonation before the AFT are distinct. An RTI request or reminder should not cause the original deadline to be missed.
Choose the correct relief
Depending on the defect, seek recognition of entitlement, correct classification, fresh medical consideration, a corrigendum PPO or calculation correction. Reassessment and payment sanction are not necessarily the same decision. Explain the arrears period and interest basis separately.
Practical steps
- Obtain the rejection and complete medical board proceedings.
- Submit a documented appeal through the appropriate Record Office or Service Headquarters.
- Identify the final decision, governing rule and precise relief in any AFT application.
Documents to collect
- Rejection and delivery proof
- IMB/RMB proceedings and treatment records
- Discharge order and departmental appeals
Hypothetical illustration
A board accepts aggravation by service, but the sanctioning letter records NANA without explaining the change. That inconsistency may be a material ground of challenge.
Avoid this mistake
A favourable order concerning another veteran cannot replace proof of your own medical and service circumstances.
Official sources
- DESW — types of defence pension; invalid-pension policy clarification
- Entitlement Rules and Guide to Medical Officers, 2023 — entitlement, assessment, boards and appeals
- Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 — sections 2, 3(o), 14–15, 19, 21–24, 29–32
Legal disclaimer
This article provides general legal information and the author’s general analysis, not individual legal advice. Reading it does not create an advocate–client relationship or guarantee an outcome. Rules, policies and judgments can change. Before acting, obtain qualified advice on your documents, applicable dates, jurisdiction and time limits.
Source check: 1 November 2026.