Veterans’ complaints: What issues the Office of the Military Ombudsman is authorized to consider

The Office of the Military Ombudsman receives complaints from veterans. We strive to assist everyone who reaches out to us; however, some of the issues raised fall outside the mandate of our institution. In such cases, we are obliged either to return the complaint to the sender or to redirect it to the competent authorities in accordance with the law.

Therefore, we would like to clarify in which cases the Office can provide assistance and when it may be more appropriate to contact other state institutions.

The Office of the Military Ombudsman primarily protects the rights of military personnel during active service. If veterans are no longer active servicemembers but their complaints concern violations of rights that occurred during their period of service, the Office will also respond to such cases.

Most common complaints from veterans that fall within the Office’s mandate:

• Obtaining certificates from military units.
• Obtaining other documents confirming military service.
• Issuing financial certificates. 
• Other issues related to the period of military service.

Most common issues that fall outside the Office’s mandate: 

• Oversight or influence over law enforcement agencies during the conduct of pre-trial investigations.
• Enforcement of court decisions, including those related to the restoration of payments.
• Provision of legal explanations or interpretation of legislation.
• Formation of legal position regarding specific legal situations.
• Complaints related to mobilization, deferment, or removal from the military register submitted by war veterans who are not active servicemembers at the time of application.
• Reports of alleged criminal offenses.

Other government bodies that veterans may contact, depending on the issue:

• Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine — granting or confirming veteran status, veteran programs, rehabilitation and housing programs, psychological support, state guarantees and benefits.
• Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and military administration bodies — issues related to monetary allowances during military service, compensation payments for injuries, orders and decisions of the command, establishing a causal link between an injury and military service.
• Social protection authorities — benefits for housing and utility payments, subsidies, social benefits and compensations, provision of rehabilitation aids, assistance to families of fallen servicemembers.
• Pension Fund of Ukraine — appointment or recalculation of pensions, disability pensions, survivor’s pensions, and recording of insurance contributions.