A Ministry of Defence report presented to Parliament identifies hypertension, fractures, pregnancy-related conditions, and obesity as top disabilities reducing army officers' fitness for duty. These place officers in a low medical category (LMC), entitling them to higher disability pensions. The report highlights concerns over lifestyle diseases amid ongoing pension tax debates.
The Ministry of Defence informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that hypertension, fractures, pregnancy-related conditions, and obesity rank among the top 10 disabilities in the army, placing officers in a low medical category (LMC). These 10 conditions account for 71% of all disabilities in the officer cadre. Prevalence rates show hypertension affecting 2.66% of officers (19.04% of disabilities), fractures 1.78% (12.67%), pregnancy 1.68% (11.9%), and obesity 1.62% (11.54%). The army has around 45,000 officers.
A medical downgrade due to disability entitles soldiers to retirement benefits 20% to 50% higher than normal pensions, plus income tax exemption. The report noted, "190 female officers were in LMC for pregnancy and its related effects which formed 13.66% of all LMC officers. This physiological condition will get upgrade in due time."
The PAC's February 2024 report had expressed concern over lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. The ministry responded that prevalence among army personnel is lower than in the general population, citing health awareness campaigns, lifestyle programs, and interventions across services.
The report comes amid controversy over the Finance Bill 2026 limiting tax exemptions on disability pensions to those invalided out due to service-related disabilities. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in February to restore full exemptions. A 2019 CBDT circular clarifies exemptions apply only to those discharged before completing service for service-attributable reasons.
