KARABAKH WAR VETERAN DEPRIVED OF DISABILITY PENSION (VIDEO)

Tert.am
09.12.11

The Armenia based NGO Civil Society Institute has issued a statement,
expressing concerns over the Medical and Social Expert Committee’s
recent decision to deprive a disabled veteran of the Nagorno-Karabakh
war of his monthly pension.

Arayik Melkumyan, who was a detachment commander in Karabakh, received
brain concussion in 1992. His only remedy since then has been tobacco
that helped the veteran hero to overcome sleeplessness and headaches,
dispelling the recollections of war constantly running in his head.

According to a statement on the organization’s website, Melkumyan’s
disability pension, which was 40,000 Drams (about $100), has not been
given to him since November. The Committee denied him a disability
status on the grounds that he missed the chance to receive a treatment
in the past years.

Melkumyan joined the battle as a volunteer in 1989 and soon assumed
command of his detachment after the former commander was wounded.

A mine blast in a fierce battle in Lachin region caused his brain
concussion, leaving him with a leg fracture and wounds on both sides
of the neck.

Although eligible for a disability pension since suffering the trauma,
Melkumyan applied to the Committee only in 2008.

Neurologist Karine Harutynyan, who examines him every year, mentioned
in his medical records that his disease had residual effects. However,
the Committee did not take the fact into consideration this year.

The head of the Committee, Misha Vanyan, was quoted as saying that
1,600 individuals who applied to them for the first time this year
have been denied a disability status, and 15,000 registered patients
were no longer found individuals with disabilities.

Officials at the Defense Ministry recently received the veteran. As
to whether or not he will apply to the court to re-establish his
disability status will depend upon the results of a new expert
examination.

“I am not begging for help. Let them say I am healthy and not eligible
for a disability status, although I am aware of my deteriorating
condition. Sometimes I do not even remember people whom I have known
for years,” he was quoted as saying.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress