Delhi High Court Rules Disability Pension Cannot Be Denied Over 'Lifestyle Disorder' Label

The Delhi High Court ruled that armed forces personnel cannot be denied disability pensions solely because their illness is labeled a "lifestyle disorder" or developed during peace postings. The Court emphasized that military service, even in non-operational areas, involves stressors like long hours and frequent transfers that can impact health. It set aside the Armed Forces Tribunal's rejection of a retired Air Force officer's claim for hypertension and coronary artery disease, noting the Medical Board failed to justify its decision and improperly attributed the conditions to lifestyle without evidence.