_a.jpg "צילום: שי וקנין")
Prolonged damage. Katyusha rocket
Photo: Shai Vaaknin
IDF grants military chef disability
Man who served as army kitchener during Second Lebanon War deemed suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome, awarded 70% disability
A military chef who has been suffering from depression since he served in the Second Lebanon War has
been deemed disabled by the defense establishment.
The man reportedly joined the Israeli Defense Forces in perfect health and was stationed as a combatant with one of the IDF's Infantry Corps units. Several months into his service, he was injured and upon his recovery, was reassigned to one of the military's bases in northern Israel, as the residential cook.
The prolonged exposure to rocket fire near the base during the 2006 fighting in Lebanon resulted in him suffering from depression and nightmares. He reportedly regressed, became introverted and had difficulty sleeping. He applied for military aid and was awarded 5% disability.
As time went by, the soldier's condition worsened and he was hospitalized in three difference psychiatric wards. Unable to support himself, his family was left to finance the costly treatments.
The man decided to appeal the original disability ruling, filing a psychiatric brief which stated he exhibits signs of post traumatic stress disorder.
The defense establishment's medical commission granted the appeal, awarding him 70% disability.
