In Brief
An ex-serviceman was invalided out of the Indian Army with a 60% disability (acute schizophrenia like psychotic disorder). The medical board opined the condition was constitutional and not service-related, denying disability pension. The Tribunal upheld this denial. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal of his legal heirs, holding that when a soldier has no disability noted at enrolment but is later discharged on medical grounds, the law presumes deterioration is service-caused unless the employer proves otherwise with reasons. The medical board failed to record reasons or examine service records, violating mandatory procedural guidelines. Applying settled principles from Dharamvir Singh and Rajbir Singh cases, the Court presumed causal connection to service and entitled the legal heirs to disability pension as per Rules.
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