In Brief
A soldier enrolled in the Indian Army was diagnosed with acute schizophrenia-like psychotic disorder after 2007 and invalided out in 2009 with 60% disability, but was denied disability pension as the Medical Board deemed it 'constitutional' and unrelated to service. The Supreme Court held that since no such disability was recorded at entry, the law presumes sound health at entry and deterioration during service. The Medical Board must provide detailed reasoned opinion addressing all evidence and regulations; a bare conclusion without reasons cannot rebut the statutory presumption. The employer bears the burden to prove disconnection. The Court allowed the appeal, directing disability pension to be paid to the deceased serviceman's legal heirs."
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