Labor Court Orders National Insurance to Re-evaluate Mobility Claim
The Beersheba Regional Labor Court ordered the National Insurance Institute to re-examine a mobility allowance denial after a claimant underwent knee surgery.
The National Insurance Institute is set to re-evaluate a mobility allowance claim after the Beersheba Regional Labor Court approved a settlement returning the case to the appeals medical committee.
The appellant, who underwent left knee replacement surgery and suffers from herniated discs and leg pain, argued that his medical condition severely hinders his independent mobility. He appeared before the committee using a mobility scooter and accompanied by a foreign caregiver, yet his application for benefits was initially rejected.
In May 2026, the committee determined that his ailments did not fall under the statutory list of conditions qualifying for mobility allowances. Represented by attorney Shani Aharon Buzaglo, the appellant appealed, asserting that the committee failed to properly examine 62 pages of medical documentation and omitted explanations connecting its findings to the rejection.
The National Insurance Institute maintained that the committee conducted a comprehensive orthopedic examination based on the medical file and established findings, emphasizing that the qualifying list of impairments is closed.
Ultimately, both parties agreed to remand the case to the same committee panel. The committee must re-examine the knee joint ranges of motion while accounting for the appellant's surgical history. Registrar Tomer Menachem Altus validated the agreement into a binding ruling, mandating a detailed and reasoned decision without granting automatic eligibility for the allowance.
