Injured Playing Soccer in the Army, a Korean Veteran Wins Right to Compensation
A South Korean court ruled that a former Army soldier who suffered serious injuries while playing soccer during a military sports event should receive veterans compensation. The court said his injuries were sufficiently connected to his military service, even though he was not performing a direct military duty at the time.
The accident happened in December 2023 during a soccer competition organized by an Army unit. The soldier injured his left leg and pelvis after colliding with another player. He was later diagnosed with hip problems and required surgery before leaving the military in October 2024.
After his discharge, the veteran applied for government recognition and compensation. Veterans authorities rejected his applications, so he took the case to court. The main question was how closely an injury must be connected to military service to qualify for government benefits.
The court explained that the requirements are different. Veterans compensation requires a strong connection between the injury and military service or training. However, being recognized as a person of national merit requires a much stronger connection to national defense, security, or protecting people's lives and property.
The court rejected his request to be recognized as a person of national merit because playing soccer did not directly serve national defense. However, it ruled that his injury was service-related because medical experts said 70% of the injury resulted from the soccer accident. The decision shows that an injury does not have to happen during combat or regular military training to qualify for compensation.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: http://koreabizwire.com/injured-playing-soccer-in-the-army-a-korean-veteran-wins-right-to-compensation/357362 |
