Israeli Hospital Patient Recognized as Victim After Iranian Missile Hits His Ward

A resident of Beersheba, identified as B., was hospitalized in the internal medicine department of Soroka Medical Center when an Iranian missile struck the ward, causing extensive damage. According to a recent lawsuit filed on his behalf, B. was admitted for liver issues and was under medication when the missile hit nearby, resulting in shrapnel injuries to both legs. He was treated and discharged but subsequently developed chronic pain, numbness, burning sensations in his legs, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks related to the traumatic event.

B. independently sought recognition from the National Insurance Institute as a victim of hostile actions, despite a prior medical and psychological history including back pain, spinal issues, and brief mental health treatment for anxiety. Initial medical committees deemed his leg injuries superficial with no orthopedic disability, but later nerve conduction tests indicated nerve damage, sparking medical disputes over whether symptoms stemmed from the missile incident or pre-existing conditions.

Following appeals led by attorney Michaela Dimaratz, additional medical evidence was submitted showing worsening symptoms linked to the missile strike. A psychiatric committee confirmed B.'s exposure to a traumatic event, diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder and granting him a temporary 25% disability rating until May 2027. He has received retroactive compensation of approximately 44,000 shekels and ongoing monthly payments. The orthopedic committee recognized a permanent 10% disability due to scarring, entitling him to an additional grant of about 62,000 shekels.

Further evaluations will determine if B. qualifies for permanent mental disability benefits, potentially increasing his compensation. Attorney Dimaratz emphasized that prior medical conditions should not preclude recognition of new or aggravated injuries caused by hostile acts, advocating for thorough assessments of such cases.