Overview
- Germany’s Federal Social Court issued two rulings on January 16, 2026 that refine when the 'aG' marker applies, granting it in one case and sending another back to determine whether the impairment corresponds to at least a GdB of 80.
- The court held that being able to walk in familiar settings does not bar 'aG' if movement in public spaces is only possible with third-party help or great effort and the impairment equates to a GdB of at least 80.
- Separately, the Regional Social Court of Lower Saxony-Bremen on August 20, 2025 overturned a first-instance grant of the 'G' marker to an extremely overweight pensioner after experts found no independent joint or organ damage.
- That regional ruling clarified that obesity alone does not justify the 'G' marker and that applicants must show additional, demonstrable and lasting health damage, such as heart failure, diabetes complications, documented joint destruction or spinal deformity.
- The regional court permitted an appeal to the Federal Social Court, leaving a definitive nationwide precedent on obesity-related claims for the 'G' marker still pending.