Overview
- The Baden-Württemberg Higher Social Court ruled that even a wheelchair and a GdB of 100 do not automatically justify the Merkzeichen H, citing the plaintiff’s ability to dress, eat and manage personal care independently.
- Authorities evaluate concrete daily help needs, typically requiring significant assistance with at least three basic activities, so diagnoses, Pflegegrad or mobility aids alone are insufficient.
- Experts advise applicants to keep detailed day‑by‑day logs and obtain functional medical statements that specify which tasks cannot be done without help, while noting that reassessments can also lead to downgrades.
- Workers with a GdB of at least 30 can seek Gleichstellung through the Federal Employment Agency to secure key workplace protections without altering their GdB, though extra leave and the special pension still require GdB 50.
- From January 1, 2026, those born in 1964 or later can claim the disability old‑age pension unreduced only from 65, with early access from 62 at 0.3% monthly lifetime deductions, and once this pension is granted at start it remains even if the GdB is later reduced.