Court: Single Kidney Stone Not a Disqualifier for Police Applicants - German court overturns police rejection over past kidney stones

A recent ruling by Germany's Federal Administrative Court has clarified how health conditions affect recruitment for public safety roles. The decision confirms that past medical issues, such as a single kidney stone, do not automatically bar applicants from joining the police. Instead, authorities must assess each case individually with solid medical evidence.

The case centred on a police candidate rejected due to a history of kidney stones. The state police authority had argued that the condition made the applicant unfit for service. However, the court found this reasoning flawed, as no concrete proof existed that the issue would recur or impair future performance.

Under the ruling, health suitability cannot be denied based on past conditions alone. Authorities must now rely on detailed medical reports, including specialist diagnoses and treatment records, to determine fitness. The court stressed that a one-time kidney stone does not justify exclusion, especially without evidence of long-term risk. The decision also highlighted that unfitness can only be proven if there is a clear prognosis of future health problems before retirement age. Since the applicant's case lacked such proof, the police recruitment process must continue. The state may still challenge the ruling, with the Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia in Münster handling any appeal.

The ruling sets a clearer standard for police recruitment, ensuring that past health issues do not lead to automatic disqualification. Authorities must now provide specific medical evidence to justify rejections. This change aims to make the selection process fairer for candidates with minor or resolved health conditions.