German courts uphold disability ID validity and grant equal status after rating changes

The North Rhine‑Westphalia Higher Social Court clarified that a Schwerbehindertenausweis (disability ID) remains valid as long as a reduction decision on the degree of disability (GdB) is under appeal. The ruling emphasizes that the issuance of the ID is based on the existing positive determination, and the authority cannot withdraw the card until the lower‑ranking decision becomes final.

In a separate case, the Berlin Social Court confirmed the right of a worker with a GdB of 30 to be treated as severely disabled (Gleichstellung) when facing a potential job loss caused by the sale of his employer, Bosch AG. The court found that the employee’s protected status was necessary to safeguard his existing suitable workplace despite the employer’s claim that the position was already adapted.

Both decisions rely on provisions of the Social Code (SGB IX) and previous rulings of the Federal Social Court, reinforcing procedural safeguards for disability benefits and equal‑treatment claims in Germany.