Military Claims Guide
Military Deafness Claims: Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
How to claim compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus caused by military service — eligibility, the claims process, compensation amounts, time limits, and no win no fee.
Military Hearing Loss: The Scale of the Problem
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common injuries suffered by serving and former military personnel. Decades of exposure to weapons fire, aircraft noise, armoured vehicles and explosions have left thousands of veterans with permanent hearing damage and tinnitus.
Many veterans do not realise they are entitled to compensation. They accept their hearing loss as an inevitable consequence of service, or they are unaware of the claims process. In fact, there are two main routes to compensation: the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for injuries sustained on or after 6 April 2005, and the War Pensions Scheme for earlier injuries.
PDA Law has specialist expertise in military hearing loss claims and has helped hundreds of veterans and their families obtain the compensation they deserve.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
The AFCS provides compensation for injuries, illness and death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. Claims are assessed by Veterans UK (part of the Ministry of Defence). The scheme uses a tariff system — hearing loss is assessed against a set of descriptors and awarded a lump sum accordingly.
For hearing loss, the tariff levels range from Level 14 (mild hearing loss in one ear, around £1,236) to Level 6 (severe bilateral hearing loss, around £115,000). Tinnitus is assessed separately. In the most serious cases, a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly payment for life — may also be awarded.
If you disagree with the initial decision, you can request a reconsideration and then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber). A solicitor can represent you at appeal.
The War Pensions Scheme
The War Pensions Scheme covers injuries and illness caused by service before 6 April 2005. It provides a weekly pension based on the degree of disablement. There is no time limit for making a War Pensions claim — veterans can apply at any time, even decades after leaving service.
Hearing loss is assessed as a percentage of disablement. A 20% assessment, for example, attracts a weekly pension of around £40 (2024/25 rates). Additional allowances may be available for more severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim compensation for hearing loss caused by military service?
Yes. If you suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of exposure to excessive noise during military service, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can be made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for injuries sustained on or after 6 April 2005, or under the War Pensions Scheme for injuries sustained before that date. Civil claims against the Ministry of Defence are also possible in some circumstances.
What causes military hearing loss?
Military hearing loss (noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL) is caused by prolonged or sudden exposure to loud noise during service. Common causes include: weapons fire (rifles, artillery, mortars); aircraft noise (helicopters, jets); armoured vehicle noise; explosions; and training exercises. Even brief exposure to very loud noise (such as an explosion) can cause permanent hearing damage.
What is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for injuries, illness and death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. Hearing loss is assessed using a tariff system — the more severe the hearing loss, the higher the award. Awards range from a lump sum of a few thousand pounds for mild hearing loss to over £100,000 for severe bilateral hearing loss. A Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) may also be payable for more serious cases.
What is the War Pensions Scheme?
The War Pensions Scheme covers injuries and illness caused by service before 6 April 2005. It provides a weekly pension based on the degree of disablement caused by the service-related condition. Hearing loss is assessed as a percentage of disablement. Claims can be made at any time — there is no time limit for War Pensions claims.
Is there a time limit for making a military hearing loss claim?
For AFCS claims, you must apply within 7 years of the injury or the date you first knew (or ought to have known) that your injury was caused by service. For War Pensions claims, there is no time limit. For civil claims against the MoD, the standard 3-year personal injury limitation period applies, running from the date of injury or the date of knowledge.
What compensation can I receive for military hearing loss?
Under the AFCS, hearing loss is assessed on a tariff. Mild to moderate hearing loss in one ear attracts a lump sum of around £9,000–£16,000. Severe bilateral hearing loss can attract awards of £60,000–£115,000 or more, plus a Guaranteed Income Payment. Under the War Pensions Scheme, the weekly pension depends on the percentage of disablement. Civil claims can include general damages for pain and suffering, plus special damages for financial losses.
Do I need a medical assessment for a military hearing loss claim?
Yes. Your hearing loss will need to be assessed by an audiologist. A pure tone audiogram measures your hearing thresholds across different frequencies. The results are used to calculate the degree of hearing loss and the appropriate compensation. Your solicitor will arrange an independent medical examination if required.
Can I claim for tinnitus as well as hearing loss?
Yes. Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears) is a separate condition that often accompanies noise-induced hearing loss. It can be claimed for separately under both the AFCS and the War Pensions Scheme. The impact of tinnitus on your daily life — sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, anxiety — will be taken into account in assessing compensation.
Can I claim if I have already left the armed forces?
Yes. You can make a claim after leaving the armed forces, provided you are within the relevant time limits. Many veterans do not realise they have a claim until years after leaving service, when their hearing deteriorates further or they are diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss. The date of knowledge (when you first knew or ought to have known your hearing loss was caused by service) is important for time limit purposes.
Is there a no win no fee option for military hearing loss claims?
Yes. PDA Law handles military hearing loss claims on a no win no fee basis (a Conditional Fee Agreement). This means you pay nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation — but you will always receive the majority of your award. We will explain the exact terms before you commit to anything.
Speak to a Military Claims Solicitor
PDA Law specialises in military hearing loss and tinnitus claims. We act on a no win no fee basis and have helped hundreds of veterans obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.