Military Claims Guide
Military PTSD Claims: Compensation for Psychiatric Injury
How to claim compensation for PTSD and other psychiatric injuries caused by military service — eligibility, the claims process, compensation amounts, time limits, and no win no fee.
PTSD and Military Service
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most significant mental health challenges facing the armed forces community. Research suggests that around 4–6% of serving personnel and veterans experience PTSD at any given time, with higher rates among those who have served in combat roles or been exposed to traumatic events.
Despite growing awareness, many veterans still do not seek help or make compensation claims. Stigma, a reluctance to appear weak, and uncertainty about the claims process all play a role. In fact, PTSD and other psychiatric injuries caused by service are fully compensatable conditions, and veterans deserve the same recognition and support as those with physical injuries.
PDA Law has specialist expertise in military psychiatric injury claims and works closely with veterans' organisations to ensure that those who have served receive the compensation and support they are entitled to.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
The AFCS provides compensation for injuries, illness and death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. Psychiatric conditions are assessed using a tariff system based on severity and duration of symptoms.
The key tariff levels for PTSD and psychiatric injury are:
- Level 11–12 (mild, fully recovered within 2 years): lump sum of £9,000–£16,000
- Level 8–10 (moderate, significant symptoms persisting): lump sum of £16,000–£48,000
- Level 4–7 (severe, permanent significant disability): lump sum of £48,000–£115,000 plus Guaranteed Income Payment
- Level 1–3 (most severe, permanent profound disability): lump sum of £115,000–£650,000 plus Guaranteed Income Payment
Civil Claims Against the MoD
In some cases, a civil claim against the Ministry of Defence may be more appropriate than an AFCS claim — particularly where the MoD was negligent in its duty of care to the claimant. Civil claims are not subject to the AFCS tariff and can result in higher compensation, particularly for loss of earnings and future care costs.
Civil claims are subject to the standard 3-year personal injury limitation period. For psychiatric conditions, this runs from the date of knowledge — which is often the date of formal diagnosis rather than the date of the traumatic event. A solicitor can advise on whether a civil claim is appropriate in your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim compensation for PTSD caused by military service?
Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric injuries caused by military service are compensatable conditions. 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 earlier injuries. Civil claims against the Ministry of Defence are also possible in some circumstances.
What is PTSD and how is it diagnosed?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include: intrusive memories and flashbacks; nightmares; severe anxiety; emotional numbness; hypervigilance; and avoidance of reminders of the trauma. PTSD is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist using criteria from the DSM-5 or ICD-11. A formal diagnosis is required to support a compensation claim.
What other psychiatric conditions can be claimed for?
In addition to PTSD, claims can be made for: complex PTSD (C-PTSD); adjustment disorder; depression; anxiety disorders; and other psychiatric conditions caused or aggravated by military service. The condition must be caused or materially contributed to by service. Pre-existing conditions that were aggravated by service may also be compensatable.
What compensation can I receive for military PTSD?
Under the AFCS, PTSD is assessed on a tariff based on severity. Mild PTSD (fully recovered within 2 years) attracts a lump sum of around £9,000–£16,000. Moderate PTSD (significant symptoms persisting beyond 2 years) attracts £16,000–£48,000. Severe PTSD (permanent significant disability) can attract £80,000–£115,000 or more, plus a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly payment for life.
Is there a time limit for making a military PTSD 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 condition 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 — which for psychiatric conditions is often the date of diagnosis.
What evidence do I need to support a PTSD claim?
You will need: a formal psychiatric diagnosis from a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist; your service records (which your solicitor can obtain); medical records showing treatment for psychiatric symptoms; and a statement describing the traumatic events and their impact on your life. An independent psychiatric report may also be required to assess the severity of your condition and its causal link to service.
Can I claim if I have already left the armed forces?
Yes. Many veterans do not seek help for PTSD until years after leaving service. The date of knowledge — when you first knew or ought to have known that your psychiatric condition was caused by service — is important for time limit purposes. If you were only recently diagnosed with PTSD, the 7-year AFCS time limit may run from the date of diagnosis rather than the date of the traumatic event.
What if my PTSD claim was previously rejected?
If your AFCS or War Pensions claim was rejected, you may be able to appeal. For AFCS decisions, you can request a reconsideration within 1 year of the decision, and then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber). For War Pensions decisions, you can appeal to the same tribunal. A solicitor can advise on the prospects of a successful appeal and represent you at the hearing.
Can I claim for moral injury as well as PTSD?
Moral injury — the psychological damage caused by participating in or witnessing events that violate your moral beliefs — is increasingly recognised as a distinct condition. While it is not currently a recognised diagnostic category in the same way as PTSD, the symptoms (guilt, shame, spiritual crisis, loss of meaning) can form part of a broader psychiatric claim. A specialist psychiatrist can assess and document moral injury as part of your overall psychiatric presentation.
Is there a no win no fee option for military PTSD claims?
Yes. PDA Law handles military PTSD and psychiatric injury 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 PTSD and psychiatric injury claims. We act on a no win no fee basis and treat every client with the sensitivity and respect their service deserves. Contact us for a free, confidential assessment of your claim.