Question 1

Who can bring a military injury claim?

Accepted Answer

Serving personnel (Regular and Reserve), veterans and reservists who have suffered injury or illness as a result of their service may be able to bring a military personal injury claim. You do not need to be currently serving. Our military claims solicitors advise personnel from all branches of the UK Armed Forces.

Question 2

Can I claim even if the injury happened years ago?

Accepted Answer

Time limits apply to military injury claims, but the position can be complex — particularly for veterans whose symptoms developed or worsened after discharge. We strongly recommend seeking advice as early as possible rather than assuming it is too late.

Question 3

Will making a military claim affect my career?

Accepted Answer

We understand this is a significant concern for serving personnel. We can advise you confidentially on this before you decide whether to proceed. Many military injury claims are brought without any adverse impact on service.

Question 4

Do I need to attend an office appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. We can advise you by telephone or video call. We understand that serving personnel and veterans may be based anywhere in England and Wales.

Question 5

What is the difference between a civil MOD claim and an AFCS claim?

Accepted Answer

A civil claim against the MOD requires you to establish that the MOD was negligent — for example, by failing to provide adequate hearing protection or by exposing you to unsafe conditions. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a no-fault scheme — you do not need to prove negligence. Both routes are available to serving personnel and veterans. Our military solicitors will advise which is most appropriate for your circumstances.

Question 6

Can I claim for tinnitus on its own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tinnitus — ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears — is a recognised injury and can form the basis of a military tinnitus claim on its own, or alongside hearing loss.

Question 7

What if I was issued with hearing protection?

Accepted Answer

Being issued with hearing protection does not automatically prevent a military hearing loss claim. If the protection was inadequate, poorly fitted, not provided consistently, or if you were not properly trained in its use, a claim may still be possible.

Question 8

Does hearing loss need to be severe?

Accepted Answer

No. Even moderate hearing loss or tinnitus that affects your daily life may support a military hearing loss claim. The impact on your quality of life is relevant.

Question 9

What is the average payout for hearing loss from the MOD?

Accepted Answer

The average payout for hearing loss from the MOD depends on the severity of your hearing impairment, whether tinnitus is also present, and the impact on your daily life. AFCS awards follow a structured tariff. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher MOD hearing loss compensation where negligence is established. We will give you a realistic assessment of your military hearing loss claim amount after reviewing your circumstances.

Question 10

Can I make an army hearing loss claim after leaving the Forces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Army hearing loss claims and military deafness claims can be brought by veterans who have left the Forces, including those discharged many years ago. Armed forces hearing loss often continues to worsen after discharge. Time limits apply, so early advice is important.

Question 11

What is Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)?

Accepted Answer

Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. It can cause lasting damage to the hands, feet and limbs, including pain, numbness and sensitivity to cold. It is distinct from frostbite. Army cold injury compensation claims are available for personnel who suffered NFCI during service.

Question 12

Can I claim army cold injury compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Army cold injury compensation claims can be brought by serving personnel and veterans who suffered non-freezing cold injury in the British Army or other branches of the Armed Forces. Both civil MOD claims and AFCS claims may be available.

Question 13

Can symptoms appear after discharge?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-freezing cold injury British Army symptoms can persist and worsen after leaving the Forces. Veterans who develop or notice worsening symptoms after discharge may still be able to bring a claim.

Question 14

Are cold injury claims covered by the AFCS?

Accepted Answer

Cold and heat injuries caused by service may be covered by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) as well as by civil claims against the MOD. We will advise on the most appropriate route.

Question 15

Can I make a military PTSD claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Military PTSD claims can be brought by serving personnel and veterans who have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their service. Both civil claims against the MOD and AFCS claims may be available routes.

Question 16

Do I need a formal PTSD diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A formal diagnosis is helpful but not always required at the outset of a military PTSD claim. We can advise on the evidence needed to support a claim and how to obtain a medical assessment.

Question 17

Are non-combat psychological injuries covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Psychological injuries do not need to arise from combat. Injuries caused by bullying, harassment, traumatic incidents during training, or other service-related events may also support a military PTSD claim.

Question 18

Is support available during the claims process?

Accepted Answer

We understand that bringing a military PTSD claim can be difficult. We work sensitively and at your pace, and can signpost you to support services where appropriate.

Question 19

What is military medical negligence?

Accepted Answer

Military medical negligence occurs where the standard of medical care provided to serving personnel or veterans falls below the expected standard, causing injury or worsening a condition. Armed forces medical negligence claims can be brought against the MOD or the relevant healthcare provider.

Question 20

Can I bring an armed forces medical negligence claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Armed forces medical negligence claims can be brought by serving personnel and veterans who have suffered harm as a result of substandard medical care during or after service. We can advise on whether you have a claim and the best route to pursue it.

Question 21

What types of military medical negligence claims are there?

Accepted Answer

Military medical negligence claims include failure to diagnose or treat injuries and illnesses, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment of service-related conditions. Armed forces medical negligence claims can be complex and we recommend seeking specialist advice.

Question 22

Do I need specialist military divorce solicitors?

Accepted Answer

Military divorce involves unique considerations that general family law solicitors may not be familiar with — including the treatment of military pensions, allowances and overseas postings. Our military divorce solicitors and military divorce lawyers understand these complexities and can advise on the best approach for your circumstances.

Question 23

How is a military pension treated in divorce?

Accepted Answer

Military pensions are often the most significant asset in a military divorce. They can be shared or offset against other assets. Our military divorce lawyers can advise on pension sharing orders and how to achieve a fair financial settlement.

Question 24

Can I get a military divorce if I am posted overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our military divorce solicitors can advise personnel who are posted overseas or based away from home. We can conduct all advice by telephone or video call.

Question 25

Isn't military training inherently risky?

Accepted Answer

The Armed Forces owe a duty of care to personnel during training. While some risk is inherent, injuries caused by negligent training practices, unsafe equipment or failure to follow proper procedures may support a military personal injury claim.

Question 26

Can serving personnel bring training injury claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Serving personnel can bring military injury claims for injuries sustained during training or exercises. We can advise confidentially on your options.

Question 27

Can veterans still claim after leaving the Forces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veterans can bring military injury claims for injuries and health conditions caused by their service, even many years after discharge. Time limits apply and the position can be complex — early advice is important.

Question 28

What if my service records are incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete service records can make military claims more challenging, but they do not necessarily prevent a claim. We can advise on how to obtain records and what evidence may be available.

Question 29

Can I claim if I've already received AFCS compensation?

Accepted Answer

Receiving AFCS compensation does not necessarily prevent a civil military injury claim against the MOD. The two routes are separate, though any AFCS award may be taken into account. We can advise on your specific position.

Military Injury Claims — Frequently Asked Questions

General Military Claims Questions

Military Hearing Loss Claims FAQs

Military Cold Injury FAQs

Military PTSD Claims FAQs

Military Medical Negligence FAQs

Military Divorce & Family Law FAQs

Training & Exercise Injury FAQs

Veterans' Claims FAQs

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