Free Confidential Assessment · NFCI & Cold Injury Claims
Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)
Suffered NFCI or a heat injury during service?
You may be entitled to compensation.
Speak to a specialist army cold injury solicitor today — confidential, no obligation.
No obligation. We won't pressure you to proceed.
No Win, No Fee
Military Injury Claims on a No Win, No Fee Basis
We handle military injury claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement — meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee (capped at 25% of your damages) is deducted from your compensation. You will never be out of pocket.
Judicial College Guidelines
Typical Damages for Military Injuries
The figures below are general damages guidelines from the Judicial College Guidelines (18th Edition) — the reference used by courts and insurers across England and Wales to value injury claims. They cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity only.
In military injury cases, the total value of a claim is often substantially higher once special damages are included — past and future care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, specialist equipment and home adaptations. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments.
Every case is different. Jonathan Cloudsdale will give you a realistic, honest assessment of what your specific claim may be worth — at no cost and with no obligation.
Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) & Physical Injuries
Less serious — long-term cold sensitisation (hands only or feet only), intermittent discomfort manageable with warm clothing or limiting cold exposure
Around £19,820
18th Edition JCG. Less serious cases of long-term cold sensitisation with manageable intermittent symptoms
More serious — combination of aggravating features (e.g. both hands and feet affected, inability to manage symptoms, continuous pain, effect on employability)
Above £19,820
18th Edition JCG. Aggravating features include symptoms affecting both hands and feet, inability to manage with warm clothing/heating, continuous rather than intermittent pain, additional impact of a freezing cold injury, or effect on employability or amenity
Severe — chronic pain and sweating in hands and feet, difficulty being outdoors in colder months, acute psychological symptoms, probable acceleration of future joint problems
Around £42,940
18th Edition JCG. Combination of chronic pain, sweating, difficulty outdoors in colder months, acute psychological symptoms and probable acceleration of future joint problems
Most severe — permanent neuropathic pain and significantly impaired mobility or dexterity
Assessed by reference to Chapter 9: Chronic Pain
18th Edition JCG. The most severe cases resulting in permanent neuropathic pain and significantly impaired mobility or dexterity are assessed under the Chronic Pain chapter
Severe back injury (with nerve root damage)
£90,510 – £107,910
Nerve root damage with significant complications
Moderate back injury
£15,260 – £47,320
Significant back injury with incomplete recovery
Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff)
£15,580 – £23,430
Dislocation or rotator cuff damage
Severe knee injury
£63,610 – £117,410
Serious knee injury with lasting consequences
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less serious — long-term cold sensitisation (hands only or feet only), intermittent discomfort manageable with warm clothing or limiting cold exposure | Around £19,820 | 18th Edition JCG. Less serious cases of long-term cold sensitisation with manageable intermittent symptoms |
| More serious — combination of aggravating features (e.g. both hands and feet affected, inability to manage symptoms, continuous pain, effect on employability) | Above £19,820 | 18th Edition JCG. Aggravating features include symptoms affecting both hands and feet, inability to manage with warm clothing/heating, continuous rather than intermittent pain, additional impact of a freezing cold injury, or effect on employability or amenity |
| Severe — chronic pain and sweating in hands and feet, difficulty being outdoors in colder months, acute psychological symptoms, probable acceleration of future joint problems | Around £42,940 | 18th Edition JCG. Combination of chronic pain, sweating, difficulty outdoors in colder months, acute psychological symptoms and probable acceleration of future joint problems |
| Most severe — permanent neuropathic pain and significantly impaired mobility or dexterity | Assessed by reference to Chapter 9: Chronic Pain | 18th Edition JCG. The most severe cases resulting in permanent neuropathic pain and significantly impaired mobility or dexterity are assessed under the Chronic Pain chapter |
| Severe back injury (with nerve root damage) | £90,510 – £107,910 | Nerve root damage with significant complications |
| Moderate back injury | £15,260 – £47,320 | Significant back injury with incomplete recovery |
| Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff) | £15,580 – £23,430 | Dislocation or rotator cuff damage |
| Severe knee injury | £63,610 – £117,410 | Serious knee injury with lasting consequences |
These are guidelines only
Compensation figures are general damages guidelines only. Your actual award will depend on the specific facts of your case, the severity of your injury, its impact on your life and employment, and the claim route taken. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments. Special damages (care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation) are calculated separately and can significantly increase the total value of your claim. Speak to Jonathan Cloudsdale for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific circumstances.
What is Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)?
Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) is caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions at temperatures above freezing. It is a recognised condition in the British Army and other branches of the Armed Forces. Symptoms include:
- Chronic pain, burning or aching in the hands, feet or limbs
- Numbness or tingling in the affected areas
- Hypersensitivity to cold or temperature changes
- Skin colour changes (pale, blue or red)
- Circulatory problems and swelling
- Symptoms that persist or worsen after leaving the Forces
Army Cold Injury Compensation — What Are You Entitled To?
Army cold injury compensation depends on the severity of your NFCI, its impact on your daily life, employment and quality of life, and the claim route taken. There are two main routes:
- AFCS tariff awards — structured no-fault payments based on the severity of your cold injury
- Civil claims against the MOD — where negligence is established (e.g. failure to provide adequate protective equipment or follow cold injury prevention protocols), civil claims can result in higher compensation
Contact us for a confidential assessment of what your NFCI claim may be worth.
Already Left the Forces? Veterans Can Still Claim
You can still claim. Non-freezing cold injury symptoms often persist and worsen after discharge. Veterans who develop or notice worsening NFCI symptoms after leaving the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Reserves may still be able to bring a claim. You do not need to be currently serving. Time limits apply — contact us as early as possible.
How an NFCI Claim Works
- 1
Free Confidential Call
We discuss your service history, your NFCI symptoms and how they arose. No obligation.
- 2
We Assess Your Options
We advise on the best claim route — AFCS, civil MOD claim or both — and give you a realistic view of what your army cold injury compensation claim may be worth.
- 3
We Handle Everything
We manage the process, gather evidence and keep you informed throughout your NFCI claim.
NFCI & Cold Injury Claims — Common Questions
What is Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)?
Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI) is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, typically at temperatures above freezing. It causes lasting damage to the hands, feet and limbs, including chronic pain, numbness, hypersensitivity to cold and temperature changes, and circulatory problems. It is distinct from frostbite. NFCI is a recognised condition in the British Army and other branches of the Armed Forces.
Can I claim army cold injury compensation?
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 claims against the Ministry of Defence and AFCS claims may be available. We will advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances after a free confidential assessment.
Can I claim for NFCI if my symptoms appeared after discharge?
Yes. Non-freezing cold injury symptoms can persist and worsen after leaving the Forces. Veterans who develop or notice worsening NFCI symptoms after discharge may still be able to bring a claim. Time limits apply, so we recommend seeking advice as early as possible.
What is the compensation for non-freezing cold injury?
Compensation for non-freezing cold injury depends on the severity of your condition, its impact on your daily life, employment and quality of life, and the claim route taken. AFCS tariff awards follow a structured scale. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher compensation where negligence is established — for example, where there was a failure to provide adequate protective equipment or to follow cold injury prevention protocols. We will give you a realistic assessment after reviewing your circumstances.
Can I claim for a heat injury sustained during military service?
Yes. Heat injuries — including heat exhaustion and heat stroke — sustained during military training or operations may give rise to a compensation claim where negligence is established. If you were exposed to excessive heat without adequate precautions, hydration or supervision, you may have a valid claim against the MOD.
Related Military Claims Pages
Your Specialist Solicitor
Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Claims & Personal Injury
Over 10 years' specialist experience in complex military claims, personal injury, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. Multiple six-figure settlements achieved.
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