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MOD doubles compensation for seriously injured soldiers

Published 18/07/2008

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has increased compensation lump sums for seriously injured soldiers from £285,000 to £570,000.

Soldiers are compensated under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which can be made up of two parts: a lump sum and a guaranteed income payment.

The MOD has doubled the lump sum payment for the most serious injuries such as the loss of a limb or the most severe burns. Lump sums will also increase for those with other injuries according to severity, this could be anything from 10 to 100 percent.

The compensation increase is detailed in a Service Personnel Command Paper, released on 17 July, that also promises improved waiting times for NHS treatment, access to dental treatment and a number of other improvements.

The guaranteed income payment element of compensation will remain unchanged, but the command paper insists that this is equivalent to other kinds of compensation payment. The maximum total compensation under the new arrangement is likely to be over £1.5M, according to the paper.

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, said: “I think this Command Paper presents a package of measures that will make a real difference to the everyday lives of our forces and their families.

“For the most seriously injured it will ensure a significant increase in the amount of compensation that they get paid. I think it offers significant progress and we now have to make sure we deliver that change.”

The Royal British Legion was pleased with the paper, which responds to some of its suggestions last year.

Chris Simpkins, The Royal British Legion’s Director General, said: “One of the most helpful measures in the Command Paper is the doubling of lump-sum payments for the most serious injuries suffered by Service personnel.

“This will make a real difference to those who most deserve the Nation’s gratitude, and help them to lead their lives with greater dignity.”

This article has been reprinted with permission of the Claims Standards Council

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