The UK Ministry of Defense and Veterans UK have issued information on the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which gives financial assistance to serving and former military members who were injured, ill, or killed as a direct result of their service.
The scheme applies to injuries or illnesses sustained on or after April 6, 2005.
Those whose ailments began or deteriorated prior to that date have a separate option available through the War Pension Scheme.
What the AFCS Offers
The AFCS has two categories of awards. The first is a tax-free lump sum payment designed to compensate for pain and suffering.
The second option is a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP), which is a monthly tax-free payment linked to an index.
Both are determined using a tariff of injuries established by Parliament and are independent of any personal accident coverage a service member may already have.
The system applies to all regular military personnel, members of the reserves in all three services, and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
Claims can be filed whether the individual is still serving or has departed HM Armed Forces.
What is the Payments and Time Limits?
For the most badly injured, a rapid payment option of £61,800 is offered.
This enables eligible troops to get financial assistance early in their treatment and recovery without completing the entire claims process.
To qualify, the individual must still be serving, the injuries must have happened on or after May 9, 2011, and at least one ailment must be classified as tariff level 1 to 8.
Applications for quick payment must be received within six months of the injury.
For normal claims, the time restriction is 7 years from the date of the incident, the date of first seeking medical advice, or the date of discharge, whichever occurs first.
However, there are exceptions for those who are unable to claim owing to illness or a condition that emerges later.
Personnel who obtain an interim award because their injury has not yet attained the maximum medical improvement will have their case examined at a later time.
In very rare cases, an award may be decreased after review, but any money previously received is not required to be reimbursed.
If a claimant disagrees with a decision, they must submit a written request for reconsideration within 12 months after the first decision.
If the outcome is still unsatisfactory, the claimant may appeal to an independent tribunal.
The advice also states that the Veterans Welfare Service and other charitable organizations provide free impartial counsel, so personnel do not need to engage a solicitor or claims management company to apply.