PTSD Compensation Claims: Armed Forces
If you are a serving member of the Armed Forces, a veteran or reservist and sustained post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of your service, you may be able to make a claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). The AFCS is complex and can be difficult to navigate alone without assistance. At JMW, our team of armed forces specialists will provide helpful, easy-to-understand legal advice and guidance throughout the process, helping you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Getting in touch with the team is easy. Call us on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form, which will allow us to give you a call back to speak about your situation in more detail. Our sensitive and professional approach will give you greater peace of mind and help you secure the best possible compensation for your situation.
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What Our Clients Say
Why Choose JMW?
The military specialists at JMW are experienced in claiming damages for post-traumatic stress disorder. We understand how difficult the decision can be to make an AFCS claim, and are available to provide confidential, easy-to-understand legal advice at every stage of the process.
We take a sympathetic and proactive approach to all cases of this type and will fight your corner to make sure you get the best possible outcome. Navigating the system may sound like a daunting prospect, but with our expert guidance, we can ensure everything runs smoothly and you can rest assured that you will be in the safest of hands.
About Armed Forces PTSD Claims
PTSD is a debilitating psychological disorder that often affects service personnel and can impact their entire life, causing them to lose quality of life. It is an anxiety disorder, typically caused by a traumatic event such as the threat of serious harm or death. Members of the armed forces are required to face such situations regularly, and therefore PTSD is a relatively common condition among military personnel in general.
What Is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) covers injuries, illnesses or fatalities resulting from service on or after 6 April 2005. For incidents before this date, compensation may be provided through the War Pension Scheme (WPS). The Scheme provides lump sum awards and Guaranteed Income Payments (GIP), depending upon the tariff awarded, that are paid for life.
The AFCS applies to all serving personnel, veterans and reservists, recognising that military personnel have no choice over their deployment or operational duties.
PTSD Symptoms
There are various symptoms for PTSD, and some of the more common include:
- Nightmares and persistent memories of the event
- Insomnia and depression
- Flashbacks, during which the event seems to be happening again and again
- Extreme irritability
- Loss of interest in normal activities
PTSD can have a significant impact on your quality of life, and can leave you unable to continue working. An AFCS award for the disorder can therefore help to ease the financial burden that you would not have faced were it not for the psychological trauma experienced.
Meet Our Team
Amanda Marsh
Amanda Marsh is a specialist solicitor at JMW Solicitors in Manchester, providing dedicated support to serving personnel, veterans and reservists. She advises clients at every stage of the process, including Reconsiderations, Appeals, tribunal representation, Service Termination Reviews, Exceptional Circumstances Reviews, and applications based on mistake or ignorance.
Recognised by the Legal 500 as a “skilled tactician with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme”, Amanda is known for securing outstanding, life-changing results for her clients.
To speak to Amanda today, call us on 0345 872 6666.
Case Study
FAQs About PTSD Compensation Claims
- Can I claim compensation for PTSD as a member of the Armed Forces?
Yes, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) covers all serving personnel, veterans and reservists. As long as your PTSD was caused by military service and you meet the necessary criteria - such as the time limits for making a claim and establishing a direct link between your condition and your service - you may be eligible for compensation. The AFCS is a no-fault scheme, meaning you do not need to prove negligence, only that your condition was caused by service.
- How do I know if I’m eligible for military PTSD compensation?
You may be eligible for compensation if your PTSD was caused by your military service and you are within the seven-year time limit for making a claim. This period begins from the date you first sought medical advice for your symptoms, not from the date of diagnosis, which can sometimes be much later. To qualify, you must provide medical evidence confirming your diagnosis and its link to your service.
- Can I make a civil claim for PTSD against the Ministry of Defence (MoD)?
Yes, you can pursue a civil claim against the MoD for PTSD. However, unlike AFCS claims, which are based on a no-fault system, civil claims require you to prove that the MoD was negligent in causing or failing to prevent your condition. This could involve demonstrating failures in training, risk assessment, duty of care, or mental health support. Civil claims are typically more complex, and seeking legal advice can help you determine the best course of action.
- What kind of compensation can I receive for Army PTSD?
Compensation under the AFCS is based on a tariff system, with awards ranging from a lump sum of £3,090 for lower-tier cases to £298,000 for the most severe cases. In addition to the lump sum payment, those receiving higher-tier awards may also be eligible for a GIP, a tax-free, index-linked payment that provides financial support for life, calculated as a percentage of your final salary at the time of your service.
- How do I prove my military PTSD compensation claim?
To make a successful claim, you must have a formal diagnosis of PTSD from a consultant psychiatrist or a consultant clinical psychologist. The medical professional must confirm that your condition meets the criteria for PTSD and that it was caused by your military service. Supporting evidence, such as medical records, service history and witness statements, may also strengthen your claim.
- How long do I have to make a military PTSD compensation claim?
You have seven years from the date you first sought medical advice for mental health symptoms related to your service. This is not the same as the date of diagnosis, which may occur later. If you do not claim within this time frame, you may lose the right to compensation, although exceptions can sometimes be made in exceptional circumstances.
- Will making a PTSD claim affect my Army career?
Making a claim for PTSD compensation should not affect your career. The AFCS exists to support service members who have been injured or developed conditions as a result of their service. It is your legal right to seek compensation for injuries sustained in the line of duty, and doing so does not reflect negatively on your service record or career progression.
- Can I claim PTSD compensation for incidents that happened while serving overseas?
Yes, you can claim PTSD compensation for incidents that occurred while serving overseas. It does not matter where the incident took place, as long as your PTSD was caused by activities undertaken in the course of your military duties. This includes active combat, training exercises, peacekeeping missions or any other MoD-approved operations.
Talk To Us
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our approach and to learn about PTSD claims. Contacting us could not be easier, simply call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form.