Changes to Armed Forces Compensation Scheme – Wednesday 10th February 2010.

Members of the armed forces who are injured in combat are to receive more money under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. As well as increasing the lifelong Guaranteed Income Payment, all injuries in a single incident will receive some compensation, rather than just the first three injuries as now.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides compensation for injuries, illness and death suffered during service since 6 April 2005.

Following a review of the scheme, the following changes will be made: bt: The Guaranteed Income Payment will be raised to reflect the knock-on effect of more serious injuries, such as missed promotions and pay increases

• The top level of award will remain at £570,000 but all other award levels will be increased.
• Those with the most serious multiple injuries will continue to receive the maximum amount for each injury up to the maximum £570,000 – rules below that will change so that all injuries in a single incident will receive some compensation (rather than just the first three injuries as now).
• The maximum award for mental illness will be increased.
• A new fast interim payment will be introduced so those injured can receive some compensation before the entire claims process is complete.
• A new expert medical body will be created to advise on compensation for particular injuries and illnesses such as hearing loss, mental health and genital injury.
• The burden of proof will remain largely as it is, but improvements will be made in cases of illness and where records have not been properly maintained.
• The time limits by which claims must be made will be increased.
• Improvements will be made to the way the scheme is communicated to service personnel and their families, focusing on how the scheme works, what payments they might be entitled to, and the calculations behind them.

When any further information is released – we will do our very best to ensure it is added to this page.

Other pages you may find useful…

• Armed Forces Compensation Scheme – (in General)
• War Disablement Pension 
• Forces Home Ownership Scheme 

This page was last updated on Thursday 11th February 2010.

Please Note:
Although we do our very best to keep-up with any changes regarding HM Forces - you should treat this information as a guide only..!!
For verification – please speak to any of the Forces organisations, or see the Direct Gov website.
Thank you..!!

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