Veterans Minister promises to review payouts given to injured troops

Now let’s see it happen says Hilary Meredith-Beckham

Veterans Minister Al Carns has promised a six-month review of the payouts given to injured troops.

Speaking at this week’s Labour conference, Carol Betteridge, Head of Clinical & Medical Services at Help for Heroes said the current chaotic system, in which amputees have to confirm every two years that their condition has not changed, veterans have their mental health damaged, and they are driven into debt due to slow processes.

The meeting also heard about veterans' injuries being rejected by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, but leading to later long-term pain and arthritis which cannot be claimed for.

Mr Carns said the system was "incoherent" and added: "It shouldn't be difficult, in six months, to get a team together to do some work on this. The chronic pain is something I will take away and have a look at."

Hilary Meredith Solicitors recently commissioned detailed research which highlighted significant flaws in the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme with thousands of veterans put through an unnecessary and emotionally-draining appeals process. The firm is now leading the campaign to reform the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

“It is absolutely disgraceful for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to reject so many valid claims in the first instance," said Hilary Meredith-Beckham, Chair of Hilary Meredith Solicitors. "Every year thousands of veterans are forced into a lengthy and protracted appeal process. It's rubbing salt in the wound and has a huge impact on their mental health. I welcome Mr Carns promise to review the system - now let’s see it happen.”