Armed Services Compensation Scheme
The results of a comprehensive review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, have been published by the Ministry of Defence. Troops injured in Afghanistan and Iraq will receive increased compensation of up to £1.5m. However, the maximum tax-free lump sum of £570,000 will remain the same, and backdating of payments will only go to personnel who have been compensated under the scheme since it started in 2005, replacing the old war pensions. UKABIF raised the issue of the low levels of compensation allowed for troops who have sustained acquired brain injuries in the course of duty as compared to compensation packages through other personal injury claims.
The review was conducted under the independent chairmanship of former Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral the Lord Boyce. It examined the whole of the scheme, from its basic principles, through the levels of compensation for injured personnel, to how the scheme evaluates claims.
The review does highlight the need for further attention to be given to brain injuries and it has been suggested that a new medical expert group should be set up as a sub-group to the Central Advisory Committee on Pensions and Compensation (CAC).
To see the review please follow this link.
and then click on Review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme under related links.
