Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims

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If you’ve suffered an injury or illness in the course of military service, our solicitors could help you make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

What Is The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was set up by the government to provide compensation to military personnel injured on or after 6 April 2005. Managed by Veterans UK, it uses a tariff system to award set payments for injuries caused by service.

Unlike a civil personal injury claim, seeking compensation through the AFCS means there’s no need to prove blame.

Who Can Make An AFCS Claim?

You could claim through the AFCS regardless of whether you’re still serving, or a veteran. This applies not only to regular forces, but also to reservists or members of the Special Forces.

You may be able to make a claim if you’ve sustained an injury in the course of military service, including while:

  • On operations
  • Participating in service approved sports
  • Training
  • Exercising to maintain military fitness.

In certain circumstances you may be able to seek compensation through the AFCS as well as making a separate civil personal injury claim. Our lawyers can discuss this with you in a free initial consultation.

What Are The Time Limits For Making An AFCS Claim?

The AFCS covers injuries caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The time limit for claiming through the AFCS is seven years from when you sustained your injury.

If you’re making a mental health claim (including PTSD) you can make a claim within seven years of first seeking medical help for your condition.

Why Choose Us?

Making a claim through the AFCS can be a difficult and slow moving process, and the results of your claim are dependent upon the evidence provided. The AFCS is a complicated and technical scheme, and relying on Veterans UK to process your compensation claim without seeking legal advice might mean you receive a lower award.

We could advise you on:

  • Making a new claim through the AFCS
  • Challenging an award if we believe you’ve not received the correct tariff
  • Challenging a decision to reject your claim on the grounds of eligibility.

We may be able to handle your AFCS claim on a no win no fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and there is no cost to you if your claim is unsuccessful.

We have a dedicated team of military specialists including former service personnel. Our expert lawyers have an in depth knowledge of the AFCS, with a proven track record of claiming through it.

Contact Us

For a free initial consultation about your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claim, please call us on 0800 022 3321 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Proven track record in AFCS claims
Expert lawyers with a service background
Links with support agencies to assist with rehabilitation support
In depth understanding of the AFCS

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Amanda Marsh
Amanda Marsh Partner Meet the Team

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims - More Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does The Claims Process Work?

If we think you have a claim then we'll collect evidence of the cause and severity of your injury. This could involve accessing your medical records, seeking independent medical advice, or interviewing witnesses.

Once a claim has been submitted to Veterans UK they'll look at the medical evidence that we've provided and make an award according to their tariff bands.

If we feel that the award is too low then we can make an application for it to be reconsidered. If the level of compensation is still too low after this, we can look into making an appeal through an independent tribunal.


Should I Make A Civil Claim?

You can make a civil claim and an AFCS claim. Some claims that offer lower lump sum payments won’t be eligible for a Guaranteed Income Payment award. In this case you may get more compensation through a civil claim.

Our military injury team could help you decide if you should make a civil claim alongside, or instead of, an AFCS claim. Contact us online or call us on 0800 022 3321 to arrange a free consultation with one of our experts to find out more.


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Related Information - Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims

Court of Protection - How we can help protect people with reduced mental capacity
PTSD - Our experts can help with mental health issues sustained in the military, as well as physical injuries
Focus On Military - Our bi-annual newsletter for the Service Community
Support Services - We’re here to help you access the support you need

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Our Armed Forces Expertise

Since 1987, our specialist military injury team has helped hundreds of injured personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy to claim compensation. We are considered one of the top law firms in the country for military claims and several cases we were involved in were recently featured in the Chilcot Inquiry.

We work closely with a number of Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations, and are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. We're also proud supporters of:

  • The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group
  • Help For Heroes
  • SSAFA Forces Help

Several of our solicitors were part of team that recently won The Claims Innovation Award for Legal Service Team of the Year (2016) for their pro bono work within The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group (TRBLSG).


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