Life-changing settlement secured for military veteran
We helped Peter* claim compensation after he was diagnosed with Complex PTSD resulting from his service in the armed forces.
*Real names not used
What happened to Peter?
Peter joined the military following in the footsteps of his father. He trained as a medic and served in Afghanistan, where he acted as front-line liaison between vulnerable casualties and senior medical staff.
A few years after leaving the military, Peter began feeling emotionally disconnected and his relationships with others began to suffer. He also started using alcohol to cope with his traumatic memories.
At this point, he decided to seek support from his local Community Mental Health Team. Following this, he was diagnosed with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and was referred for trauma-focused treatment.
How did Irwin Mitchell help?
Peter reached out to us for help with applying for compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Due to previous stressful experiences with Defence Business Services (formerly known as Veterans UK), he wanted us to act on his behalf so he could focus on his upcoming treatment.
We helped Peter file his claim and gathered medical evidence. Defence Business Services accepted that his CPTSD was caused by his service and gave him an interim Level 12 award, to be reviewed in two years.
During this period, Peter remained in regular contact with our AFCS team. After two years, he was still in treatment and his prognosis remained unknown, so the temporary award was extended for another two years.
Peter completed his treatment shortly after this, so our legal team gathered updated medical reports and personal statements to prove he had reached a steady and stable state of maximum medical improvement and the evidence supported a higher award for a permanent mental disorder.
Although the military initially refused to review the case early, our legal team argued that they had ignored key information, such as the fact that Peter’s treatment had already concluded. This challenge succeeded, and Peter’s award was upgraded to Level 8 – one of the highest levels of compensation for mental disorders in the Scheme.
Peter's settlement
The upgraded award entitled Peter to a five-figure lump sum and a monthly, tax-free Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) equal to 50% of his military salary, for life.
As Peter received a Level 8 award, he was also able to apply for Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
In total, the lifetime value of the compensation exceeded half a million pounds – a life-changing amount that will enable Peter and his family to focus on his continued rehabilitation and move on with their lives.
Expert opinion
Christie Fitzgerald, a Legal Executive who worked on Peter’s case, said, “We’re very pleased that we were able to secure Peter the compensation he deserved, and his case illustrates the importance of scrutinising every decision made.
Peter’s courage in facing trauma and committing to treatment was extraordinary. Securing the Level 8 award not only validated his experience, but also provided long-term financial security for him and his family. That’s the kind of impact we strive for.”
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