Military PTSD Claims & Compensation

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can have a devastating effect on your life and your future career prospects in the Forces. If you’ve been affected by PTSD, our specialist solicitors could help you make a claim for compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychological injury caused by distressing events. Everyone’s experience of it will be slightly different, but some of the symptoms could include:

Issues with anger
Anxiety, paranoia
Problems sleeping, nightmares
Flashbacks
Hypervigilance and increased startle responses
Inability to go out in crowds.

Making A Claim For PTSD

PTSD makes it hard to deal with day to day life. It has a very real impact, not only on you, but also on your loved ones. Compensation can help you get the support you need to move forward with your life.

If you’re suffering from PTSD as a result of your service in the UK Army, Navy, RAF or Special Forces you may be able to claim compensation. You could also claim if you've experienced PTSD after serving in the Army Reserve (formerly the Territorial Army), Navy, RAF or Special Forces Reserves.

We understand that making a claim for PTSD can be a daunting prospect. Our specialist solicitors have helped hundreds of servicemen and women claim compensation for military injuries and mental health related issues, we’re here to help guide you through the process at every stage.

The AFCS

To claim compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), you will need to show that your PTSD injury has been caused by service. However, it is a no fault scheme, so you don’t have to prove that this was because of negligence on the MoD’s part, but your injury must have been caused by service. Compensation comes out of a designated budget, so any money you receive won’t affect your unit.

Call today on 0800 022 3321 to discuss your claim – or fill out our online enquiry form and we’ll call you back.

Bringing claims against the MoD since 1987

Links with numerous military mental health charities

Help with rehabilitation and counselling

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Military PTSD Claims - More Information

Getting the support from Irwin Mitchell with my adapted house has given me the encouragement and independence I needed to get out there and find other things I am interested in."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Responsibility Does The MoD Have?

In the Armed Forces, a level of risk is unavoidable. Being put in stressful situations is part and parcel of a military career, and we understand that servicemen and women embrace this as part of their job.

The AFCS is a no-fault compensation scheme, meaning that you do not have to prove that the MoD is at fault when you claim. PTSD affects many service personnel and is not necessarily the result of any wrongdoing.

However, the MoD also has a duty of care to minimise risks where possible, as well as provide adequate training and resources for its servicemen and women. It should also ensure there is support in place for its personnel if there is the danger of them developing PTSD after a particularly stressful event.

If you believe you have developed PTSD as a result of negligence on the MoD’s part, it may be better for you to make a civil compensation claim, rather than claiming through the AFCS.

We can advise you on which route is best for you – call today on 0800 022 3321, or fill out our online form and we’ll call you back.

What Causes PTSD?

Military PTSD is a mental injury caused by stressful or frightening events. It can arise from a single incident or from a culmination of events, and does not necessarily have to be the result of a direct combat situation.

PTSD can develop after either experiencing or witnessing something traumatic. It is a psychological injury and does not necessarily have to be the result of a direct physical injury to you.

In order to make a claim you will first need to get a diagnosis from a consultant clinical psychologist or consultant psychiatrist. This is essential under the Scheme to establish the nature and extent of your symptoms.

We may be able help you get this diagnosis if necessary – call today on 0800 022 3321, or fill out our online form and we’ll call you back.

How Can Irwin Mitchell Help?

Our specialist solicitors have helped hundreds of servicemen and women claim compensation for military injuries. Amanda Marsh on the team has over 20 years’ experience acting for clients with serious personal injuries and has secured top awards for many military personnel bringing PTSD claims.

We have an in-depth knowledge of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the process of collecting evidence to secure our clients the best outcome. While the AFCS is designed to be a transparent and accessible scheme, the reality can be more complex.

With our expert knowledge we will work hard to present your claim in the best way, making the process as smooth as possible and minimising delays from the start.

We’ll fight to get you compensation that fully represents the effect of your PTSD on your and your family’s life. We have access to specialist medical experts who can provide the evidence needed to maximise your claim, as well as numerous links with charities, care and support agencies to help get you the support and rehabilitation you need.

Call today on 0800 022 3321 to speak to one of our experts, or fill out our online form and we’ll call you back.

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