Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

AFCS covers physical and mental health injuries and illnesses caused wholly or partly by service, including:

• Physical injuries — including wounds, fractures, burns, and limb loss sustained during operations, training, or other service activities.
• Mental health conditions — including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders caused or significantly worsened by service. Conditions must be formally diagnosed.
• Noise-induced hearing loss — a common claim category, though specific noise thresholds apply.
• Death — a bereavement grant and GIP are paid to surviving spouses, civil partners, and eligible children where death is caused by service.

AFCS does not generally cover conditions that pre-existed service or that are attributable to something other than service. Medical conditions that develop after leaving service can still be claimed within the limitation period if service was a contributing factor.

AFCS awards are based on a tariff with 15 levels. The most severe injuries are at Level 1 (highest award) and the least severe at Level 15 (lowest):

• Level 1: £650,000 lump sum. Conditions include catastrophic injury causing permanent severe neurological damage.
• Level 15: £1,236 lump sum. Minor injuries or conditions.

In addition to the lump sum, veterans with Level 1–11 awards also receive a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly payment for life (or for a set period for less severe awards), calculated as a percentage of pensionable pay at the time of injury. The GIP is index-linked and can be combined with other state benefits. It is reviewed if the veteran's condition changes significantly.

Claims are made through Veterans UK (formerly the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency — SPVA), part of the Ministry of Defence:

1. Complete an AFCS claim form (AFCS1) available from Veterans UK at gov.uk/veterans-uk or by calling 0808 1914 218 (freephone).
2. Include as much supporting evidence as possible: service records, medical records, witness statements, and any reports from specialists confirming the diagnosis and its link to service.
3. Veterans UK will review the claim and may arrange an independent medical examination.
4. A decision letter will be issued with the award or reasons for refusal. You have a right to a reconsideration and then an appeal.

The time limit is generally 7 years from the date of injury or the date you left service (whichever is later), or 7 years from the date you first became aware of the condition. For progressive conditions (such as hearing loss) the clock starts when the condition first met the diagnostic criteria. Extensions to the time limit can be granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you disagree with an AFCS decision, the appeals process has two stages:

1. Reconsideration by Veterans UK: Submit a written request for reconsideration within 1 year of the original decision, providing any additional evidence. Veterans UK will review the decision afresh.
2. First-tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation): If you remain dissatisfied, you can appeal to the independent Tribunal within 6 months of the reconsideration decision. The Tribunal is free to use and legal aid may be available. Veterans' charities such as the Royal British Legion and SSAFA can provide support in preparing your appeal.

Legal representation at Tribunal is advisable for complex cases — organisations such as the War Pension Welfare Service and Forces Law can provide or facilitate representation.