Military Cold Injury Claims

We are a UK organisation made up of former members of the Armed Forces who understand the long-term impact military service can have. Our team brings together experience from across the services, with a shared focus on supporting veterans in a clear, structured, and respectful way.

Your claim remains confidential, safeguarding your privacy unless you opt for public disclosure. If you’re currently employed, it would be unlawful for your employer to penalise you for pursuing a claim against your employer.

If you’re able to meet the requirements of the job, pursuing a claim shouldn’t impede your prospects for future employment.

We cannot assure you of any specific entitlement amount. Historically, cases have resulted in settlements that vary from around £4,500 and more complex cases exceeding £10,000. Some cases can be considerably higher, with complex cases warranting compensation of £60,000 plus. The final settlement largely hinges on the unique circumstances of each individual case.

Typically, between 9 to 18 months, however, the complexity of the case will influence this.

Through the AFCS, past cases have seen sums of around £1,200 to £650,000. In civil claims, the average payout is expected to be higher.

We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.

Yes. As long as part of your service in the UK Military was after May 1987 then we can help, regardless of where you are in the world now.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is permanent hearing damage caused by exposure to loud noise, often without proper protection. In the military, this can result from gunfire, explosions, or loud machinery. Symptoms include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

This refers to tissue damage from prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions above freezing (typically 0–15 °C). It’s different from frostbite (which occurs below 0 °C) and includes conditions like trench foot. Common among military personnel, symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, swelling, and long-term sensitivity to cold. It can lead to chronic issues if untreated.

Our partner law firm will request your authorisation to obtain your employment records from HMRC. This step is solely intended to verify your work history, ensuring alignment with the dates provided in your claim.

Apart from your legal representatives and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), your claim remains confidential.

No, claiming will not affect your pension or other benefits such as AFCS.

All claims are covered under a no-win-no-fee insurance, known as ATE insurance. This ensures that all legal costs are covered in the event of an unsuccessful claim. Unless you are materially deceptive or misleading during the process, you will not be liable for any costs associated with the legal proceedings. Legal costs are recovered from your award at the conclusion of your case, at a rate of 25% of the total award.

Crown Immunity protects the Ministry of Defence from liability for injuries sustained by servicemen and women before 1987.

All claims are covered under a no-win-no-fee insurance, known as ATE insurance. In the event of an unsuccessful outcome, the insurance policy will cover all fees. If your case is successful, a success fee of 25% of your damages (including VAT) and the insurance policy premium will be deducted from your final amount.

Yes, you are still eligible to pursue a civil claim irrespective of previous outcomes regarding War Pension or AFCS.

Your case will be evaluated individually based on its specific merits and the availability of a local audiology test. If your case is strong and there are no issues in scheduling a test in your area, your legal representatives will arrange a test for you.

While a medical discharge shouldn’t hinder your ability to claim, the circumstances surrounding your discharge could impact the duration or amount of your claim. If you wish to explore the possibility of a claim, despite a medical discharge, get in touch today we can provide you with advice on your specific circumstances.

In order to pursue a claim for Hearing Loss, it is necessary that there was at least some period of your service that occurred after 1987. For instance, if you enlisted in 1986 and concluded your service in 1995, more than half of your service tenure would fall after 1987. In these circumstances, you could pursue a claim for your period of exposure from 1987 to 1995.

The Royal British Legion recommends consulting a solicitor to make a civil claim for negligence. Our team of veterans will discuss your claim with you to ensure your eligibility and help you proceed quickly and efficiently, after which we work with our partner law firm to represent you in your claim.

You may be eligible to make a military injury claim if you served in the UK Armed Forces (including Gurkhas and Reservists). Unsafe training, poor equipment, or lack of proper protection are all grounds to make a claim.

No, you can still be in active service or a reserve. Making a claim should not negatively impact your relationship with your employer.

It is important to submit your enquiry with us as soon as you become aware of your eligibility to claim.

If your case advances to litigation, there may be a requirement for a court appearance. In such instances, your legal representative will accompany you every step of the way. There’s no need for apprehension; with a comprehensive and factual claim, the outcome should be satisfactory for all parties involved.

We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.

Yes, you will be required to attend at least one medical appointment. Our team will then contact you after your veteran call to arrange a medical test at a convenient time and location.