Understanding the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

If you have served in the British Armed Forces and suffered an injury or illness during your service, you may be entitled to compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Designed to provide financial support for those injured as a result of service, the AFCS is a government-run, no-fault scheme. At Ison Harrison, we specialise in helping serving personnel, veterans, and their families navigate this often complex process to secure the compensation they deserve.

What Is the AFCS?

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme was introduced in 2005 covering injuries, illnesses and deaths caused by service in the regular or reserve Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005.  The War Pension Scheme still applies for injuries in service before this date.  The scheme operates independently of personal injury claims and does not require you to prove fault.

AFCS awards are calculated based on a tariff system. There are two primary components:

1. A Lump Sum Payment – A one-off, tax-free payment for pain and suffering, based on the severity of the injury. This can range from a few thousand pounds to a maximum of £650,000 (as of current guidelines).
2. A Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) – For more serious injuries, this ongoing tax-free payment is intended to compensate for future loss of earnings and pension loss due to a reduced ability to work.

Awards are assessed against a list of injuries ranked in 15 tariff levels, with Level 1 being the most severe.

Who Can Claim Under the AFCS?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a current or former member of the UK Armed Forces (regular or reserve)
• Suffered a physical or mental injury, illness, or death due to service on or after 6 April 2005
• Can demonstrate a causal link between service and the injury or condition

Unlike traditional personal injury claims, there is no requirement to prove negligence, making it more accessible for many service personnel.

Common Claims We See

At Ison Harrison, we support clients with a broad range of AFCS claims, including:

• Hearing loss and tinnitus from exposure to excessive noise
• PTSD and other mental health conditions linked to operational service
• Musculoskeletal injuries from training exercises, parachuting, or repetitive strain
• Cold injuries such as trench foot or frostbite sustained during cold weather training
• Accidents during deployment, drills, or in military accommodation

We understand the unique challenges faced by members of the armed forces, including the cultural reluctance to “make a fuss” or the misconception that compensation claims might harm a career or reputation.

How Ison Harrison Helps

Navigating the AFCS can be daunting. The application process is often paper-heavy, time-sensitive, and emotionally taxing—especially for those dealing with physical or psychological trauma. That’s where our team comes in.

At Ison Harrison, we provide:

• Clear, practical advice on your eligibility and the strength of your case
• Assistance in gathering medical evidence and service documentation
• Support through appeals where an award is refused or deemed too low
• Liaison with medical professionals and the Veterans UK team

Our solicitors are not only experienced in military compensation law but also deeply empathetic to the needs of veterans and their families. We combine legal expertise with a human approach, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the process.

Time Limits and Appeals

There is a seven-year time limit from the date of the injury or diagnosis to bring an AFCS claim. However, in some cases, this can be extended if the claimant was unaware of the connection between their condition and service. Appeals must be submitted within strict deadlines, so early advice is essential.

Contact Ison Harrison Today

Whether you’re just beginning to explore a claim or are facing a refusal from Veterans UK, our team at Ison Harrison is ready to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations, and will guide you with professionalism, integrity, and clarity.

To speak to a solicitor specialising in military injury compensation, contact us today.