Your Claim for Military PTSD

Service personnel and veterans often tell us that the hardest part of starting a PTSD claim is not the legal process itself but the fear of being judged, disbelieved, or having deeply personal information shared without consent. At Ison Harrison, we understand the sensitivity of psychological injury claims. Confidentiality is at the heart of everything we do, and we work carefully to protect your privacy from the moment you contact us.

As trusted military injury solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting clients who have suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric injuries as a result of their military service. This article explains exactly how your confidentiality is safeguarded and how PTSD claims are assessed under both the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and civil law.

Your Confidentiality Comes First

Speaking about traumatic events or mental health can feel overwhelming. Many clients worry their chain of command, colleagues, or future employers could find out. You can be reassured that:

• Your enquiry is completely confidential: Your conversations with us are protected by legal professional privilege. We never disclose anything you tell us unless you specifically ask us to.
• Your claim is kept private from the MOD unless you decide to proceed: Initial advice and discussions remain strictly between you and your solicitor.
• Your medical information is handled with care: We only obtain medical records with your written consent. Access to your records is limited to those directly involved in progressing your claim.
• Your career will not be damaged by seeking advice: Contacting a solicitor does not appear on your service record and does not affect your security clearance. Many serving personnel pursue claims without any impact on their progression.

We know that privacy and dignity matter. Our team is experienced in working with clients who want clear, calm and discreet support; particularly those dealing with mental trauma.

How PTSD Claims Are Assessed

PTSD claims can be brought either under the AFCS, through a civil negligence claim, or both. Each route has different assessment criteria, but the evidence required is similar.

Establishing the Diagnosis

A PTSD diagnosis must come from a suitably qualified professional, usually:

• a Consultant Psychiatrist
• a Consultant Clinical Psychologist

The diagnosis must meet the recognised clinical criteria (ICD‑11 or DSM‑5). We arrange independent medical evidence from experts experienced in military trauma.

Linking the PTSD to Service or Negligence

For a successful claim, there must be a clear link between your condition and:

• a traumatic incident in service, or
• a failure by the MOD to protect your mental health
  (for example, exposure to repeated traumatic events without proper rest, inadequate training, or failure to remove you from a psychologically harmful situation)

In AFCS claims, this is called a “causation test.” In civil claims, it is known as “breach of duty” and “causation.” We explain these terms in plain English, so you always understand the process.

Assessing Severity

PTSD claims are assessed on the impact the condition has on your daily life and ability to work. Evidence may include:

• medical reports
• counselling or therapy notes
• occupational health assessments
• witness statements from family or colleagues
• your own account of symptoms

Under the AFCS, PTSD is placed into “tariff levels” based on severity and duration. Civil claims assess the full extent of financial losses, including lost earnings, treatment costs, and long‑term impact on your life.

Considering Delayed Onset

Many veterans only seek help years after leaving service. Both AFCS and civil claims recognise that PTSD can take time to surface. We work with you to build a clear timeline and gather supporting evidence.

Real‑World Example

A veteran may have experienced a traumatic event overseas but continued to serve for years before symptoms became overwhelming. With the right medical evidence, it is still possible to show service connection and secure compensation. We regularly help clients in similar situations who thought they had “left it too late.”

Why Choose Ison Harrison for Your PTSD Claim?

• Specialist military injury solicitors with extensive experience in PTSD and psychological injury claims
• Lexcel‑accredited for excellence in client care and practice management
• No win, no fee funding available for civil claims
• Clear, confidential advice from dedicated professionals who understand military culture
• Offices across Yorkshire and beyond, plus remote support for clients anywhere in the UK

Our role is to support you, we will not judge, pressure, or overwhelm you. You stay in control throughout, and we progress your claim at a pace that feels comfortable.

Get Confidential, Expert Advice Today

If you are struggling with PTSD or another mental health injury linked to service, you do not have to face it alone. We offer free, confidential, no‑obligation advice to help you understand your rights and the options available.

Contact our military injury team today to speak to a specialist solicitor in complete confidence.

• Call: 0113 224 7837
• Emai: [email protected]
• Request a Callback