War veterans are left waiting for compensation as Veterans UK faces extensive backlogs
Backlog
Veterans UK allocate compensation to war veterans and insist they are not experiencing any difficulties at this time. However, information released by the MoD reveals that there has been a 16% increase in claimants since 2010/2011. Those injured or disabled during service can make a claim and families that lost a relative whilst in service can also claim. During the period from 2013 to 2014, over 35,000 claims were made.
The impact on claimants
Compensation is given to those negatively affected by their service. This can include severe physical injuries such as facial disfigurement blindness and serious injury to limbs which have subsequently led to amputations. For many, having to wait even longer to obtain compensation merely prolongs their ordeal. Thousands of war veterans are being left in a state of limbo as Veterans UK attempt to deal with the backlog of claims.
One veteran even compared the waiting to "torture": 44 year old Alex Ford served as a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force for quarter of a century before taking redundancy due to a slipped disc and to become a carer for his wife who was also injured during service. Mr Ford's situation was exacerbated when he developed depression after a stint in Afghanistan. The former Royal Air Force Sergeant waited two years to receive compensation and said he suffered "mental anguish" as he waited for a result.
Unresolved cases
The British press has highlighted several cases that have yet to be resolved, including a claim made by Lance Corporal Chris Yates who is awaiting the results of a claim made in 2012. To date he has been awarded £3000 but his claim for depression, kidney damage, prolapsed disc and other physical injuries has not been fully processed. Yates says that every time he called Veterans UK to speak about his claim, he was fobbed off, but then when he called in June this year, the group admitted they were tackling a backlog of cases.
More than money
Unless you are in a situation where you are awaiting the results of a compensation claim, it may be difficult to grasp the concept of being unable to move on. Compensation is so much more than a monetary award and individuals such as war veterans can find it extremely difficult to move on with their lives when they do not know how much they will be awarded.
For many, a successful claim can give a sense of closure to their ordeal and allows them to continue with the rest of their lives. Compensation can also be an essential source of income as a severe disability can mean the end of a career for many people. However, until Veterans UK can clear the backlog, thousands of claimants will be left guessing whether or not they will be awarded a sufficient amount of compensation.
Want to claim compensation?
If you are searching for a legal representative to help you with pursue a claim. You can also request a call back by popping your details into the online contact form. Our friendly advisers are happy to answer your compensation queries, so why not take advantage of our free initial consultation and find out just how much you can claim. Our legal team are experienced in all areas of personal injury law and are the only solicitors you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Veterans UK allocate compensation to war veterans and insist they are not experiencing any difficulties at this time. However, information released by the MoD reveals that there has been a 16% increase in claimants since 2010/2011. Those injured or disabled during service can make a claim and families that lost a relative whilst in service can also claim. During the period from 2013 to 2014, over 35,000 claims were made.
The impact on claimants
Compensation is given to those negatively affected by their service. This can include severe physical injuries such as facial disfigurement blindness and serious injury to limbs which have subsequently led to amputations. For many, having to wait even longer to obtain compensation merely prolongs their ordeal. Thousands of war veterans are being left in a state of limbo as Veterans UK attempt to deal with the backlog of claims.
One veteran even compared the waiting to "torture": 44 year old Alex Ford served as a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force for quarter of a century before taking redundancy due to a slipped disc and to become a carer for his wife who was also injured during service. Mr Ford's situation was exacerbated when he developed depression after a stint in Afghanistan. The former Royal Air Force Sergeant waited two years to receive compensation and said he suffered "mental anguish" as he waited for a result.
Unresolved cases
The British press has highlighted several cases that have yet to be resolved, including a claim made by Lance Corporal Chris Yates who is awaiting the results of a claim made in 2012. To date he has been awarded £3000 but his claim for depression, kidney damage, prolapsed disc and other physical injuries has not been fully processed. Yates says that every time he called Veterans UK to speak about his claim, he was fobbed off, but then when he called in June this year, the group admitted they were tackling a backlog of cases.
More than money
Unless you are in a situation where you are awaiting the results of a compensation claim, it may be difficult to grasp the concept of being unable to move on. Compensation is so much more than a monetary award and individuals such as war veterans can find it extremely difficult to move on with their lives when they do not know how much they will be awarded.
For many, a successful claim can give a sense of closure to their ordeal and allows them to continue with the rest of their lives. Compensation can also be an essential source of income as a severe disability can mean the end of a career for many people. However, until Veterans UK can clear the backlog, thousands of claimants will be left guessing whether or not they will be awarded a sufficient amount of compensation.
Want to claim compensation?
If you are searching for a legal representative to help you with pursue a claim. You can also request a call back by popping your details into the online contact form. Our friendly advisers are happy to answer your compensation queries, so why not take advantage of our free initial consultation and find out just how much you can claim. Our legal team are experienced in all areas of personal injury law and are the only solicitors you need to get the compensation you deserve.
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