War Pensions

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 24-09-2007, 11:17

Firstly apologies to those already "in the know" and I'm not trying to teach anyone how to suck eggs...but,

When I left the service a million years ago, I attended a financial briefing to (a) Get some advice on investing my hard earned cash and (b) to get a couple of hours away from the office. Anyway I was astounded to hear that a WAR PENSION was not just for soldiers who had served and been injured in the time of war, but was for all servicemen who had injuries and ailments attributable to their service . For example: Osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles, lower back pain syndrome and re-occuring problems from injuries collected along the way. (all common to infantry soldiers particularly in the days of running only in boots) At the time I recall my knees were a bit sore and my ankles creaked a bit but hey it goes with the job right? Well I applied, was examined and recieve a war pension. Some thirteen years on I have had surgery on both knees (3 in all) and one to my shoulder. At some stage I will require knee replacement. Anyway my point, (no sympathy please) I have spoken to a number of ex-servicemen who have never even heard of a War Pension let alone apply! It is there, you are entitled to it (medical examination accepted) and you should apply. For those nearing the end of their service, you may feel that you have no problems but believe me old age does not arrive on its own and those minor discomforts do get worse. Preaching over, if anyone wants to know any more before applying feel free to message me and I will help as much as I can. Nick

**Dai72** · 24-09-2007, 13:51

Hi Gwyn

Same old injuries. If your injuries get worse, you can ask for a re-assessment on your injuries. Michelle works for the new name 'Service Personel ansd Veterans Agency' on 02920 228189 and she can give advice.

Best Wish's

Dai

sox3044 · 24-09-2007, 17:01

thanks, gwyn,and Dai, i have just finished my service back in june. I had my final medical back in feb, with both dodgy kness and hearing from the Mortar Pl days i was refered for a specialists appointment that i still havnt recieved. Any advice on what lines to go down at present. I am working abrord at the mo and only get home every 10 weeks, and dont realy know who to get in touch with my civi doctor still hasnt recieved my docs from the army either. Hope your knees still allow you to play golf gwyn, if its any inspiration i saw a guy playing with 1 arm the a few months back what an inspiration. Hope the reffing's going well dai.

**Lofty-25** · 24-09-2007, 17:55

Sox, when i came out, i applied straight away and from when i first sent the forms back and to the time i received my war pension, was a total of 14 months, whether things have speeded up since then i could not tell you, do you also know that you can apply for LSO (lower standard of occupation), not being able to to the same sort of employment in civvi street as that in the army, but if you are in receipt of any means tested benefits (income support) then the amount you have received from Income Supprt will be deducted from your war pension before you receive it (another way to take well earned money from those who have served)

Hope this helps in some way

sox3044 · 24-09-2007, 18:00

thanks very much for that lofty thats another avenue i can look at, guess i could say i couldnt go to iraq and had to settle for half the wage doing an easy job in kuwait. Thanks m8 il give it a go.

scottlawson · 24-09-2007, 18:10

Lads,
Those that know me, will know I had a number of discolations of the shoulder and a hearing op. I recieved a sum short of 10k. 6 mths from aplication to payout.
I applied through the British leigon(service related injuries). Sox, I also was working away. Just booked the medicals they wanted for when I returned. Depending on the percentage of the injury, It will be paid either one off, weekly or monthly. If it was caused by the service and it is documented you will be fine. Hope this helps

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 24-09-2007, 18:12

Originally Posted by Lofty-23

Sox, when i came out, i applied straight away and from when i first sent the forms back and to the time i received my war pension, was a total of 14 months, whether things have speeded up since then i could not tell you, do you also know that you can apply for LSO (lower standard of occupation), not being able to to the same sort of employment in civvi street as that in the army, but if you are in receipt of any means tested benefits (income support) then the amount you have received from Income Supprt will be deducted from your war pension before you receive it (another way to take well earned money from those who have served)

Hope this helps in some way

Hi guys. Please note that you may only apply for LSO if you are in reciept of a war pension at the rate of 40% or more. You will only find out the rate at which you will be assessed after your initial application, medical and decision of the Board. Nick

**Dai72** · 24-09-2007, 19:26

Hi Sox

Give michelle a ring when u get home, she can advise u.

has for the refereing, have reached the dizzy heights of the Welsh Prem again and was in the middlw Neath v Glam wand last sat. Even got a BBC Wales. Also at present No1 in CS.

Best Wish's

dai

**hefin2616** · 24-09-2007, 19:54

Hi Sox,

I first applied for my war pension July last year after I was taking to a guy who made a claim. He explained to me the proccedures I needed to go through. I firstly got in contact with the Royal British Leigon, and to tell you truth they were'nt much help on the matter. I secondly got in touch with the Gulf veterans agency, and to say it the where brilliant. From start to finish of the claim it took about 6 months. They knew I worked abroad and booked all medicals needed for my time off in the UK. So my advice would be to drop them a line and see where you go from there.

EO-VA-Ops-Gulf@veteransagency.gsi.gov.uk

Hef 16