War Pensions

[zak]

when i left the army i joined the local branch of comrades at wrexham and within 2 months a lady from the dhss turned up to give a talk on what ex servicemen are entitled to when they leave the services if they suffer with an injury later on in life that may have been caused whilst serving in the forces as far as i know she attended quite a few times

[Clive Rees (08)]

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

Thankyou Gwyn, this post was very helpful.
I have been out for a long time and thanks to Dai 72 I am now in the process of applying for a War Pension.

[Gwyn Nicholas]

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

Cheers Dai, I have already done so on one occasion and the system works very well. A second examination another board and a re-assessment of entitlement. Nick

[simon john amblin]

Hi lads, Ex RRW but the same probs....bad knees! Left the army and was never told I could claim. Anyway was tipped off, made a claim, the claim was accepted as attributable to service. Was given three and a half grand and a 6 - 14% disability rating...not enough for a monthly pension. This was back in 1993. Didn't realise that you could be re-assessed until this year. Should tell you I had surgery on my left knee whilst serving in Lemgo (You oldies will know where that is). Anyway 13 years later....in a hell of a lot more pain and discomfort, but as an old soldier you just get on with it! Just been re-assessed....they gave me between 6 - 14%!!! Unbelievable....they just don,t want to part with that money! Gone down the appeal route, but I doubt I,ll get anywhere with it. Any tips would be nice. cheers

[rolli25]

PS you get free prescriptions for your ailments if you have 20% or more disability.

My local chemist wont even charge me for prescriptions that are nothing to do with my dodgy knees hands back etc. but i think they have got this wrong

[stu reed]

Hello Gents,

Just one for those planning on leaving, with an ailment, you are entitled to photocopy ALL your medical records, as long as you ask the RMO first etc. This should make any claims easier as they would other wise have to go and dig 'em out in Glasgow, hence the time frame. You will then have at hand everything you need for claims and if needed for legal matters.

Stu "Ollie" Reed

currently sipping Rum and Coke in sunny An Najaf. Shades

[simon john amblin]

You get a "Green Card" even if you have less than 20% disability. As far as I am aware ALL perscriptions are now free

[Keith Jones 989]

Free Prescriptions:

Wales and Scotland have 'free' prescriptions. England does not.

Those of us living in England who are awarded a disability rating by the MOD will be entitled to free prescriptions for treatment of our particular disability - for example, if we have been rated by the MOD as suffering from the prescribed minimum level of hearing loss (industrial deafness, as most of us do?) we will be entitled to free medicine to treat any problems which might arise with our ears - earache; hearing aids etc, but we would NOT be entitled to free prescriptions for painkillers for, say, a bad back, NOR will we be entitled to free beta blockers if we develop a heart problem after leaving the service.

Finally, you don't need to be in receipt of any form of medical or war pension to qualify for the free prescriptions for your particular disability, but you MUST have that magic certificate of disability from the MOD (and if you ever lose the one they give you they say they won't give you another one!).

Weird, isn't it?

Why is there anybody left living in England?

[rob jones 60]

ITS never to late to put in for a war pension . my uncle was a capt in the Glosters in korea during his service his Bren gun carrier was blown up .. he made a clam back in 1999 for his hearing and was awarded a full pension attributed to the incident in korea all those years ago ..so if you had any mishaps while serving you would be wise to fill out the forms and see what you are entitled to clam ..

[chow]

thanks for that glyn could you pm me the details..same old dodgy knees lower back ect. its worth a try..