Common Myths About Military Injury Compensation
And the Truth Behind Them
Many service personnel and veterans who do qualify for compensation never apply – not because they aren’t eligible, but because they’ve been put off by misinformation. Over the years, we’ve seen the same myths repeated again and again, often stopping people from seeking the support they’re entitled to. Let’s clear a few of them up.
Myth 1: “You can only claim if you were injured in combat.”
Not true.
You do not need to have been injured in a war zone or under enemy fire to qualify. Many successful claims involve:
- Training injuries
- Repetitive strain and wear-and-tear
- Accidents on base
- Hearing loss
- Mental health conditions linked to service roles
If your condition was caused or worsened by your service, even outside combat, it may still qualify.
Myth 2: “Mental health injuries don’t really count.”
They absolutely do.
Conditions such as:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Adjustment disorders
can all qualify for compensation if they are linked to service. Unfortunately, mental health claims are often undervalued or misunderstood, which leads many veterans to assume they “won’t be believed,” but that assumption is wrong. These claims are real, valid, and increasingly recognised.
Myth 3: “You only get one chance to claim.”
You can make more than one claim.
You can:
- Submit new claims for different conditions later
- Request a reassessment if your condition worsens
- Appeal if you believe the original decision is wrong
Your first award is not necessarily the final word.
Myth 4: “It’s probably too late for me to apply.”
In many cases, it isn’t.
There is no strict time limit on many claims, particularly under the War Pension Scheme. Some people successfully claim:
- Many years after leaving service
- When symptoms appear later in life
- When a condition has gradually worsened
Late-onset conditions are especially common with:
- Skin cancers
- Joint and spinal injuries
- PTSD and depression
Myth 5: “I’d be taking money I don’t really deserve.”
This belief stops a huge number of people from claiming, and it’s simply not true.
Compensation is not a handout. It exists because:
- Service carries risks
- Some injuries never fully heal
- Some conditions affect people for life
- The country has a duty of care to those who served
If your health was damaged because of your service, you are not “taking” anything; you are being compensated for a loss.
Myth 6: “Everyone gets the same amount for the same injury.”
They don’t.
Two people with what seems to be the same injury can receive very different awards due to:
- Medical evidence
- Functional impact
- How the injury affects day-to-day life
- How the condition is argued and assessed
This is why many people are later found to be under-awarded.
Myth 7: “If my claim was rejected, that’s the end of it.”
Not at all.
Initial refusals are extremely common and often happen because:
- Evidence was missing
- The wrong scheme was applied
- The medical report was flawed
- The decision was rushed
Many rejected claims are later successful on reconsideration or appeal.Of course, getting it right first time can prevent a lot of stress, so we recommend you take advice from the experts and get in touch.
Myth 8: “You can’t work and receive compensation.”
In most cases, you can.
Compensation is based on injury and its impact, not on whether you’re employed. Many people:
- Work full-time
- Run businesses
- Retrain into new careers
while still receiving valid compensation.
The Bigger Picture
Most of these myths exist for one simple reason: the system is complex, and it isn’t well explained. When people are confused, they often assume the worst and quietly give up, usually without ever finding out that they did have a strong case.
If you’re unsure, you're not alone, and we're here to help. However, taking the right approach is crucial, so get in touch to see how we might help you.
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