Question 1

Who is eligible to make a military deafness claim in the UK?

Accepted Answer

If you served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or RAF (regular or reserve, including Gurkhas) and were exposed to harmful noise without adequate hearing protection, you may be eligible. At least part of your service must fall after 15 May 1987, the date Crown Immunity for service-related personal injury was lifted under the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987.

Question 2

How much compensation could I receive for military hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Awards are calculated by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases. The Guidelines set out bands for partial hearing loss, total deafness and tinnitus, taking into account severity, age and impact on quality of life. Past and future loss of earnings, hearing aid costs and care needs can be claimed in addition. Your solicitor will give you a realistic valuation once medical evidence is in place.

Question 3

Will making a claim affect my pension, AFCS or War Pension?

Accepted Answer

No. A civil claim against the Ministry of Defence is separate from your Service Pension, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award or War Pension. You can pursue both. If you have already received an AFCS award for the same injury, that figure may be taken into account in any civil settlement to prevent double recovery, but it will not reduce your pension entitlement.

Question 4

Will claiming affect my career or future employment?

Accepted Answer

No. It is unlawful for any current or future employer — including the Ministry of Defence — to penalise you for bringing a personal injury claim. Your claim is confidential between you, your solicitor and the MoD’s legal team unless it proceeds to a public court hearing.

Question 5

Is there any cost or financial risk to me?

Accepted Answer

Claims of this kind are typically funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement (no win, no fee), often backed by After-The-Event (ATE) insurance to cover disbursements and adverse costs. If your claim is unsuccessful you should pay nothing, subject to compliance with the agreement. If you win, a success fee (capped by regulation) plus the ATE premium is normally deducted from your damages. Your solicitor must explain all costs in writing before you sign.

Question 6

How long do military hearing loss claims take?

Accepted Answer

Timescales vary with complexity. Straightforward claims may settle within roughly a year of medical evidence being in place; claims involving disputed liability, significant earnings loss, or contested limitation can take considerably longer. Your solicitor will give you a realistic timeline once they have reviewed your service history and medical evidence.

Question 7

What is the time limit (limitation) for a military hearing claim?

Accepted Answer

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years from the date of knowledge — meaning the date you first knew, or could reasonably have known, that your hearing loss was significant and linked to service. For many veterans this is the date of an audiology diagnosis, not the date of service. The court has a discretion under section 33 to extend this period in appropriate cases.

Question 8

I served before 1987 — can I still claim?

Accepted Answer

Crown Immunity prevents claims for negligence committed by the MoD before 15 May 1987 (Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987). However, if you served either side of that date, you may still claim for noise exposure and damage caused after 15 May 1987. We assess this carefully on a case-by-case basis using your service record.

Compensation for Military Hearing Loss & Tinnitus

Can I claim for military hearing loss?

A practice focused on military hearing claims

MoD claims focus

Independent hearing experts

No win, no fee

Limitation issues considered

Full heads of loss

Plain-English service

Branch-specific noise exposure we recognise

British Army

Royal Navy & Royal Marines

Royal Air Force

Four steps from first call to compensation

Free eligibility call

Independent audiology

Letter of claim to MoD

Settlement or trial

Military deafness claims — your questions answered

Find out if you have a claim