injured whilst in basic training

big_billy1949

Hello ,my grandson joined the army last year. After 12 weeks of basic training he had an accident and hurt his back. After 2 weeks in sick bayhe was told that the injury to his back was caused by his big toes turning up. He was told he needed an operation to break his toes and reset them. He was discharged and was told as he had not completed his basic training the army could do nothing for him. He was told to get the operation done and re-apply to get back in and that it is only a formality. Being ex army myself I know they will tell you anything. Has anyone ever heard of this . Also is it to late to apply for a war pension(sorry I do not know proper title now).

o.stjohn

http://www.veterans-uk.info/ ring them now!

bonsibabe

Does he have any paperwork about it? I was injured in basic and i get a war pension. It is worth him getting in touch with the veterans agency and asking for a welfare worker to come and see him and help him fill in the forms. If you don't ask you don't get. Good luck and hope this helps a little!

The good thing about WP is that it is non taxable, not means tested, and index linked (it goes up every year). If he gets a monthly pension then he can apply for other disability benefits, and a blue parking permit as well.

Good luck!

big_billy1949

Understand but have you heard about going back into the army after a operation . I have a war pension myself ( 20 years). However I have never heard of anyone being accepted back in after an operation he has been out 2 years now. He had over a year to wait for the operation and 6-9 months recovery

bonsibabe

Have checked with my hubby (he is just out after 11 years), and he says that the army could have given him the operation, and he has heard of others getting back in after things like that. But the army should never have discharged him. He should have been sent for the operation by the army, had his recovery and then continued his basic.

Hubby will check the internet and I will PM you shortly with a link to some information for you if that helps (hubby is an ex clerk)

Pete268

Hi,

As his injury occurred post April 2005, he will come under the 'new' Armed Forces Compensation Scheme' as opposed to the old War Pension Scheme.

Make sure he gets copies of all his paperwork etc and that he contacts the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency ASAP (There is a 5 year maximum claim period). Their phone number is 0800 169 2277. He should also contact such as the Royal British Legion who can assist with putting in a claim etc.

Peter

Sparky29

If he had dodgy toes before he joined up he isn't fit to serve. It is not up to the Army to fix him if it was a pre-existing injury and this weakness prevented him passing basic training. Its not until your body is put under stress that these weaknesses come to light. If the injury can't be proven to be caused by Army service I doubt he will get any compensation. As to a war pension I think you have to be more than 18% disabled before you are eligible for a pension. The British Legion are the best people to speak to about this.

lee634

Going on from sparky.

Do you really think the army would take him back if he gets a disability allowance from them

Pete268

Sparky29 wrote: »

If he had dodgy toes before he joined up he isn't fit to serve. It is not up to the Army to fix him if it was a pre-existing injury and this weakness prevented him passing basic training. Its not until your body is put under stress that these weaknesses come to light. If the injury can't be proven to be caused by Army service I doubt he will get any compensation. As to a war pension I think you have to be more than 18% disabled before you are eligible for a pension. The British Legion are the best people to speak to about this.

Hi,

As I posted above, he will not come under the War Pension Scheme (WPS) as his injury occurred post April 2005.He will come within the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) which is totally different to the old WPS.

The AFCS has a differing burden of proof to the WPS as well as a differing payment structure, with varying tariffs, so cannot be directly compared to the WPS. Also one can receive a compensation payment under AFCS and continue to serve. If the injury is given a higher rated tariff then a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) may be payable post service.

Whether or not the person to whom the OP relates will be eligible for either a 'one off' compensation scheme payment or/and ongoing GIP is for the SPVA to decide but the OP should seek advice from such as the RBL asap.

Peter

big_billy1949

Pete268 wrote: »

Hi,

As I posted above, he will not come under the War Pension Scheme (WPS) as his injury occurred post April 2005.He will come within the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) which is totally different to the old WPS.

The AFCS has a differing burden of proof to the WPS as well as a differing payment structure, with varying tariffs, so cannot be directly compared to the WPS. Also one can receive a compensation payment under AFCS and continue to serve. If the injury is given a higher rated tariff then a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) may be payable post service.

Whether or not the person to whom the OP relates will be eligible for either a 'one off' compensation scheme payment or/and ongoing GIP is for the SPVA to decide but the OP should seek advice from such as the RBL asap.

Peter

Hi thanks to everyone who replied. First of all he wants to return to the army. As he has no-one living locally we are the only family he has and we are a bit out of touch that is why I am asking advice. I am only thinking of a pension if he still has problems later in life. Thanks again.

new2civvystreet

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme!!! As has been said before, the Royal British legion will be able to assist with this.

He won't get anything in the way of a service pension as he wasn't in long enough.