Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 12 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Pain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to make veterans with chronic pain eligible for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence has assessed that both the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the War Pension Scheme (WPS) already provide compensation for pain and suffering as part of a holistic assessment of service-attributable injury or illness.

Under both schemes, chronic pain is not normally treated as a standalone condition. Instead, it is generally considered an expected consequence of a primary injury and is reflected within the overall award.

Where there is a distinct and separately diagnosable chronic pain condition, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, this may be considered on its own merits on a case-by-case basis

The Department keeps the operation of both schemes under review. The Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) is currently considering evidence and stakeholder concerns on how chronic pain is reflected within existing arrangements. No final conclusions have yet been reached.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9408
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Veterans: Pain
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Veterans: Pain
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Veterans: Pain
Friday, 17 July 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Armed forces compensation scheme Pain Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Veterans: Pain

Secondary information

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