Army Compensation Scheme: Hearing Loss and Injury Claims

What Is the Army Compensation Scheme?

When veterans refer to the 'Army compensation scheme', they usually mean one of two things: the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which is a government-run no-fault tariff scheme for service-related injury or illness on or after 6 April 2005; or a civil negligence claim against the Ministry of Defence for failing in its duty of care. The two are separate and can be pursued together.

Who Is Eligible to Claim?

Any current or former member of the British Army, RAF, Royal Navy or Royal Marines may be eligible. There is no minimum service period. For hearing loss specifically, you can claim if you were exposed to harmful noise during service and the MoD failed to adequately protect your hearing — regardless of rank, role or how long ago you served. War Pension recipients and AFCS recipients can still bring a separate civil claim.

AFCS vs Civil Claim — How Do Payments Compare?

AFCS pays a fixed tariff based on injury level and does not require proving fault. Civil claims require establishing MoD negligence but typically pay substantially more.

• AFCS Level 11 (moderate hearing loss): approximately £9,075 • Civil claim, moderate NIHL with tinnitus: £18,180–£36,260 (JCG)

• AFCS Level 8 (severe hearing loss): approximately £17,370 • Civil claim, severe NIHL with tinnitus: £36,260–£55,570 (JCG)

Civil claims also recover special damages — hearing aids, lost earnings, care costs — which AFCS does not cover.

What is the applicable scheme deadline?

Following a High Court-approved framework, the MoD extended the deadline for hearing loss claims under its streamlined settlement scheme to the applicable scheme deadline. Claims submitted before this date are processed under an agreed evidence framework, which shortens timelines and reduces disputes. Claims after this date will still be possible but face a higher evidential bar. Acting before the deadline is the simplest route.

How Does a Civil Army Compensation Claim Work?

A specialist solicitor will: review your service history and noise exposure, request your military medical records, arrange an independent audiological assessment, and submit a formal Letter of Claim to the MoD. The MoD responds within set Civil Procedure Rules timeframes. Most cases settle through negotiation. The whole process for a typical claim runs 12–18 months on a no win, no fee basis — you pay nothing if the claim is unsuccessful.

What Should I Do Now?

If you served in the Army (or any other branch) and have hearing loss or tinnitus, request a free claim assessment. A specialist will tell you which route (AFCS, civil claim, or both) fits your circumstances, give you a realistic settlement range based on JCG brackets, and explain the no win, no fee terms in plain English. With the applicable scheme deadline approaching, the earlier you start, the smoother the process.