Military Deafness Claims Solicitors

Has serving in the military damaged your hearing?

Excessive noise levels can damage sensory neurons or even rupture the eardrum, leading to noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus. Many armed forces personnel experience these noises – leading to long-term hearing issues.

At Wolferstans we specialise in helping military personnel claim compensation for hearing damage caused during service in the armed forces. Our expert solicitors have successfully secured thousands of pounds in compensation for affected clients. From evidence collection to claim submission, we provide you with expert guidance every step of the way.

What is the legal process for making a claim for military deafness?

The military deafness claim process usually follows these steps:

1. Contact our office for an initial consultation with a specialist solicitor. This free, no-obligation call will help us assess your case and advise on how best to proceed.
2. After reviewing, we’ll plan the documentation required to support your claim. This can include:

• Employment records and service history
• Medical reports regarding your hearing loss
• Any other supporting information.

3. You may need to be evaluated by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist. This will help confirm that your hearing loss is directly linked to your military service, strengthening your claim.
4. We will estimate how much compensation you could receive based on the severity of your injury. This will also account for its impact on your life and any financial losses.
5. Your claim will be formally submitted to the MoD. They will then review the evidence and evaluate your case.
6. At this stage, we will negotiate compensation on your behalf. If the MoD accepts liability, we aim to get the best possible settlement for your claim. If you do not accept the terms or the MoD denies responsibility, we will start court proceedings and represent you throughout the legal process.

How much can be claimed for a military deafness claim?

Every military deafness case submitted to the MoD is unique. As such, the compensation awarded depends on factors such as:

• The severity of your hearing loss
• Its impact on your daily life
• Any financial losses you have suffered due to your injury.

The Judicial College provides guidelines for compensation amounts. Depending on the severity of your case, the average compensation may be:

• Slight hearing loss: £4,850–£8,250
• Mild tinnitus: £8,250–£9,570
• Partial hearing loss with moderate tinnitus: £9,750–£19,500
• Partial hearing loss with severe tinnitus: £19,500–£30,000
• Loss of hearing in one ear: £20,500–£30,000
• Total deafness: £59,500–£72,000.

In addition to general damages (compensation for your pain and suffering), you may also claim special damages. These cover many types of financial losses, such as:

• Medical costs
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Loss of earnings (especially if your injury affects your ability to work.)

Will making a claim for military deafness affect my employment status or future service?

In most cases, the claims process is confidential. Only if your case proceeds to trial would the details become public. However, employers cannot legally dismiss you for filing a compensation claim due to military hearing loss. Regardless of your case, hearing loss may result in medical discharge if it affects your ability to serve.

Will claiming affect my ability to get a job in the future?

UK employment laws protect you from discrimination for making a personal injury claim. But unfortunately, some job roles may not be suitable if your hearing loss limits your ability to perform parts of the role. It’s best to disclose your disability and discuss any required accommodations with your future employers.

I have claimed a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) payment. Can I still make a claim?

You can file a separate claim even if you have received a War Pension or AFCS payment. However, you cannot claim compensation twice for the same injury. If your injury worsens due to continued service, or if you suffer from further injuries later, you may be able to file an additional claim based on these new circumstances.

I no longer live in the UK. Can I still make a claim for military deafness?

You can still claim under the War Pension Scheme if you live outside the UK after serving. If you served before 6 April 2005, you may not need to prove negligence to qualify for compensation. In some cases, an audiology test may be required to confirm that your hearing loss is service-related.

I was medically discharged; can I claim hearing loss if discharged for a different injury?

You can still claim for hearing loss even if your discharge was for another injury. However, your case will require evidence linking your hearing loss to your military service. Discharge papers and medical records linking your injury to your service are both sources that may strengthen your military deafness claim.

How long do I have to make a military hearing loss claim?

Ideally, hearing loss claims due to serving in the military should be made within three years of noticing symptoms. However, exceptions may apply for gradual hearing loss, so you may be able to make a claim after this period. An audiology test may help link your injury with your service.

Will I be required to go to court for a military hearing loss claim?

Most military hearing loss claims are settled directly with the MoD. These typically do not require court proceedings. If the MoD disputes your claim or the compensation offer is inadequate, your claim may go to court. You can help your case by:

• Collecting strong evidence, including military and medical records
• Making a claim within defined time limits
• Working with an experienced military hearing loss solicitor to build your case.

How long will the claim process take?

The time to resolve your military hearing loss claim varies depending on many factors, such as:

• The complexity of the case (straightforward cases usually settle quicker)
• The evidence available (providing strong evidence helps speed up the process)
• Disputes to liability (If the MoD accepts liability, settlements are usually faster)
• Any issues with your claim (for example, disagreements over evidence can delay the case.)

Part of my service was prior to 1987. Will that be included in the claim?

The legal framework for claims against the MoD was implemented in May 1987. As such, you can make a claim if all or part of your service occurred after 1987. For example, if you served from 1985 until 1993 and experienced hearing loss due to negligence, you might be eligible to make a claim.

Unfortunately, if your service ended prior to May 1987, you may not be eligible for compensation.

What evidence do I need to support my military hearing loss claim?

Key evidence to support your military hearing loss claim includes any of the following that link your injury to your service:

• Medical reports
• Service records
• Audiologist testimony
• Photos, videos, or documentation of noise-related incidents.

Can I claim military hearing loss compensation if my hearing loss occurred many years ago?

Your gradual hearing loss may qualify for compensation if it is linked to your military service. As hearing loss can appear over time, there are no concrete limits that apply to making a claim. Instead, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) evaluates each case individually, even if your symptoms emerge years after your service.

Contacting an expert military hearing loss solicitor will help clarify your chances of making a claim.

Who is eligible to make a military hearing loss claim?

Any current or former military personnel suffering from hearing loss due to service-related noise may be eligible to claim. As part of the process, providing evidence through medical records and expert testimony will help strengthen your case.

Will I be obligated to pay legal fees?

The Wolferstans “No win – No fee” policy means we won’t receive payment unless we win your case. If you win your claim, we charge a percentage of that amount. Contact us today for your free initial no-obligation consultation.