MoD to compensate thousands of veterans through military noise-induced hearing loss claims
Many national and local media have recently reported how thousands of ex-servicemen and women are now more likely to receive compensation for military noise-induced hearing loss suffered during training or combat.
This recent reporting of activity in the High Court appears to be a welcome victory for the many veterans who have suffered from military noise-induced hearing loss (MNIHL) and are looking to make a claim for compensation.
Over the course of their military careers, military personnel can be repeatedly exposed to loud noises, such as bombing and gunfire. Between 2012 and 2023 alone, the MoD paid £72m in compensation for military noise-induced hearing loss claims, settling more than 9,000 cases.
This new high court settlement, which took place in July 2024, covers liability points relating to the breach of the duty of care and also limitation by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). There are still a number of claims that will go to trial within the next year and these claims will determine the level of compensation due to the veterans.
Historically the MoD has defended military hearing loss claims based on the following:
- Victims not bringing a claim by the limitation date (there is a three-year limit on this type of claim)
- An argument that other sources of noise were to blame for the hearing loss
- The fact that the individuals should have worn ear protection.
The agreed settlement terms however mean that it will no longer dispute these claims to such a level and that it recognises that it owes a duty of care to members of the armed forces who have suffered hearing loss. It specifically details that people discharged after 1987 may be eligible to receive compensation.
It is anticipated claims outside this settlement will follow these concessions of which shall assist those who in the future wish to bring a claim for their hearing loss.
What Next?
At GA Solicitors we have significant experience in supporting both serving and former military personnel with military noise-induced hearing loss claims.
We act on a no-win, no-fee basis to help all people secure the access to justice they deserve.
To be able to bring a military noise-induced hearing loss claim it will be necessary to show:
- You have a hearing injury, such as hearing loss; ringing in your ears (tinnitus); or hypersensitivity to noise; and
- Your period of service in the armed forces includes a period after 1987; and
- You have been exposed to loud noises such as gunfire or explosions (after 1987) in training or on exercises, without adequate hearing protection; and
- This exposure is more likely than not to have caused your hearing injury.
These points are indicative only. To read more about how claims are assessed, please read our recent article here.
For bespoke advice regarding your claim, and to get firsthand feedback on the viability of your military noise-induced hearing loss claims, please contact our experienced hearing loss claims team by calling 01752 203500 or emailing enquiries@GAsolicitors.com.
GA Solicitors in Plymouth is a proud supporter of the armed forces and has been a signatory of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant since 2015. You can find out more about our work and support of the armed forces on our web page.
GA Solicitors’ experienced personal injury solicitors in Plymouth are ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK. They are also accredited by APIL.
All content on this website (inclusive of guides, blogs and imagery) is strictly copyrighted by Gill Akaster LLP, trading as GA Solicitors. It is not to be used by any third party without prior contact and permission. Any requests for content should be sent to katy.mckenna@GAsolicitors.com.