Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
The Ministry of Defence has revealed the results of a review on the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, which gives monetary support to servicemen and women who have been injured or family of those who have lost their life on duty.
It’s great news, but what is even better news is the fact that mental illness amongst Armed Forces is being recognised in the light that it should be. There will be an increase in the maximum award for mental illness from
£48,000 to £140,000 and a new medical expert panel will be put together to advise on cases involving specific injuries and illnesses including mental health disorders.
These changes have been especially welcomed by Royal Marine Lance Corporal Ram Patten. Having served in Afghanistan and suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Lance Corporal Patten knows all too well the importance of the Compensation Scheme and the help and support of organisations such as the Royal British Legion, which helped and supported him and his family through his personal recovery.
Wanting to say thank you in more than just plain words to the people who helped and supported him through his mental health issues, Lance Corporal Patten set out to organise the March for Honour. Soldiers and ex-soldiers from
all Armed Forces began their march (in uniform and carrying standard equipment) from four different points around the country on 4th November. They met in Wootton Bassett where they picked up the Book of Remembrance in order to deliver it to London for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. The soldiers set out to march a mile for every serviceman/ woman who lost their life in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 and they hope to raise £1,000,000 for the charity that for 90 years has been helping and supporting our brave soldiers and their families.
Published in Uncovered Magazine December 2010 issue 2
