Hmpshire MP demands justice for veterans

10.52.35am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 24th Dec 2005

Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey, has signed a Commons Early Day Motion calling on the Government to lower the qualifying level of hearing loss in order to ensure that all those who have served in the armed forces are compensated appropriately for any disability. The campaign is supported by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

Sandra said:

"The Government's current assessment for compensation fails many veterans who have been deafened as a result of their time in service. To qualify for compensation, a veteran must have a hearing loss of at least 50 decibels. This is much higher than other countries and out of line with scientific understanding.

"Most people who claim for compensation are not eligible for any assistance at all. The new Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, introduced in April 2005, has done nothing to improve the situation.

"Veterans have contributed enormously to the life of the country and it's time that the sacrifices made by deafened veterans are recognised"