Military service can expose personnel to high levels of noise on land, at sea and in the air. Whether during training exercises or operational deployments, prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing damage and conditions such as tinnitus, often experienced as ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears.
Unlike many other injuries, noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and can have a lasting impact on day-to-day life, affecting communication, work and overall quality of life.
Hearing loss sustained during military service may result from exposure to:
The Ministry of Defence has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect service personnel from the risk of hearing damage. This may include providing suitable hearing protection, carrying out risk assessments and ensuring personnel receive appropriate training in the use of protective equipment.
However, we understand that in a military environment it is not always practical or possible to wear hearing protection at all times. In some cases, the protective equipment provided may not have been sufficient to prevent long-term exposure to harmful noise levels.
At Hollins Wood Solicitors, we assist serving personnel and veterans with military hearing loss claims, including claims pursued under the MOD Matrix Agreement where applicable. We can also advise on related compensation schemes, including War Pensions and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Our team will guide you through every stage of your military hearing loss claim, from initial eligibility checks to settlement. We aim to make the process as simple and efficient as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way.
ELEGIBILITY CHECK
Complete our online eligibility form or speak with a member of our team to assess whether you may be eligible to pursue a military hearing loss claim
CLIENT CARE PACK
If your claim is suitable to proceed, we will provide our client care pack, including our No Win No Fee agreement, for you to review, sign and return.
SUBMIT YOUR CLAIM
Once we have received your signed documents and identification, your claim will be prepared and submitted under the appropriate claims process, including the MOD Matrix Agreement where applicable. The deadline to submit a claim under the Matrix agreement is 31st July 2026
SERVICE RECORDS
We obtain and review your military service records and any other relevant documentation required to support your claim.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
An independent hearing specialist will assess your condition and prepare a medical report to evidence your hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
SETTLEMENT
We present your medical evidence and supporting documentation to pursue compensation and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.
We act on a No Win, No Fee basis, giving you access to justice without financial risk.
At Hollins Wood Solicitors, we understand the unique challenges faced by service personnel and veterans. Our experienced team will:
What is a Military Injury Claim
Serving in the Armed Forces is a demanding career that often involves exposure to risk. Whilst many injuries are an unavoidable part of military life, others arise because proper procedures, equipment, or training were not provided. If you have suffered an injury due to negligence during service, you may be entitled to bring a Military Injury Claim and seek compensation for the impact it has had on your health, career, and family life.
A military injury claim is a legal action brought against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or other responsible party where injury has occurred because of negligence. This could include:
Importantly, you cannot sue for injuries sustained in the heat of battle or during active combat operations, but many claims arise from incidents outside of combat where the MoD still has a duty of care.
Common Types of Military Injury
We act for current and former service personnel who have experienced:
Time Limits for Military Injury Claims
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of your injury) to bring a claim. However, there are circumstances where older claims may still be investigated, particularly where you were not aware of the negligence until much later. It is therefore important to seek legal advice promptly.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
A successful military injury claim can compensate you for:
There are several routes through which military personnel and veterans may be able to seek compensation for hearing loss or tinnitus arising from service. The most appropriate route will depend on the dates of service and individual circumstances.
Relevant Service Dates:
Military service on or after 15 May 1987.
Can I claim while still serving?
Yes. Claims may be pursued whilst still serving in the Armed Forces.
Time Limits:
Claims are generally subject to a three-year limitation period from the date the claimant first became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, that their hearing loss may be related to military service. In certain circumstances, the court has discretion to allow claims outside this period.
Do I need to prove negligence?
Yes. A claimant must establish that the Ministry of Defence breached its duty of care and that noise exposure during service caused or materially contributed to the hearing loss or tinnitus.
Compensation:
Compensation aims to place the claimant in the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. This may include damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings and other financial losses.
Relevant Service Dates:
Applies to injuries or conditions arising from service on or after 6 April 2005.
Can I claim while still serving?
Yes.
Time Limits:
Applications should generally be submitted within seven years of the injury, diagnosis or first medical treatment. In limited circumstances, late applications may be accepted.
Do I need to prove negligence?
No. The AFCS is a no-fault compensation scheme. Applicants need only demonstrate that the condition was caused or worsened by military service.
Compensation:
Awards are made in accordance with a tariff system and may include a lump sum payment. In more serious cases, a
Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) may also be awarded.
Relevant Service Dates:
Applies to injuries or conditions arising from service before 6 April 2005.
Can I claim while still serving?
No. Applications can only be made after leaving service.
Time Limits:
Claim must be made within seven years of discharge/diagnosis. In some circumstances, late claims may be accepted.
Do I need to prove negligence?
No. The War Pension Scheme is also a no-fault scheme. Applicants must demonstrate that their condition was caused or aggravated by military service.
Compensation:
Depending on the assessed level of disablement, compensation may take the form of a lump sum payment or an ongoing pension, with additional allowances available in certain circumstances.
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