Wounded soldiers can go for higher compensation claims
British troops wounded on duty are to get substantially higher compensation claims, under the military's new compensation scheme.
It was reported that one-off awards will increase by 30%.
The rule limiting compensation payouts to the first three personal injury per incidents will be shelved.
The defence secretary said the plans would ensure that soldiers had a compensation scheme that was "fair and just".
"They must have confidence that, when they are injured due to their service, they and their family will be fully cared for, right through their initial treatment to their long-term convalescence," he said.
The proposals aim to increase the guaranteed lifetime income given to the most seriously injured servicemen and women who can no longer work.
A young soldier who suffered very serious injuries would now be able to get about £1.5m in financial support over a lifetime.
Admiral Lord Boyce, the former chief of the defence staff, said the maximum tax-free lump sum of £570,000 paid to such soldiers will not be changed but other compensation payouts are likely to increase by up to 50%.
"This is a very welcome announcement that will mean tens of millions more pounds for injured soldiers over the coming years," said Chris Simpkins of the Royal British Legion, which fought for improved compensation," he said.
Updated on 18/02/2010