Why This Date Matters for Your Claim

If you are a UK veteran struggling with hearing damage, one specific date defines your legal rights:
May 15, 1987.

The “Great Divide” in Military Claims

This date is critical because of a legal concept known as Crown Immunity. Before 1987, the Ministry of Defence was legally protected from being sued for negligence by service members. This “legal wall” meant that even if your hearing loss was caused by a lack of proper equipment, you were strictly banned from pursuing a private claim.

Why Post-1987 Service is Favourable

If your hearing was damaged while serving after this cutoff, you can pursue a Civil Claim. This is often the preferred route for veterans because:

• • Higher Compensation: Payouts for pain and suffering are generally higher than standard government schemes.
• • Lower Thresholds: You can often claim for lower levels of hearing loss that other schemes might reject.
• • Duty of Care: We simply need to show the MOD failed to provide proper ear defenders or follow safety regulations.

Proving Your Case

To build a successful claim, we move beyond “natural aging.” We look at your medical records from the day you joined to the day you left, documenting specific noise exposures such as:

• Small arms fire or heavy artillery
• Engine rooms and flight decks
• Pyrotechnics and explosions

Understanding where you fall on the 1987 timeline is the first step toward the compensation you deserve.