Burnham blasted as injured veterans wait months or years for compensation

Veterans with physical or mental injuries linked to service are facing long waits for compensation, prompting criticism from politicians and veterans’ organisations. Campaigners say the delays can add uncertainty and financial strain for people already coping with health and employment challenges.

Mental injury claims under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme took an average of 186 working days, or 37 weeks, in 2025-26, nearly double the 20-week average in 2020-21. Under the older War Pension Scheme, the median time to clear a claim was 361 working days, or 72 weeks. The article says funding and staffing shortages are also affecting fast-track cases for terminally ill applicants and people over 90.