Getting help before leaving the forces
Leaving the armed forces after sustaining an injury can be a very daunting process.
It is important that you speak to your medical officer while you are still serving, to get the medical treatment you need. If you are told you will have to be medically discharged then you may be allowed to continue serving while you complete your treatment, for example if you need to have rehabilitation, or you are being treated for a mental health condition. You should speak to your medical officer if you have concerns about your treatment, and you can also raise this when you attend a medical board as a decision could be made to extend your service (to allow you to complete your treatment).
Once you are discharged you are entitled to medical care under the NHS and there are steps you will need to take to access treatment.
Learning to live with your injury
Adapting to life with an injury can be challenging and you will need to make sure you have the right support in place. When you’re dealing with a physical injury it can be easy to overlook the effects on your mental wellbeing and likewise, when coping with an injury to your mental health, you can overlook your physical wellbeing. It is important that you continue to look after both your physical and mental health to aid in your recovery and adjustment to life after the forces.
- Living with an injury
- Charities that support injured veterans
- Building your community
- How do I look after my mental health?
Claiming help from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
You may be entitled to a payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) if you have been injured or suffered an illness as a result of your military service.
