AFCS Claims for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Reality Check for Veterans

What the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme does — and does not — compensate for hearing loss

By Grant Evatt

Managing Solicitor, Alma Law | Military Claims Solicitor | Veteran

I am often asked about claims for noise-induced hearing loss under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), and whether it offers a realistic route to compensation for service-related hearing damage.

The answer is a qualified one. AFCS awards for NIHL are possible, but they are relatively rare, and understanding why is crucial before embarking on a claim.

Under the AFCS, hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma — such as gunfire, artillery, mortars or IEDs — is assessed by reference to hearing thresholds in the speech frequencies. The scheme looks at the average hearing level (measured in decibels) across 1000, 2000 and 3000 kHz.

There is a prescribed Level 13 award (£6,180) for a blast injury to the ears or acute acoustic trauma due to impulse noise. This level does not require proof of permanent hearing loss or a specified average hearing threshold; it recognises the injury event itself. 

However, higher awards are subject to strict criteria:

• Level 11 (£15,965) requires an average hearing loss of more than 50 dB
• Level 10 (£27,810) requires an average hearing loss of more than 75 dB

The rationale is that hearing loss in these frequencies has the greatest impact on understanding normal speech and is therefore treated as more disabling under the scheme.  It is also important to note that even if you meet the criteria for a Level 13 award, a claim will be rejected if it has been been lodged more than 7 years after the event. 

The practical reality is this: unless the average hearing loss exceeds 50 dB, an AFCS award is unlikely to exceed £6,180. Many veterans experience genuine hearing difficulties — including tinnitus, problems in background noise, and social withdrawal — but simply do not meet the AFCS thresholds as the legislation currently stands.

A final word

For veterans considering an AFCS claim, it is important to be realistic. If your hearing levels do not come close to the AFCS thresholds, pursuing a claim is unlikely to achieve anything meaningful.

This is not a judgement on the legitimacy of your experience. It is a reflection of how the AFCS rules currently operate. I see many applications each year with no realistic prospect of success. These claims do not benefit the individual and contribute to delays for those with qualifying injuries.

Understanding the criteria, and taking advice early, saves time, effort and disappointment — for veterans and for the system as a whole.

(c) Grant Evatt 17.12.25