When a War Pension Condition Gets Worse – Can You Ask for a Review?

From time to time I receive enquiries from former service personnel who received an award under the War Pension Scheme, often many years ago, and whose condition has since deteriorated.

A recent enquiry reminded me that many veterans simply don’t realise that a War Pension award can sometimes be reviewed if a service-related condition gets worse.

The case involved a former soldier who served 22 years in the Army and later continued to serve in the Reserves. Some years ago she received a War Pension Scheme gratuity after Veterans UK accepted that her neck and shoulder condition had been caused by her  military service.

Over time her symptoms have worsened and she wanted to know whether anything further could be done.

The answer is yes — potentially.

Can a War Pension Award Be Reviewed if a Condition Gets Worse?

Under the War Pension Scheme (injuries and conditions which arose before 5th April 2005), if an accepted condition deteriorates, a veteran can ask Veterans UK to review the original assessment of disablement. 

Unlike the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, where “exceptional review” applications can be restrictive and difficult to pursue, the War Pension Scheme is generally more flexible. There is also no strict time limit for asking Veterans UK to reconsider the level of disablement where a condition has worsened.

In practical terms, this means that if a veteran’s War Pension condition has worsened, they can ask Veterans UK to review the level of disablement that was originally assessed.

The key question will always be whether the worsening of the condition remains linked to the original service-related injury or illness, rather than to an unrelated event occurring after service.

What Veterans UK Will Usually Need

If a veteran wishes to request a review, it will usually assist to provide:

• A clear explanation of how the condition has worsened since the original award
• Details of any further treatment, investigations or diagnoses
• Permission for Veterans UK to review updated GP and medical records

Veterans UK will then consider whether the evidence supports a higher assessment of disablement.

These reviews can take several months, so patience is often required.

Managing Expectations

It is also important to approach the process realistically.

War Pension Scheme awards are generally modest, and they are not designed to produce large lump-sum settlements. 

However, where the medical evidence shows that a service-accepted condition has genuinely worsened, it can still be worthwhile asking Veterans UK to look again.

A Final Thought

Many veterans assume that once an award has been made, the matter is closed forever. That is not always the case. If a service-accepted condition has worsened, it may be sensible to ask whether a review of the disablement assessment is appropriate.

Sometimes a short conversation and a little guidance is all that is needed to point someone in the right direction. 

(c) Grant Evatt - Alma Law 12.03.26