War Pension Review Advice

[obe1]

Looking for advice please; I was granted a 20% WP in 2021 for bilateral pes planus - flat feet. I joined in the mid 70s (Infantry) when boots and puttees were around. I had no idea I had flat feet and it wasn't picked up on my final medical at Bassingbourne. I believe in those days, those with flat feet were not permitted to join - similar to the police. Needless to say after 5 or 6 years my ankle became very sore and after lots of visits to the med centre, (In those days you couldn't see the Dr without going through the Sgt Medic) - nothing happened. I put up with it throughout my career until I saw a specialist who said 'come sick one more and I'll medically discharge you or put up with it if you want to complete your career' (I was 6 years away). So, I put up with it and finished my career. As soon as I left I applied and was granted a 20% WP, diagnosis was bilateral pet planus causing lower back pain, scoliosis, knee and lower limb pain made worse by military service. Fast forward, 20 years; my ankles have got considerably worse, both knees and lower back are in constant pain but I have not visited my GP as I know there is nothing he can do, I've simply put up with it by using pain killers and anti inflammatory gels.

I want to apply for a review as my condition has got considerably worse (I should have applied years ago) but I have no medical evidence to support my case. Further, I am concerned the VA will put it down to age related which I know it's not. Anyone have any advice of submitting a claim without evidence and how I can differentiate between 'age related' and genuine 'degenerative' wear due to the injury.

Sorry for such a long post but wanted to paint the picture. TIA.

 

[CavalryCaptain]

Try over here - lots of knowledge and experience

https://www.arrse.co.uk/community/threads/war-pension-info-questions.257118/

 

[Deleted 139028]

Looking for advice please; I was granted a 20% WP in 2021 for bilateral pes planus - flat feet. I joined in the mid 70s (Infantry) when boots and puttees were around. I had no idea I had flat feet and it wasn't picked up on my final medical at Bassingbourne. I believe in those days, those with flat feet were not permitted to join - similar to the police. Needless to say after 5 or 6 years my ankle became very sore and after lots of visits to the med centre, (In those days you couldn't see the Dr without going through the Sgt Medic) - nothing happened. I put up with it throughout my career until I saw a specialist who said 'come sick one more and I'll medically discharge you or put up with it if you want to complete your career' (I was 6 years away). So, I put up with it and finished my career. As soon as I left I applied and was granted a 20% WP, diagnosis was bilateral pet planus causing lower back pain, scoliosis, knee and lower limb pain made worse by military service. Fast forward, 20 years; my ankles have got considerably worse, both knees and lower back are in constant pain but I have not visited my GP as I know there is nothing he can do, I've simply put up with it by using pain killers and anti inflammatory gels.

I want to apply for a review as my condition has got considerably worse (I should have applied years ago) but I have no medical evidence to support my case. Further, I am concerned the VA will put it down to age related which I know it's not. Anyone have any advice of submitting a claim without evidence and how I can differentiate between 'age related' and genuine 'degenerative' wear due to the injury.

Sorry for such a long post but wanted to paint the picture. TIA.

To give yourself the best chance of success you need to be building up a history with your GP, goes against the grain I know but believe me it works. A point worth pursuing, if the injuries you suffer from is what you get your WP for (DUH ) then speak with veterans uk WP dept and see if they can supply you with a free prescriptions letter, saves you money every prescription.

There is nothing stopping you submitting a deterioration claim without a history with your GP, veterans uk will still probably send a HC professional to examine/talk to you and of course, all the while continuing to build your GP history for the future in case your deterioration claim is rejected.

You should also consider talking to veterans welfare, follow link:

Veterans Welfare Service

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides a professional help and advice service to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants.

www.gov.uk

 

[obe1]

Sound advice many thanks.

I hadn’t seen my GP as I was NRPS until 18 months ago. The unit were very good to me and knew I had lower limb injuries so never forced me to do anything to make it worse, hence no reason to see the MO and since I’ve left, not seen my GP. I fully take your point and will start doing so. I do have a letter for prescriptions but not used it for pain killers - just my gel. That’ll change now!

Thanks for the heads up on a deterioration claim. Never heard of it before but I’ll look into it now. Really appreciate the steer, many thanks.

 

[Deleted 139028]

Sound advice many thanks.

I hadn’t seen my GP as I was NRPS until 18 months ago. The unit were very good to me and knew I had lower limb injuries so never forced me to do anything to make it worse, hence no reason to see the MO and since I’ve left, not seen my GP. I fully take your point and will start doing so. I do have a letter for prescriptions but not used it for pain killers - just my gel. That’ll change now!

Thanks for the heads up on a deterioration claim. Never heard of it before but I’ll look into it now. Really appreciate the steer, many thanks.

Info & form in 2nd link:

War pension & Armed Forces compensation – reviews for deteriorating conditions (Scotland)

support.veteransgateway.org.uk

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/929068/WPS0012_-_Online_version.pdf