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Armed Forces: Injuries

Volume 502: debated on Wednesday 9 December 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2009, Official Report, columns 287-8W, on Afghanistan: peacekeeping operations, what compensation is payable for loss of (a) the penis and (b) normal use of the penis under the provisions of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation scheme) Order 2005; and what level of severity of injury on the scheme's scale such compensation represents. (304725)

The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2005 makes provision of compensation for all members and former members of the regular armed forces or reserve forces should they be injured, become ill or die as a result of service. Awards are tariff based depending upon the nature and severity of the injury. There is no standard provision for particular types of injury or theatre of operation.

The following table reflects the current Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2005 tariff covering injury to the genitalia.

Tariff

Descriptor

Compensation award (£)

Either

14

Traumatic injury to genitalia requiring treatment resulting in moderate permanent damage

2,888

Or

12

Traumatic injury to genitalia requiring treatment resulting in severe permanent damage or loss

9,075

In addition, where appropriate, the following tariff may be awarded:

Tariff

Descriptor

Compensation award

8

Infertility—this level will also attract a guaranteed income payment (GIP) which is a tax-free index linked payment that is paid monthly for life after leaving the armed forces. The GIP is determined by the individual's salary at time of discharge from service, multiplied by a relevant factor.

Lump sum £48,875 + GIP

These provisions are included within the review of the AFCS, being led by Lord Boyce.