Military Claims

A Military Claims assessment is a specialized forensic evaluation used to determine the presence, aetiology, and severity of mental health conditions arising from service. This process involves a meticulous review of service medical records and current clinical presentation to evaluate whether there is a clinically supportable link between military events and psychiatric pathology.

The evaluation considers issues relating to standard of care and whether the alleged breach of duty is clinically associated with the psychiatric harm described. Experts differentiate between pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities and service-aggravated conditions to assist the court in considering issues relevant to quantum.

• Causation — assessing whether there is a clinically supported link between service events and psychiatric injury
• Condition and Prognosis — diagnosing current disorders and predicting future recovery or deterioration
• Operational Stress — evaluating the impact of combat, training accidents, or high-intensity environments
• Treatment Pathways — identifying necessary psychiatric interventions or long-term rehabilitative needs
• Functional Impairment — assessing how symptoms affect daily living and civilian employment prospects
• Quantum of Damages — providing clinical findings relevant to the financial valuation of the claim

These reports require an expert witness with a sophisticated understanding of the unique cultural and operational pressures inherent in the British Armed Forces. The assessing clinician must be prepared to explain their methodology regarding causation principles, including the “but-for” test.

Evidence is synthesized from clinical interviews, psychometric testing, and a thorough analysis of military history, ensuring the final opinion is both robust and CPR Part 35 compliant.