Wounded troops facing legal fight with Government for compensation

HUNDREDS of Brit troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are locked in legal battles with the Government over compensation payouts.

Up to 1,288 servicemen and women called in lawyers after their injury claims were rejected or cut by Ministry of Defence pen-pushers.

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Some heroes have been accused of lying about injuries or exaggerating disabilities. Lawyers acting for wounded soldiers said the MoD massively underestimated the size of the compensation bill, which stands at over £500million.

The number of troops appealing against the size of payouts went from 38 in 2006 to more than 1,000 this year.

Disputed claims range from £1,200 to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Many of those contesting payouts suffer from mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcoholism.

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Injured soldiers can receive up to £570,000. Loss of a leg below the knee is valued at £140,000, while a broken ankle is £40,000.

One lawyer said: “More than ever before are having claims axed or cut. Some are in a very bad way. It’s tragic.”

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An MoD spokesman said: “It is vital that those injured or bereaved by military service receive the compensation they deserve.

“Since 2005, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme has paid over £600million to more than 30,000 individuals.”