HC Deb 01 December 1925 vol 188 c2022
25. Brigadier-General BROOKE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when a disability alleged to be constitutional showed itself during war service, a soldier receives any consideration, temporary or permanent, for aggravation of such disability; whether, in case a disability is of a permanent character, the War Office decides at any given time and on any fixed lines whether its responsibility for such aggravation has passed away; and, if so, what are the exact grounds upon which this policy is based?

Captain KING

A disability which first manifests itself during a period of military service is not necessarily a consequence of such service. In cases where the medical authorities find that a constitutional disability has been aggravated or precipitated by the conditions of a man's military service, liability for pension or gratuity is admitted and continues until such time as they are satisfied that the effect of the military service on the disability has passed away. There is no fixed limit for the duration of awards in such cases, each one being dealt with on its individual merits. For information regarding the procedure and practice in Great War cases, I suggest that the hon. and gallant Member should address his question to the Minister of Pensions.