HC Deb 28 June 2001 vol 370 c132W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason war pensions assessors were issued with guidance to discuss cases with political sensitivities with an executive case worker. [364]

Dr. Moonie

War pension is awarded for disablement causally linked to service. The intent of the guidance issued to assessors is to explain that some contended service links are relatively straightforward but that others are more complex, requiring careful consideration and perhaps some discussion with an expert caseworker who is a particularly experienced medical adviser. It is accepted that the wording of this guidance was open to misunderstanding and it has now been amended.