§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What determines the review periods for those in receipt of war pensions; why it has been decided that the pensions of Gulf war veterans are now to be reviewed every two years when they initially advised in writing that their next review would take place in five years; and what is the total average cost of each medical review. [HL1033]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)There has been no decision that assessments/awards for Gulf war veterans are to be reviewed routinely every two years. The period of a war pension award represents the length of time over 83WA which it is judged that the assessed level of service-related disablement will be stable. Periods are based on individual case specific facts, taking account of the nature and natural history of the disabling condition and any planned treatment.
The average medical unit cost of each medical review is currently £98.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the War Pensions Agency allows claims for some medical conditions from some Gulf war veterans, while other veterans who claim for the same conditions find their claims disallowed, despite the fact that they are supported by medical evidence. [HL1034]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamAwards of war pensions are not made for a list of medical conditions but for any disablement due to or made worse by service in the Armed Forces. Claims are considered individually and decisions are based on overall evidence, including medical and other facts, relevant law and contemporary medical understanding of the claimed disablement.