§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many medical discharges have been refused for servicemen and women claiming to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. [HL208]
§ Lord BachService personnel cannot themselves request medical discharge. If personnel feel in psychological distress they are advised to approach their medical officer, padre or commander who will ensure that they are referred for diagnosis and, where appropriate, treatment.
48WAReferral for medical discharge can be made only by a medical officer, and will usually follow a period of medical downgrading of up to 18 months. A medical board then evaluates the case for discharge. The final decision on discharge is made by the relevant personnel branch. If an individual feels they have been wrongly discharged they can request that their case is reviewed.