How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Military Deafness?
Last updated: April 2026
Military hearing loss compensation ranges from £6,000 for mild cases to over £148,000 for severe bilateral deafness. The exact amount depends on your audiogram results, the claim route, and the impact on your daily life.
There are two main routes: the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) with fixed tariff bands, and a civil negligence claim against the Ministry of Defence which can include loss of earnings. The Judicial College Guidelines provide indicative brackets used by courts.
AFCS Tariff Table — Hearing Loss Descriptors
| Descriptor | Tariff Level | Indicative Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Profound hearing loss both ears | Level 5 | £148,333 |
| Severe hearing loss both ears | Level 8 | £74,167 |
| Moderate hearing loss both ears | Level 11 | £30,000 |
| Mild hearing loss | Level 13 | £16,500 |
| Tinnitus (persistent, bilateral) | Level 11-13 | £16,500 – £30,000 |
Amounts are for illustration only based on current AFCS tariffs published by Veterans UK. Actual awards depend on individual circumstances.
Civil Claim Compensation
A civil claim against the MOD can include general damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity) and special damages (for financial losses). The Judicial College Guidelines provide indicative brackets for hearing loss injuries used by courts.
Factors That Affect Your Payout
- Severity shown on your audiogram (mild, moderate, severe, profound)
- Whether the hearing loss is unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears)
- Whether you also suffer from tinnitus
- Your age at diagnosis and remaining life expectancy
- Impact on your career and earning capacity
- Whether inadequate hearing protection was provided
Illustrative Claim Scenarios
The following are hypothetical examples based on published AFCS tariff bands and Judicial College guidelines. They do not represent actual cases or guaranteed outcomes.
Scenario: Artilleryman with moderate hearing loss
A veteran with moderate bilateral NIHL and persistent tinnitus from prolonged weapons exposure could fall within AFCS Tariff Levels 11–13, with awards ranging from £16,500 to £30,000. A civil claim may result in additional damages.
Scenario: Naval engineer with mild hearing loss
A veteran with mild to moderate bilateral hearing loss from engine room noise could pursue a civil claim. Based on Judicial College guidelines, mild hearing loss claims typically fall within £6,000 to £16,500.
Scenario: RAF ground crew with severe hearing loss
A veteran with severe unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus from jet engine exposure could fall within AFCS Tariff Level 8, which is currently set at £74,167.
These are hypothetical illustrations only, not real cases. Actual compensation depends on individual circumstances. Figures are based on published AFCS tariff bands and Judicial College guidelines.