Cameron urged to close loophole for veterans
In December 2015, it was announced that all veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma from 16 December 2015 would receive a lump sum payment similar to the compensation payment scheme for civilians.
However, this policy change left some 60 veterans who were already diagnosed with mesothelioma not eligible to receive the lump sum compensation payment.
Time is running out for dozens of veterans, some of whom only have months to live.
A letter has been handed to the Prime Minister at Number 10, demanding urgent action. Among the signatories are Admiral Lord West, former Chief of Naval Staff, Professor Julian Peto, Cancer Research UK Chair of Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation.
The letter states “We request that all qualifying veterans be treated equally, regardless of the date of their diagnosis with mesothelioma, as is morally required under the armed forces covenant”.
“We also request that the acquisition of equal treatment for both veterans and their widows/families, be pursued by ministers with all due haste, because people are dying”.
In a statement, an MoD spokesperson said: “This is a complex issue but, as the Minister has indicated previously, this Government is determined to ensure that all mesothelioma claimants receive fair treatment. We hope to provide a positive update over the coming weeks”.
Further reading: The independent Veterans to be compensated GOV.UK