If you served in the Armed Forces and have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus, you may now have another chance to make a claim, even if you were previously told you were out of time.
Ordinarily, personal injury claims are subject to a limitation period. This means that proceedings must be issued within three years of the date you became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, that your condition was linked to your service. However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has recently committed to no longer rely on the limitation defence, which has previously prevented many claims from succeeding where they were considered to be out of time.
A recent High Court decision has extended the deadline for Armed Forces personnel to pursue compensation for hearing loss under the Matrix Agreement by a further six months, now running until the end of July. This extension provides a valuable opportunity for many veterans and serving personnel to revisit their position and take action where they may have previously believed they were unable to do so.
What’s Changed and Why Was it Extended
The previous deadline was 31 January 2026. A recent High Court decision extended this deadline until 31 July 2026 because the Court’s ruling from a trial of ‘test’ claimants in December last year is not expected until the spring. The deadline extension will mean that the trial Judge’s ruling can be considered by all parties when deciding how much compensation each Claimant is due.
Eligibility for Compensation
The extended deadline applies to both veterans and serving personnel who were exposed to excessive noise during their service. This may include exposure to explosions, aircraft and vehicle noise, gunfire, mortars, or other loud environments.
If you have experienced hearing difficulties or symptoms of tinnitus, you may be eligible to bring a claim.
What is Tinnitus and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Tinnitus is the perception of sound – such as ringing, buzzing, or humming – in the ears without any external source. Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure or repeated exposure to high noise levels.
Both conditions can develop gradually and may not be immediately noticeable, but over time, they can impact communication, concentration, and overall quality of life.
Navigating the Claims Process
Making a claim for noise-induced hearing loss can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Typically, a claim will involve gathering information about your service history, such as the roles you carried out and the environments where you were exposed to loud noise, alongside medical records, hearing assessments, and a personal account of how your symptoms affect you day to day.
Our expert Industrial Disease Solicitors are here to make the process as straightforward as possible, explaining each step clearly, helping to gather the right evidence, and supporting you throughout so you feel confident and informed from start to finish.
How We Can Help
Although the deadline has been extended to 31 July 2026, it is important to get the claims process started as soon as possible. Gathering evidence, arranging medical assessments, and progressing a claim can take time, and starting early can make the process smoother.
If you believe you may have been affected, contact us today on 01244 312 306 or visit our ‘Contact Us’ page to get started. All our work is carried out on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.
