Mike Penning supports veterans call for justice for deafened veterans.

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, joined RNID Chief Executive, Dr John Low and veterans to hand in a petition to No.10 Downing Street on 31st October.

The petition calls for compensation for veterans suffering from noise-induced hearing loss and contained over 16,000 signatures.

In the UK, veterans only get compensation if their hearing loss is more than 50 decibels, in other countries, such as the US, the limit is much lower at 25 decibels.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which started in 2005 says veterans have to apply within 5 years of leaving the Forces. This does not take into account long-term effects of hearing loss.

Afterwards Mike Penning said:

“These former servicemen and women have served and fought for their country and deserve better treatment from the Government. I am more than happy to support their case and join their call for a reduction in the level at which they can get compensation to 35 decibels.”

Photo: RNID’s Chief Executive John Low, Mike Penning and Lord Morris of Manchester.

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