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The Pensions and Welfare Department consists of: Pensions, Welfare & Appeals Officer Administrator Telephone: 0131 557 2782 WAR DISABLEMENT PENSIONS (WDP)
We assist any ex-serviceman or woman, whether a member or not, to pursue their possible entitlement to a War Disablement Pension. Every year up to 200 former Service personnel in Scotland are represented at war pensions' tribunals. The first thing to stress is that the term “War Pension” is a misnomer which gives the impression that only those injured on or as a result of active service may claim such a pension. This is far from the case. In reality the war pension is the “Industrial Disablement Benefit” of those who served in Her Majesty’s Forces. Length of service is irrelevant and the only qualification is that the ex-serviceman or woman must suffer a disability or condition, which is shown to be attributable to, or aggravated by his or her service. There is no time limit for making a claim but any award granted will only be payable from the date of claim. Preferably, those who think they are entitled to a war pension should apply within 7 years of the end of their service. It is still possible to qualify after this time but they have to prove that the loss of faculty (disablement) is due to Service. Within the first 7 years the onus of proof is on the Ministry Of Defence to prove that the condition is not service related. It is never too late to claim and service medical records will be made available to the war pension’s doctors. Physical injuries are the most common (and this can include injuries incurred whilst taking part in sporting activities such as football, boxing etc as long as these were official games), but mental and psychological disabilities may also be pensionable. Our role is to keep before the government the case for all those disabled and bereaved in the service of their country and ensure that war pensions are kept up to proper standard. Unless we do this we find that governments forget and without pressure war pensions would not be at the high standard that they are today. Welfare The Legion`s Welfare work is famed worldwide. Whatever the problem the Legion is always there to help. It works closely with Government departments to provide help and advice on War Pensions; Appeals; Sheltered Housing; Employment; Financial needs; Legal problems; War Graves Pilgrimages; and Convalescence holidays. The Legion has always fought to ensure that the surviving people and their dependants receive the best possible deal from the country. The Legion also encourages young people to participate in Sport and Community activities. Any ex-serviceman or woman who suffers from any wound, disablement or disease, which was attributable to or aggravated by his or her service is entitled to a gratuity or a weekly pension depending on the degree of disablement which has been assessed. The role of the Pensions Department is two-fold, firstly, and of greatest importance is the actual casework itself - advising about and processing claims on behalf of any ex-serviceman or woman. We can further help in the preparation and presentation of appeals. Legion Branches play a vital part in the system because they are our eyes and ears and provide us with information concerning ex-servicemen or women who may be entitled to pensions. One of our most important roles is to act as guardian of remembrance. This doesn't mean just those who fell in World Wars 1 & 2 but all those who lost their lives in the twenty plus campaigns since 1945.
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For further information or assistance you may email or contact the Royal British Legion Scotland Pensions Department at: - The RBLS Pensions Secretary Pensions Department Telephone: 0131 557 2782 Fax: 0131 557 5819
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