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About Us

About My Veteran Claim

My Veteran Claim exists to ensure veterans are treated fairly when their service causes injury.

For decades, many service personnel were exposed to damaging noise and harsh cold conditions without adequate protection or safeguards. The result has been lifelong hearing damage and preventable cold injuries.

Help veterans understand their rights

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Connect them to specialist legal representation

Start Your Free Claim

Make the claims journey clear and stress-free

Start Your Free Claim

How do we work?

Whether your injury appeared during service or years after leaving, our team of veterans may be able to help if you now experience:

01

Listen first

Our team of veterans take time to understand your service history and symptoms.

02

Explain your options

Our team of veterans will guide you clearly through the civil claims process so you know exactly where you stand.

03

Partner with experts

We only refer cases to solicitors with proven experience of military claims.

04

You stay in control

You decide at every stage whether to proceed.
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Why “After 1987” matters?

Since 1987, service personnel have been legally able to bring civil claims where the MoD has acted negligently. Most successful claims relate to service after this date.

If you’re unsure about how your service dates affect eligibility, we’re happy to guide you.

Veteran-focused from start to finish

We know how difficult it can be to talk about injuries or health struggles, especially long after service. Our approach is built around understanding military life and treating each veteran as an individual, never a case number.

Who are we?

An independent veteran claims support service

Focused exclusively on military injury claims

Dedicated to clarity and
fairness

Our brand ambassadors

Meet our brand ambassadors

Tim Collins OBE

Brand Ambassador – My Veteran Claim (MVC)

Read More About Him

Our team

Meet our team members.

Andrew Bissett

The Royal Irish Regiment

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David Benfell

The Parachute Regiment

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Richard Spence

The Royal Irish Regiment

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Robert Davison

22nd Special Air Service Regiment

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Alan Baxter

The Royal Irish Regiment

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Darren Calladine

The Light Dragoons

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Neil Trebble

The Grenadier Guards

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Ian Getty

The Royal Irish Regiment

Read More

Start your free military injury claim check

Tell us a few quick details about your service and symptoms. Our team of veterans will review your case and contact you to discuss your eligibility.

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Tim Collins OBE

Brand Ambassador – My Veteran Claim (MVC)

Colonel Tim Collins OBE is a highly respected former British Army officer whose career embodies leadership, integrity, and service to others. With more than three decades of military service, he held a number of demanding command and staff appointments across conventional forces and UK Special Forces, serving on operations in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and Iraq.

Tim served with the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), operating at the highest level of military professionalism in complex and high-risk environments. His career combined operational command with strategic leadership, earning him a reputation as a thoughtful, disciplined, and values-driven officer who placed the welfare and moral responsibility of his soldiers at the centre of operational success.

He is best known publicly for his leadership during the 2003 Iraq War, when, as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, his address to his soldiers on the eve of combat articulated the core values of the British Armed Forces: courage, restraint, discipline, and humanity. That speech has since become emblematic of ethical leadership under pressure and the enduring duty of care owed to those who serve.

Throughout his service, Tim demonstrated a consistent commitment to developing people, leading by example, and upholding standards in the most challenging circumstances. His contribution to the Army was recognised with the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Since leaving the military, Tim has remained deeply engaged in the veteran community through advocacy, mentoring, and public engagement. He is a trusted voice on leadership, service, and the long-term responsibilities owed to veterans, particularly those living with the hidden and often misunderstood consequences of military service.

As Brand Ambassador for My Veteran Claim, Tim supports a veteran-led, veteran-driven initiative founded on trust, lived experience, and a simple principle: no walk-past. MVC exists to guide veterans through complex injury and compensation processes with integrity, clarity, and respect. Tim’s involvement reflects MVC’s mission to stand alongside veterans, ensuring they are not left to navigate these challenges alone once their service is over.

Quote:

“Service does not end when the uniform comes off. I became Brand Ambassador for My Veteran Claim because too many veterans are left to navigate complex systems alone, often while dealing with injuries that stem directly from their service. MVC is veteran-led, built on lived experience, and driven by integrity. We exist to ensure veterans are not left to face their challenges alone.

Andrew Bissett

The Royal Irish Regiment

Andrew Bissett is a former British Army Non-Commissioned Officer with over a decade of dedicated service in the Royal Irish Regiment. During his military career, Andrew served in a number of operational environments, gaining extensive experience in frontline infantry operations. He later specialised as a weapons and tactics instructor, where he played a key role in training and developing the next generation of soldiers in combat readiness and battlefield effectiveness.

Since leaving the military, Andrew has remained committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through the My Veteran Claim initiative. Known for his professionalism and deep understanding of both soldiering and transition, he is a respected figure among peers and those he now helps.

Andrew is particularly passionate about guiding veterans through the often-challenging process of service-related injury claims. Drawing on his own experiences, he offers honest, informed advice to ensure that those who’ve served are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

Quote:

“Working with My Veteran Claim gives me a sense of purpose that’s hard to match. I know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate life after service, especially when you’re dealing with injuries or trying to find your place again. Being able to support other veterans through that process, on their terms, with honesty and understanding, means everything to me.”

David Benfell

The Parachute Regiment

David Benfell is a former airborne infantry soldier who’s distinguished 14-year military career spans two nations and some of the most respected units in the armed forces. Beginning his service in the New Zealand Infantry, David later joined the British Army, serving with distinction in the Parachute Regiment (3 PARA).

Recognised for his exceptional professionalism and skill, David was selected for the prestigious Red Devils Freefall Display Team, an honour reserved for the very best of the airborne community. During his time with the team, David sustained a life-changing parachuting accident that left him partially paralysed and ultimately led to a medical discharge from service.

Following his return to New Zealand, David channelled his resilience, leadership, and lived experience into supporting fellow veterans. He went on to found SSAANZ (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen New Zealand), a veterans’ charity focused on activity-based recovery, adventure, and rebuilding purpose for those transitioning from military life.

David now brings this same commitment, integrity, and veteran-first ethos to My Veteran Claim (MVC). As part of the MVC team, he supports UK Armed Forces veterans by offering trusted, peer-led guidance grounded in real operational experience and personal understanding of service-related injury, rehabilitation, and life after uniform.

With deep ties to the international veteran community, David is passionate about ensuring that those who served are properly recognised, supported, and never left to navigate complex systems alone. His role at MVC reflects a lifelong dedication to the principle that veterans are best supported by veterans.

Quote: “

No matter where you served or where you now call home, veterans speak the same language. At My Veteran Claim, I’m proud to stand alongside those who ensure that service, sacrifice, and injury are properly recognised, and that no one is left behind.”

Richard Spence

The Royal Irish Regiment

Richard Spence is a decorated former Commissioned Officer and Ranger with over 30 years of exemplary service in the British Army. His career began in 1989 and included frontline deployments in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the West African Sahel. Notably, he commanded a Platoon during Operation HERRICK in 2006, leading his men through some of the fiercest combat since the Korean War. For his leadership under fire, Richard was awarded the NATO Joint Chiefs Commendation for distinguished service.

Throughout his career, Richard specialised in weaponry, tactics, and training. As a senior instructor at the British Army’s leading training institutions and later as Director of Training at the Infantry Battle School, he played a key role in shaping doctrine and live-fire tactical training. His deep technical expertise also positioned him as an advisor to the UK Ministry of Defence in compensation cases involving Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Non-Freezing Cold Injuries.

Following his transition from the military, Richard continued his commitment to global stability as a senior advisor on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights within the UK Government’s Civilian Stabilisation Group. He holds a Master’s in Sustainable Development, an MBA, and professional credentials in Human Security Programming from the United Nations Systems Staff College.

As a Partner at My Veteran Claim, Richard brings his operational insight, leadership, and compassion to the forefront, advocating for a veteran-led, veteran-driven approach to health, rehabilitation, and rightful compensation.

Quote:

“Becoming a partner at My Veteran Claim was a natural extension of my service. Too many veterans fall through the cracks when it comes to getting the care, recognition, and compensation they deserve. At MVC, we’re not just offering support, we’re rebuilding trust and fighting to make sure no one is left behind. It’s about veterans helping veterans, with the insight and integrity that only lived experience can provide.”

Robert Davison

22nd Special Air Service Regiment

Robert Davison is a former British Army Warrant Officer with over 18 years of distinguished service across both Infantry and 22 SAS. Throughout his career, he served in multiple operational theatres, including Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, and Iraq. As a specialist in reconnaissance and covert surveillance, Robert played a pivotal role in enhancing intelligence-gathering capabilities. His outstanding contributions to operations were formally recognised with a Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation.

Following his transition from military service, Robert has continued to serve his community through the My Veteran Claim initiative. Respected across both the veteran and civilian security sectors, he is a tireless advocate for the welfare of armed forces personnel, during active service and especially as they navigate the often-complex reintegration into civilian life.

Robert is particularly committed to supporting veterans through the challenges of service-related injury claims. Drawing on his own lived experience, he provides trusted guidance to ensure that those who have served receive the recognition, care, and compensation they have earned.

Quote:

“Service doesn’t end when you leave the military. For many of us, the hardest battles come afterwards. I’m committed to making sure veterans aren’t left to face them alone.”

Alan Baxter

The Royal Irish Regiment

Alan Baxter is a distinguished former Royal Marine and British Army Colour Sergeant, bringing over two decades of operational experience from deployments in Northern Ireland, Congo, and Afghanistan. As a Permanent Staff Instructor in Northern Ireland, Alan played a pivotal role in mentoring and shaping the next generation of service members. Following his recent transition from military life, he has channelled his dedication and leadership into the My Veteran Claim initiative.

A respected figure in both veteran and civilian communities, Alan is deeply committed to advocating for the welfare of armed forces personnel, not only throughout their service but also during the often-complex transition to civilian life. Of particular importance to him is helping fellow veterans navigate the challenges of service-related injury claims. Drawing on his own experience, he is passionate about offering guidance and support to ensure that those who have served receive the recognition, care, and entitlements they deserve.

Quote:

“I joined the My Veteran Claim initiative because I believe in the strength of community, especially for those who’ve served. My enthusiasm for supporting Northern Ireland veterans stems from a deep respect for their service and a commitment to ensuring they receive the recognition, care, and camaraderie they warrant.”

Darren Calladine

The Light Dragoons

Darren Calladine served for seven years in the British Army with the Light Dragoons, where he operated as part of a light reconnaissance tank crew. As the Regiment’s Army Physical Training Instructor, he played a pivotal role in developing and maintaining soldier fitness and resilience. During his military career, Darren took part in numerous exercises and deployments, including a United Nations peacekeeping mission, before leaving as a Non-Commissioned Officer.

Following his service, Darren embarked on a distinguished 27-year career with Greater Manchester Police. The skills and discipline honed in the military allowed him to thrive in high-pressure environments, including 13 years with the Tactical Aid Unit. His exceptional bravery and professionalism were recognised through multiple awards and commendations for life-saving actions and service in the line of duty.

Darren later became a national police trainer, specialising in self-defence, taser deployment, riot control, and property breach techniques. His instruction has shaped the preparedness and safety of countless officers across the UK.

Dedicated and experienced, Darren continues to bring his frontline insight and leadership to the My Veteran Claim mission, advocating for those who have served and ensuring their continued support.

Quote:

“The military gave me the foundation to serve and protect beyond the battlefield. At My Veteran Claim, I’m proud to use everything I’ve learned to stand by those who’ve worn the uniform, ensuring they’re never left behind.”

Neil Trebble

The Grenadier Guards

Neil Trebble served for six years in the British Army with the Grenadier Guards from 1987 to 1993. During his service, he completed operational tours in Northern Ireland and on Operation Granby during Gulf War 1. Known for his discipline, resilience and team ethos, Neil also represented the Army and Combined Services Football Teams, demonstrating the elite physical and mental standards demanded of a Guardsman.

His sporting ability led to him being bought out of the Army to pursue a professional football career. Neil went on to play for Scunthorpe United, Preston North End, Scarborough, and his hometown club Stevenage, competing at a high level and carrying forward the professionalism instilled during his military service.

After retiring from professional football, Neil dedicated many years to the education sector, working within specialist schools supporting children with autism and behavioural difficulties. His patience, leadership and ability to operate calmly under pressure made a meaningful difference to young people requiring structured guidance and support.

Neil brings to My Veteran Claim a wealth of frontline experience, integrity and a genuine understanding of the challenges veterans face after service. His commitment remains the same as it was in uniform: to look after his own and ensure no veteran is left behind.

Quote:

“The Army gave me standards that have guided every chapter of my life. At My Veteran Claim, I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow veterans and help ensure they receive the support they deserve.”

Ian Getty

The Royal Irish Regiment

Ian Getty is a former British Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with 14 years of distinguished service in the Royal Irish Regiment. Throughout his career, Ian deployed on operations in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he gained extensive frontline experience in high-tempo environments. A senior weapons and tactics instructor, Ian was also trained and employed as a Tactical Air Control Party (TAC-P) operator, coordinating close air support in complex combat scenarios. 

Following his transition from military life, Ian has remained dedicated to serving the Armed Forces community through the My Veteran Claim initiative. Respected for his depth of knowledge and leadership, Ian is widely trusted by both former colleagues and those he now supports. 

Ian is particularly committed to helping veterans navigate the challenges of service-related injury claims. Drawing on his own lived experience, he provides clear, honest guidance to ensure that those who’ve served are recognised, supported, and fairly compensated for their sacrifices. 

Quote: 

“There’s a real sense of brotherhood at My Veteran Claim, something that reminds me of the best parts of military life. I’ve been in those tough situations where you feel like no one understands what you’ve been through. Now I get to use my experience to help others through it. That’s what makes this work so worthwhile.”