Cold Injury Claims

Military Cold Injury Compensation Claims

If you served in the UK Armed Forces and now suffer from numbness, pain, or circulation problems linked to cold exposure during service, you may be entitled to compensation. This page explains what cold injuries are, how they happen during military service, whether you’re likely to qualify, and what you could receive.

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What Is a Military Cold Injury?

Cold injuries are a recognised category of service-related injury, most often affecting infantry, special forces, and sailors who face prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. There are two main types.

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Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI)

MOST COMMON

Caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions above freezing point. Common during training exercises, field operations, and maritime service. Often affects the hands and feet, making it the most frequently claimed cold injury among UK veterans.

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Freezing Cold Injury (FCI)

LESS COMMON — MORE SEVERE

Caused by exposure to sub-zero temperatures, including frostbite. Less common, but typically linked to Arctic, mountain warfare training, or operations in extreme cold climates.

Both injuries can cause lasting, sometimes permanent damage and are recognised as service-related conditions that may entitle eligible veterans to compensation.

Who's Most At Risk?

Infantry soldiers

Special forces personnel

Royal Marines

Royal Navy crews

Arctic training units

Personnel exposed to prolonged wet and cold environments

⭐ KEY FACT

NFCI is sometimes referred to as "Trench Foot". It remains one of the most under-recognised service-related injuries affecting UK Armed Forces veterans.

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Common Symptoms

Cold injury symptoms can persist for years — or even permanently — after the original exposure.

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Numbness or Reduced Sensation

Numbness or reduced sensation in fingers, toes, hands or feet — often the first and most persistent symptom.

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Ongoing Pain or Burning

Ongoing pain, tingling or burning sensations in affected areas — particularly when exposed to cold again.

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Skin Colour Changes

Colour changes to the skin including pale, blue, red or blotchy patches, especially in cold conditions.

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Increased Cold Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity to cold long after the original exposure. Your hands or feet may become painful much more quickly than they should, even years later. This is one of the most common long-term effects of Non-Freezing Cold Injury (NFCI).

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Swelling or Skin Changes

Swelling or lasting skin changes in affected areas including shininess, thinning skin or altered texture in the hands or feet.

If any of these symptoms developed during or after your service and you haven't previously looked into a claim, it's worth checking your eligibility. Many veterans live with these symptoms for years without realising they could claim compensation.

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Am I Eligible?

You may have a valid claim if the following apply to you.

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Served in the British Armed Forces

You served in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF, or Royal Marines at any time.

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Served After May 1987

Crown Immunity was lifted in May 1987, allowing military hearing loss claims.

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Exposed To Loud Noise

Gunfire, aircraft, heavy machinery, explosions or prolonged military noise.

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Experience Hearing Problems

Hearing loss, tinnitus, ringing, buzzing, or balance issues.

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Symptoms Started During Or After Service

Your symptoms developed during service or became noticeable afterwards.

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Within The Relevant Time Limit

Most claims are made within three years of diagnosis, although exceptions may apply.

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How Much Could I Claim?

Compensation for cold injuries varies significantly depending on the severity of your condition and how it affects your daily life.

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Mild — Largely Resolved

Initial symptoms that have mostly recovered with minimal long-term impact.

Lower Band

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Moderate — Ongoing Symptoms

Persistent symptoms affecting work, mobility or day-to-day activities.

Mid Band

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Severe — Permanent Damage

Permanent nerve damage, circulation problems or lasting disability caused by service.

Upper Band

Important:

Compensation amounts vary depending on your individual circumstances and medical evidence. Figures should always be confirmed following a full legal assessment and review of your case.

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Why don't we publish exact figures?

Unlike hearing loss claims, cold injury compensation is assessed on a case-by-case basis using Judicial College Guidelines. We prefer giving honest advice based on your individual circumstances rather than publishing misleading numbers. Get your free case review and we'll explain what your claim may be worth.

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The Claims Process

From first contact to compensation — here's exactly what happens. See the full "How It Works" page for more detail.

Quick Online Check

Complete our 60-second eligibility checker or call us free. We'll tell you straight away whether you may have a claim.

Free Case Review

Our specialist team reviews your service history, hearing symptoms and available evidence completely free.

Medical Assessment

We arrange an independent medical assessment to support your claim.

Compensation Paid

Your solicitor manages the claim from start to finish. No Win, No Fee — you keep 100% of your compensation.

START MY FREE CLAIM →

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Free Hearing Test

As part of your claim, we can arrange a free, independent hearing assessment with a qualified audiologist. This isn't just a formality — it's often a key piece of evidence supporting the strength and value of your claim.

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Full audiometric hearing test across all frequencies

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Tinnitus assessment included where applicable

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Medical report linking your condition to military service

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Local clinic appointments or home visits where available

Completely free — even if your claim doesn't proceed.

Why this matters: Many veterans have never had a professional hearing assessment since leaving the Armed Forces. An independent audiologist report provides valuable medical evidence that can significantly strengthen your compensation claim.

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Start Your Claim

Complete the form below and a member of our veteran team will call you back within one working day. It's free, confidential, and there's absolutely no obligation to proceed.

✓ No win, no fee
✓ Free independent hearing assessment
✓ You keep 100% of your compensation
✓ Veteran-led team

Prefer to talk? Call us free on +441274742999 — Mon–Sat 9am–5pm

Free Eligibility Check

Takes less than 60 seconds

FULL NAME *

Phone Number *

E-MAIL *

Claim Type *

BRANCH OF SERVICE

🔒 Your data is secure and never shared without consent

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Related FAQs

The most common questions about hearing loss and tinnitus claims.

My cold injury symptoms come and go — can I still claim?

Yes. Many cold injuries cause intermittent symptoms, especially in colder weather. What matters is that a medical assessment can link your current symptoms to cold exposure during your service — your solicitor will guide you through getting that evidence.

Is there a time limit to claim for a cold injury?

Generally, you have 3 years from the date you became aware your symptoms were connected to your service. However, exceptions can apply — particularly if you only recently realised the link, or if your symptoms have worsened over time. It’s always worth checking even if you think you might be outside the timeframe.

Do I need medical records from my service?

No, it’s not essential. While service medical records can be helpful, the independent medical assessment we arrange provides the current evidence needed. We can also help request your service records if necessary, and your own account of cold exposure during service is valuable evidence in itself.

Will claiming affect my military pension?

No. Compensation for hearing loss or tinnitus is entirely separate from your military pension. Making a claim will not reduce or affect your existing Armed Forces pension in any way.

I was told cold exposure was "part of the job" — can I still claim?

Yes. The MoD has a duty of care to protect you from preventable injury during service. If cold exposure caused lasting damage — whether or not it was considered routine — you have a legitimate claim for compensation.

What's the difference between NFCI and frostbite?

NFCI (Non-Freezing Cold Injury) happens in cold, wet conditions above freezing — it’s the most common military cold injury, often called “trench foot.” Frostbite (FCI) is caused by sub-zero temperatures and involves actual freezing of tissue. Both are claimable, but NFCI is far more common in UK military service.

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

Thousands of veterans have already received compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus. Takes less than 60 seconds. No obligation. No win, no fee.