What is a veteran?
A veteran is anyone who has served for at least 1 day in the armed forces, whether
regular or reserve.
This also applies to Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen who have served in a
vessel when it was being used for military operations by the armed forces.
There are around 2.6 million veterans in the UK. When servicemen and women leave the armed forces, their healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS.
It’s highly important for continuing healthcare that you register with an NHS GP and
remember to tell them you have served. Telling the GP practice about your veteran status will trigger the transfer of your full medical documentation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to your GP, and enable you to benefit from veteran-specific services like prosthetics and mental health.
For more information please click on the link below:
See below for Veteran support:
BLESMA – The limbless veterans support
Here and on hand to help provide advice and emotional support to veterans and their families.
OP Restore – NHS
The veterans physical health and wellbeing service for those who have served in the UK Armed Forces.
- OP RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service | Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- OP Restore Leaflet
OP Courage – NHS
Mental health and wellbeing support for veterans, reservists and Service leavers.
Combat stress – for Veterans Mental Health
We provide clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, focusing on those with complex mental health issues resulting from their experiences during military service.
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Servicemen and women to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
We provide rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to veterans regardless of how or when they lost their sight. We’re here to help blind veterans regain their independence and live the life they choose.
