Brian's FAQ's

BRIAN’S FAQs

What does Service-attributable amputation mean?

Amputation is classed as Service-attributable if it was the result of military service. Examples include blast injuries on operations, accidents during military training or exercise, or any other incident whilst ‘on duty’ that results in an amputation.

The amputation may occur at the time of the incident/accident or some time after, perhaps
following years of surgical procedures. Proof that amputation is Service-attributable can come in a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award where the amputation is specifically listed as an accepted disability.

What is a non Service-attributable amputation?

An amputation that is the result of an incident or illness that is not caused by military service. Examples include injuries sustained whilst on leave or ‘off duty’, or as a result of illnesses such as diabetes or vascular disease. If you are in any doubt whether your amputation might have been caused by your military service, you should discuss this with your Blesma Support Officer.

Why is it important to know the difference?

Following the report by Dr Andrew Murrison in 2011/12 the UK Government made special
arrangements to support prosthetic provision to military personnel who had amputations caused by their military service. This included access to additional support and, where
necessary, additional funding through their NHS Services for enhanced prosthetics based on
clinical need. Although the mechanism for funding is devolved across the UK, the principle is the same. To access the funding, the NHS clinicians  must first establish and prove that the patient has a Service-attributable amputation. This is done by production of the relevant War Pension or AFCS Award notice.

Does my prosthetic require regular maintenance and servicing, and how do I make sure it happens?

Your Limb Centre should make sure that you are aware of any maintenance or servicing requirements for any prosthetics you have. This is particularly important for prosthetics such as microprocessorcontrolled knees. If you have not attended your Limb Centre for more than a year, you should make contact with the centre to enquire whether your prosthesis requires any maintenance as this could affect any warranties.