Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what specific consideration is given to the effect of (a) PTSD and (b) other mental health issues when assessing the needs of veterans.

My Department takes its responsibilities to veterans under the Armed Forces Covenant very seriously and has put in place appropriate arrangements to support veterans, including those with PTSD and other mental health issues.

For example, when a veteran makes a claim for Employment and Support Allowance we use Service Medical Board evidence wherever possible so that the veterans, including those who may be suffering from PTSD or other mental health issues, do not have to undergo additional examinations. In addition, working with the Ministry of Defence we introduced a specific benefit, the Armed Forces Independence Payment, to provide financial support to service personnel and veterans seriously injured as a result of service to cover the extra costs they may have as a result of their injury.

We have also recognised the need for improved training and awareness amongst DWP staff and Providers of such issues, particularly amongst the veteran community. So training on the Armed Forces Covenant and more widely on mental health issues is available to DWP staff. Providers also ensure their health professionals have suitable training. For example, we worked with the Royal British Legion (RBL) to increase awareness of PTSD amongst veterans with Personal Independence Payment assessors and each provider has introduced guidance developed in collaboration with RBL.