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Press Release : NGVFA
(NATIONAL GULF VETERANS AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION)

Veterans Ask: Can you trust politicians with the health and welfare of our troops?

Over the last 19 years neither the Conservative Party or Labour Party leaders have shown any credible sympathy or empathy for returning ill Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan war veterans and last night's debate on foreign policy only served to highlight this fact.

No physical medical investigations carried out, veterans having to pay for tests and treatment on their credit cards, and those whom are physically ill get little or no treatment for what can often be multiple conditions. Many psychologically affected end up in prison serving sentences for offences committed whilst ill and confused. Government figures estimate 5000 Veterans in prison, the National Association of Probation Officers estimates more than double that amount.

Government policies started by the Conservative government and continued by successive Labour governments have forced ill war veterans into jumping through policy made fences that deprive ill veterans of their entitlement to pensions and treatment.

The National Gulf Veterans & Families Association (NGVFA) have seen increased barriers to ensure veterans are not pensioned correctly. This includes the systematic rejection of conditions forcing veterans into unnecessary, stressful appeals. 68% of war pensions appeals in which the NGVFA have represented veterans were either won or upheld in 2009. This is an ever enduring, distressing circle of bureaucracy so ill health is not accepted as attributable to service.

The NGVFA also have veterans widows and families on endless waits for Inquests into the death of their loved ones.

We have seen limbless service men coming home only to be sent to CHARITIES for rehabilitation because successive governments have closed military Hospitals and left no provision in place for treatment.

In the 21st Century the attitude has been crass to say the least, with "go and get" help from charity for ill veterans. Yet we continue to send service personnel to war ill equipped both for the war and when they get home. What an indictment for our leading parties in 21st century.

When will troops be able to serve a decent government that equips them both properly for war and looks after them when they are ill and disabled?

Shaun Rusling NGVFA Trustee

If you would like to discuss anything featured in this press release, any veteran related issues that arose from lasts night's debate, or you would like more information please call the NGVFA on 0845 257 4853 (office hours) or 07950932911 (out of hours) and ask to speak to Shaun Rusling – NGVFA Trustee.

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