HMCTS who's who: War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation

The appellant

The appellant is usually a member or former member of the armed forces or their surviving dependent who disputes a decision made by the Secretary of State for Defence on their claim for a war pension or armed forces compensation.

The representative

A representative is a person who attends a hearing to advise the appellant or the other party and help them present their case. A representative might be a friend or relative, a person who is legally qualified or professionally trained, or someone from an organisation which supports service personnel.

The departmental representative

The departmental representative is a person representing the agency of the Ministry of Defence that made the decision under dispute (Defence Business Services, known as Veterans UK).

The tribunal panel

An appeal is decided by a tribunal panel of 3 people. The tribunal is always chaired by a legally qualified tribunal judge. The 2 other panel members are a doctor and someone who has been in the armed forces. They are all appointed by the Senior President of Tribunals. The judge and panel members will make sure the parties understand the process and are able to give the relevant evidence.

The clerk to the tribunal

The clerk will show people where to sit in the hearing room. The clerk will stay in the room during the hearing.

The public and media

Most hearings are open to the public and, although uncommon, the media and public can attend hearings.