Priority NHS treatment for service-related conditions
Veterans receive priority access to NHS treatment for conditions related to their military service, including both physical injuries and mental health conditions. You do not need a GP referral for some services.
Legal reference: NHS Constitution | Armed Forces Covenant NHS Commitments
Tell your GP or healthcare provider you are a veteran and that your condition is service-related. Ask for the veteran pathway.
Op COURAGE — NHS Veterans Mental Health Service
Op COURAGE is a free, NHS-funded mental health service specifically for veterans, reservists and their families. It provides assessment, therapy, crisis support and specialist trauma treatment. You can self-refer — no GP needed.
Legal reference: NHS Long Term Plan 2019 | Op COURAGE
Self-refer at www.nhs.uk/opcourage or call NHS 111 and ask for the veteran mental health pathway.
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health, specialising in PTSD treatment. Their 24-hour helpline and residential treatment programmes are free to veterans.
Legal reference: Combat Stress charity
Call the Combat Stress helpline on 0800 138 1619 (free, 24/7). Text 'COMBAT STRESS' to 85258.
Prosthetics and rehabilitation
Veterans with service-related amputations or serious injuries can access the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) and specialist NHS prosthetics services. The Royal British Legion also funds specialist prosthetics not available on the NHS.
Legal reference: DNRC | Royal British Legion Rehabilitation programme
Contact the Royal British Legion on 0808 802 8080 or your nearest DNRC.
Veterans Trauma Network
A network of NHS trauma specialists with experience of military-related physical and psychological injuries. Available via GP referral.
Legal reference: NHS Veterans Trauma Network
Ask your GP to refer you to the Veterans Trauma Network.