Left Behind but not forgotten: The Silent Struggles of Pre-1987 Veterans

When we talk about serving one's country, we picture strength, discipline, and sacrifice. But what we often overlook are the long-term consequences of that service, especially for those who wore the uniform decades ago. For many British veterans who left the Armed Forces before 1987, their service is remembered only by the silence that followed — the silence caused by hearing loss, isolation, and an absence of recognition. 

At Justice4Heroes, we believe these veterans deserve more. They deserve to be heard, supported, and compensated fairly. This blog shines a light on the often-ignored community of pre-1987 service personnel who now face a system that has failed to account for their sacrifice.

A Forgotten Generation of Veterans 

For thousands of British veterans, military service in the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s meant exposure to harsh environments, constant noise, and dangerous situations. Whether they were training on rifle ranges, repairing helicopters, navigating war zones, or standing guard in hostile climates, many faced extreme conditions without the safety measures we now take for granted. 

One of the most overlooked issues from this period is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Hearing protection was either unavailable or ineffective. Instructions were shouted over gunfire. Helicopter crews spent hours exposed to deafening rotor blades. Tank operators were crammed into metal hulls with engines roaring at close range. 

Many of these men and women left the Forces with damaged hearing, tinnitus, or complete hearing loss in one or both ears. But because they left service before 1987, they were never eligible for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which only covers post-1987 cases. 

The result? Entire cohorts of veterans have been excluded from the compensation, support, and acknowledgement that others receive as standard. Despite giving the same loyalty, they are now faced with silence — both literal and systemic.

“You Just Got On With It” 

Speaking to veterans who served before 1987, a common phrase emerges: “You just got on with it.” Many didn’t complain at the time. It was the culture to push through pain, to tough it out, to stay mission-ready. Complaints about ringing ears or muffled sound were often brushed off as temporary. 

One veteran, Alan, served in the Royal Artillery from 1970 to 1978. He describes endless hours on firing ranges, loading and discharging heavy weaponry, often without any ear protection. “No one gave us defenders back then. You shoved bits of cotton wool in your ears, if you were lucky. Most of the time, it was bare. We all walked away with ringing ears, but we didn’t realise it would be permanent.” 

Now in his 70s, Alan struggles to hear his grandchildren. “I’ve had hearing aids for over a decade, but it’s never been the same. The worst part is knowing it happened because of my service, but no one’s willing to acknowledge that.” 

Alan isn’t alone. Thousands like him were proud to serve. They didn’t complain then, and they hesitate to complain now. But the system has created an invisible line in the sand. Serve after 1987, and you're entitled to support. Serve before it, and you're left behind.

The Injustice of an Arbitrary Cut-Off 

The 1987 cut-off date for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme has created a two-tier system of recognition. The reasons for its implementation may have been administrative, but its impact has been deeply personal. 

The reality is simple. If a veteran was exposed to the same dangerous noise levels in 1986 as someone who served in 1988, the damage to their ears is no different. But only one of them qualifies for automatic support under current schemes. 

It’s not just hearing loss that’s affected. Many pre-1987 veterans were also exposed to financial mis-selling, including pension schemes that left them worse off in retirement. Others struggle with long-term physical injuries or mental health conditions linked to their time in service. And yet, many are unaware that any form of legal redress may still be possible. 

At Justice4Heroes, we work with trusted solicitors to support claims related to: 

• Military hearing loss and tinnitus 

• Mis-sold Armed Forces pensions and investment products 

• Negligence or lack of protection during service 

But this work is only a part of a bigger fight — a fight for fairness, visibility, and respect. 

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever 

As time passes, the chance to address these injustices shrinks. Many of the affected veterans are now in their 60s, 70s, or 80s. Their health is changing. Their voices need amplifying before they are lost entirely. 

The recent spotlight on veterans’ welfare has shown that public support is strong. But systemic change only happens when pressure is applied where it matters. That’s why our current campaign is pushing for the government to: 

• Acknowledge pre-1987 hearing loss claims 

• Extend compensation schemes to include earlier service 

• Review military pensions and mis-selling cases affecting older veterans 

• Create a pathway for recognition and redress for those currently excluded 

We believe it's never too late to do the right thing. 

Civilians Can Make a Difference 

You don’t have to be a veteran to care about justice. In fact, some of the strongest movements for change come from ordinary people who refuse to let injustice go unnoticed. 

This is your chance to make a real impact. By supporting our petition, you’re helping to give voice to those who were silenced by circumstance. You’re reminding our government that no veteran should be forgotten. 

Whether you’re a family member, friend, neighbour, or simply someone who values fairness, your signature matters. So does your ability to spread the word.

Real People. Real Stories. Real Change. 

Every name on our petition represents a life touched by injustice. A veteran left out. A family struggling to communicate with a loved one who can no longer hear them. A man or woman whose hearing was lost not through age, but through years of loyal service in deafening conditions. 

These are not statistics. These are stories that deserve to be told. 

One woman recently shared her father’s story. A Falklands veteran, he returned from war with severe tinnitus. He died believing it was just “part of getting older.” He never knew he might have had a claim. He never heard his grandchildren say, “I love you.” 

We owe him, and every other pre-1987 veteran, more than silence.

What Justice4Heroes Is Doing 

Justice4Heroes exists to support veterans, raise awareness, and campaign for fair treatment. Here’s how we help: 

• We offer free resources and claim guidance through our website. 

• We work with specialist solicitors to explore individual compensation routes. 

• We drive national attention to the petition for pre-1987 hearing loss compensation. 

• We share stories to keep the issue in the public eye. 

• We create real pathways for veterans to reclaim dignity, support, and recognition. 

You can learn more about our work at www.justice4heroes.org or follow us on social media for regular updates and stories.

Final Thoughts: Help Us Right This Wrong 

If you believe that every veteran deserves respect, recognition and a fair shot at justice — regardless of when they served — then we need your help. 

Sign the petition today to support compensation for pre-1987 veterans suffering from hearing loss caused by military service. 
Click here to sign now https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/715800  

Know a veteran who may have a claim? 
Visit our site for more information or to get in touch confidentially: 
www.justice4heroes.org 

Let’s make sure those who gave us their service aren’t left behind.