Explanatory note

This Order amends the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983 (S.I. 1983/883) by excluding noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss which is assessed as producing less than 20% disablement from giving rise to an entitlement to an award under Part III of the 1983 Order (article 2). Such hearing loss below that level is also to be excluded in determining, under article 9, the overall level of disablement for the purposes of awards of pension under Part III (article 3). Related conditions accompanying such hearing loss are similarly excluded.

There are savings for those who have already claimed an award in respect of such hearing loss whether alone or with a related condition or symptom at the time the amending Order comes into force (article 4).