The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has admitted that 279 injured servicemen or women are now battling the organisation for compensation after suffering injuries during combat.

Among those appealing against their payouts so far are soldiers who have lost limbs or been paralysed while fighting against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Although men and women injured while fighting for their country are offered compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, many believe the maximum payout of £570,000 plus yearly, index-linked payments is not enough given that compensation for civilian injuries can reach millions of pounds.

MoD sources have told the press that the compensation scheme is in chaos and that it intends to hold a review as soon as possible.

It was revealed last week that the relatives of Anthony Huntrod, one of those killed after an explosion onboard military submarine HMS Tireless, are to sue the MoD for negligence. They claim that he was unnecessarily exposed to faulty equipment.