Abstract: A military veteran is anyone who has served in the regular or reserve UK Armed Forces for a minimum of 1 day. There are an estimated 2.4 million veterans in the UK, accounting for 5% of the UK population over the age of 18 years. The veteran population is a diverse group in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic group, length of service, and exposure to various things including combat, military training exercises, foreign travel, and separation from family while in the military. Regarded as a potentially vulnerable patient group, 52% of veterans have a long-term disability or illness, which is higher than the general population (32%). Some veterans have complex needs and their needs may go unrecognised or unmet. GPs are duty bound by the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure that veterans receive effective and timely access to appropriate health care. Raising awareness and improving access to health care for military veterans are also key commitments of the NHS Long Term Plan.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …