The Parliament ensures appeal rights for veterans
Red and the Socialists (SV) have secured a majority in the Norwegian Parliament to secure appeal rights in compensation cases for veterans who have been serving internationally after January 1st, 2010.
The Norwegian Defence Committee delivers its proposition on the matter on Wednesday.
Leader of Red leader and MP, Bjørnar Moxnes, has reacted strongly to the fact that military veterans who have been injured in foreign operations after 1 January 2010 have been deprived of the right to appeal in compensation cases. This occurred when the current Defence Act came into force in 2017.
– With today’s recommendation, we have succeeded in obtaining a majority to reverse this serious mistake. It is an important victory in the struggle for a worthy treatment of our veterans, Moxnes tells NTB.
In his proposal, the Government is asked to submit a proposition to the Norwegian Parliament regarding an amendment to the Norwegian Defence Act.
Moxnes believes a distinction between injuries sustained before and after January 1st, 2010 is unreasonable. He is also pleased that the majority in the Norwegian Foreign and Defence Committee has rejected the Minister of defence’s proposal that the Financial Appeals Committee should be the appeals body.
– The serious mental disorders (PSTD) that many veterans are struggling with requires a completely different professional competence than the Finance Commission possesses, Moxnes continues.
– Norwegian veterans have been willing to risk life and health in the service of their country. It is obvious that we must provide arrangements that provide them with proper compensation for sustained injuries, no matter how long after the event that they come to the surface, Socialist Leader Audun Lysbakken joins in.
The proposal by Moxnes
Background
Persons on missions for the Norwegian state, attending military missions after January 1st 2010, currently does not have the right to appeal applications for compensations.
This is stated in §55 of the Norwegian Defence Act, which the Parliament adopted on June 8th, 2016:
«The state shall replace losses incurred for those serving in international operations due to injury or illness, as a result of service in an international operation after January 1st, 2010.
Responsibility also includes mental stress injuries. The decision can not be appealed.»
The proposer considers such a distinction between claims that occurred before and after January 1st 2010 is unjust.
Proposal
Against this background, the following proposal is submitted:
The Parliament asks the Government to submit a proposal for the amendment of the Defence Act §55 to ensure the right to appeal in compensation cases for those who have served in international operations after January 1st, 2010 as well.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today
