NHS provides early knee replacement for veteran with Service-related injury

July 13, 2026

A veteran with a Service-related knee injury was ineligible for an NHS replacement, causing pain and reduced quality of life.

What was the situation?

A marine commando was medically discharged from the Armed Forces at age 34 after suffering a serious knee injury. Now in his late 40s, he could not work due to the pain. He could also no longer walk properly, exercise, or play with his children. He had been advised that he was too young for a knee replacement. While adults of any age can be considered, the procedure is typically recommended for older adults, as younger adults may require further surgery in the future. This situation and his worse quality of life led him to feeling suicidal.

The veteran contacted the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer for Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Swansea, to seek help.

What was done to help?

The Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer contacted the Armed Forces Champion in the relevant University Health Board, highlighting his Service-related injury. The consultant and his team understood the nature of the situation and how it differed to civilians, following several email discussions. The case was reviewed in line with the University Health Board’s commitment to the Covenant. The veteran was approved for a full knee replacement, and a subsequent minor procedure to break down the scar tissue.

What made this special provision?

This veteran is among those sacrificing the most, having suffered a serious knee injury through his Service in the Armed Forces. His sacrifice made it appropriate for the NHS to consider special provision for him.

The NHS’s support counted as special provision, as, to recognise his sacrifice, it provided him with a knee replacement despite him being younger than the typical age of civilians offered knee replacements.

What was the outcome?

In six months from the initial contact with the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, the veteran received the surgery he needed. The communication between all relevant parties helped to address the problem and improve his quality of life.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Healthcare
• How NHS bodies can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. The database has been developed to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It is intended to act as a guide for good delivery, providing practical insight into how fairness for the Armed Forces community can be achieved. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.