Wounded Dutch veterans will receive compensation from the Dutch Defence Ministry earlier than expected.

Last November, Defence Minister Hans Hillen said 110 million had been set aside for veterans with physical injuries or mental problems as a result of active service. Now he has reached agreement with the unions on the payment of invalidity benefit.

The veterans will receive a standard payment of 125,000 euros. A veteran who is 40 percent unfit for work will receive 40 percent of this amount. The compensation, which is to be paid out later this year, will not be taxed.

The money will go to veterans who were injured before 1 July 2007 and still suffer the effects. Some of them had spent many years fighting for compensation through the courts. Veterans injured after this date are already entitled to a compensation scheme.

(nc/imm)

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