Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of piloting a new medical discharge process within the armed forces to allow personnel to be diagnosed with more than one condition, both physical and mental, as the reason for discharge.

When a medical condition or fitness issue affects a member of the UK armed forces, their ability to perform their duties is assessed. If they are unable to perform their duties and alternative employment within the armed forces is not available, personnel may then be medically discharged. The medical reason for the discharge is recorded and categorised following detailed individual assessment in each case. As part of that assessment all relevant medical conditions, both physical and psychological, are taken into consideration when awarding the final medical grading.