The VPU reports to the Defence Services Secretary and ultimately to the Minister for Veterans. The VPU also runs the Veterans Challenge Fund. Further information on these issues and others, including War Pensions, the Veterans Strategy and Veterans Badges, are available on the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Website.
The unit addresses health concerns of the following groups of veterans who believe their ill health to be a result of their service:
- Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf Conflict
- Veterans of the Porton Down Volunteer testing programme of the 1950-1970s
- Veterans of the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Testing Programme of the 1950s-1960s
- Veterans of the most recent operations in Iraq (Operation TELIC) and Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK)
These concerns are being addressed through a programme of independent scientific research commissioned by the Veterans Policy Unit and by the provision of the MOD's Medical Assessment Programme (MAP). The MAP aims to provide an approachable service offering prompt and comprehensive medical advice to veterans and to General Practitioners (GPs), Service Medical Officers and other health care professionals.
With close links to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, ex-Service organisations and other Government Departments, VPU strives to ensure that our millions of veterans receive the best possible service.