“The Government has announced that veterans with Mesothelioma contracted during Service can now choose to receive a lump sum payment, or regular smaller payments, to help them and their families cope with the disease.
Under the new proposals all veterans diagnosed with Mesothelioma on or after 16 December will be given the choice between receiving a traditional War Pension, or £140,000 in lump sum compensation.”
Update:
On 16 December 2015, the MOD changed the rules to allow veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after that date to have the choice between a one-off, tax-free lump sum or regular, smaller payments. They have now extended the eligibility for the lump sums to those diagnosed before that date.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fair-compensation-for-veterans-with-cancer-caused-by-asbestos