The Government announced in Parliament that next month it would change the rules regarding compensation payouts for servicemen seriously injured in combat.

Ben, 23, suffered 37 injuries including losing both of his legs in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan in 2006.

Ministry of Defence rules stated he could only receive compensation for three injuries - meaning Ben received £152,150 instead of the £285,000 maximum payment for certain single major injuries sustained in an incident.

But Ben's mother Diane Dernie, 49, of Wheatley Hills, who has led the battle for fairer payments, has vowed to fight on for an even better deal for injured soldiers.

"We're extremely glad because this amount of money will make a huge difference to Ben," she said. "But we had hoped that instead of sticking to a ceiling figure they would come up with something that would look after the care needs of these boys for the rest of their lives.

"We're very grateful that they've gone some way to addressing the issues, but the fight goes on for the lads with serious head injuries or one serious injury - who are still not fairly compensated."

Ben, who is continuing his recovery at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, Surrey, was considered by army doctors to be one of the most seriously injured soldiers ever to survive.

In October last year, the MoD put forward proposals to change the rules so the total number of injuries could be totted up to the maximum and on Tuesday night Junior Defence Minister Derek Twigg confirmed that after three months consultation the new regulations would come into force next month and payments would be backdated.

He said: "This review ensures that our most seriously injured personnel will be compensated in full for all their injuries up to the full £285,000 lump sum payment. This is in addition to, a guaranteed tax-free payment paid to them, on discharge, monthly for life."

Currently lump sum compensation is paid at 100 per cent for the first injury with the second and third injuries being discounted to 30 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

Shadow Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "Whilst we believe this is a step in the right direction, this does not address the whole issue."