44.—(1) Where the Secretary of State is satisfied that a person is entitled to injury benefit [F3or to an additional multiple injury lump sum] but it appears to him that the prognosis for the injury in that particular case is uncertain in that he is unable finally to decide which level of the tariff is applicable to it, he may make an interim award relating to the specific level of the tariff of such amount as he considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case.
(2) The Secretary of State shall specify in the interim award the period during which the award has effect and may extend, and further extend, the period during which the interim award has effect but he shall make a final award within the period of two years starting with the date on which an interim award was first made.
(3) The final award shall have effect from the date on which an interim award first had effect.
[F4(4) Where the final award is at a level of the tariff which is—
(a)at the same level or is higher than the level of the tariff awarded in the interim award, account shall be taken of the amount of benefit paid in accordance with the interim award and only the difference between the amount of benefit paid in accordance with the interim award and the amount of the final award shall be paid;
(b)lower than the level of the tariff awarded in the interim award, no further amount of benefit will be paid in accordance with the final award and no amount of benefit paid in accordance with the interim award is recoverable.
[F5(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), the amount of benefit paid in accordance with the interim award means the amount of the lump sum awarded in the interim award together with any award of additional multiple injury lump sum or any award of additional lump sum applicable to that interim award.]]
Textual Amendments
F3Words in art. 44(1) inserted (8.2.2008) by The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/39), arts. 1(1), 11
F4Art. 44(4) substituted (15.12.2008) by The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) (Amendment No. 3) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2942), arts. 1(1), 13(a)