A FORMER soldier left needing Viagra because of a botched operation will be "£322,297 better off" as a result of his forced army discharge, the High Court heard yesterday.
Major Richard Morgan, (pictured) 39, of Undy near Magor is suing the Ministry of Defence for over £500,000.
He says a back operation carried out by army surgeons in 1997 ruined his sex life, leaving him needing Viagra and possibly an implant, as well as disabling his right leg below the knee.
The MoD admits liability but disputes the amount of compensation the former soldier is claiming.
William Hoskins, representing the MoD told the High Court in London, Mr Morgan will be better off financially as a result of having to leave the Army.
He said: "It is accepted that Mr Morgan would in all probability have remained in the Army until aged 55 but for the damage caused by the operation, and had a better than even chance of being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
"But Mr Morgan's civilian career has progressed very well since his discharge. He is presently an associate director of Hire IT Ltd. He is earning substantially more than he would have in the army. He now earns upwards of £55,375 per year.
"We submit that Mr Morgan is likely to be some £322,297 better off over his earning lifetime as a result of his early discharge". The hearing continues
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