AN EX-SOLDIER who has found it impossible to hold down a job was left shocked after his benefits claim was rejected.

Stuart Kennell, who suffers with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), discovered last week that the government had deemed him not eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is designed to help with the extra costs caused by long-term illness or a disability.

The 30-year-old, who lives with parents Janet and Steve Kennell in Bannerman Avenue, Prestwich, is currently unable to work because of his condition and claims a basic sickness benefit, but was denied the extra payment because he is still physically fit.

He is also partially deaf in one ear after being involved in several traumatic incidents while serving his country as a private in the Royal Logistics Corps in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.

Mrs Kennell, aged 56, said: "He was blown up twice and electrocuted while he was in Afghanistan.

"The government said he is not eligible for PIP because he can dress and feed himself, but they don't understand how deeply his PTSD affects us.

"It makes things really difficult for him and for us too, because we can't really leave him alone. The government need to recognise how serious an illness PTSD is.

"He has kept trying to work but he can't do it, and we are limited as to how much we can support him.

"Stuart won't go into crowded rooms because he can't trust people and even if we have a few people at the house, he will go upstairs on his own.

"It's hard work. I am always checking to see if he's okay and I can't sleep until I know he is safe and in the house.

"But I would say that he is one of the lucky ones in the sense that he has a family and somewhere to live. There are a lot of people who come out of the armed forces and have no support at all."

The ex-soldier, who has undergone treatment for PTSD with charity Combat Stress, added that getting the extra money would make a big difference to his life.

He said: "It will take a lot of stress away for me, knowing that I'm capable of looking after myself and don't have to rely on my parents.

"It took a lot of time for me to get the help I needed, and I was in denial. People don't realise how easily something can set me off."

A Government spokesperson said: “Decisions on eligibility for Personal Independence Payment are made after consideration of all the evidence, including an assessment and information provided by the claimant and their GP.

"We want to do all we can to help our veterans, and the Armed Forces Independence Payment can be claimed by those injured whilst serving their country since 2005 and provides tax-free support for mental and physical conditions.”

Mr Kenwell had to give up his job as a HGV driver as he no longer felt able to make the long journeys safely, before trying to set up as a self-employed gardener.

His mum added: "We financed him to set up on his own, but there was no way he could keep that going because there are some days when he just can't leave the house.

"We are supporting him financially because sick benefits aren't enough to cover everything. When he moved back in, all of his debt came with him and we have that to deal with too.

"Having that extra bit of money would take a huge weight off our shoulders. Knowing that he is able to support himself would be a huge boost for us."

The family are now urging the government to give greater support to former servicemen suffering from PTSD.

Steve, also aged 56, said: "Ex-soldiers suffering PTSD should be automatically entitled to this extra support. We need more servicemen to come forward to get the issue out there and make a big deal of it."