A soldier who almost died while fighting for his country is one step closer to winning his battle for maximum compensation.

Lance Corporal Martyn Compton, from Staplehurst, has so far been offered just over half the maximum £285,000 payout despite suffering horrific injuries while serving in Afghanistan.

But in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Veteran’s Minister Derek Twigg promised to review the case after Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, raised a debate.

L/Cpl Compton, 24, was serving with D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan in August 2006 when the Spartan armoured vehicle he was driving was ambushed by the Taliban, killing three of his comrades.

Shot in the leg and on fire, he managed to crawl 80 metres to safety, but was left with third degree burns to 70 per cent of his body and in a coma for three months.

He was originally offered only £99,000 under the Armed Forces compensation scheme, increased to £163,000 on review.

Close friend and colleague, Alistair Galloway, a former captain in the Household Cavalry, described Wednesday’s debate as “a big step forward.”

L/Cpl Compton’s compensation will be reviewed and a guaranteed income payment and pension calculated.

Capt Galloway said: “What we asked Mr Roberston to raise is that those most seriously injured, the blast victims, the amputees, the guys with brain injuries and those who have suffered severe burns, should fall into a new category and not rely on a tick-box system of falling into categories.

“People should understand what impact there is to their quality of life, their loss of earnings and also the medical care they will receive for the rest of their lives.

“It was really important the Veterans Minister admitted the Armed Forces compensation scheme is in its infancy and needs to address the compensation paid to those most seriously injured.”

Capt Galloway said L/Cpl Compton was very positive about the day.

He said: “He’s a determined character, he has survived so much and he is determined to get better.

“He’s fighting this claim for compensation and looks forward to being awarded the maximum payment.”

After the debate, Mr Robertson said: “I’ll be pleased when I get the paper saying L/Cpl Compton’s going to get the full amount of compensation and that he’s going to get a proper pension.”