I am not defending this payout, but before everyone gets too excited check ALL the facts......
My understanding is the payout of £484,000 (or whatever it was) included repayment of legal costs, as the person in question had to take legal proceedings against the RAF/MOD to get compensation. Legal costs can be very expensive!!
Now I'm sure the basic point, relative payments for minor injuries vs payments for wounded soldiers is totally valid - and I agree with it 110%. People just need to be careful what figures they quote!