The new Defence Secretary Liam Fox has announced he will "personally" look into a compensation claim on behalf of a Royal Marine who lost an arm and a leg in a Taliban bomb blast.

Dr Fox, making a statement a little more than 24 hours after he took up his post in the new coalition Government's cabinet, pledged his support to the case of Ben McBean from Plymouth.

Former Marine Mr McBean, who almost lost his life to the Taliban bomb in Afghanistan in 2008, is calling for the Ministry of Defence to review its compensation scheme.

The 23-year-old, who has been medically discharged from the armed forces and who served with Taunton-based 40 Commando, believes the scheme "needs to reviewed" to take into account the extent of servicemen's injuries.

Last night Dr Fox said: "I will personally look into this case to ensure that all measures are being taken to deal with Mne McBean as quickly as the thoroughness required will allow."

Dr Fox said the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme has recently been reviewed to ensure reforms are improving arrangements for the injured.

Mr McBean, of Stonehouse in Plymouth, was initially offered a pension and £281,150 in compensation, which later climbed to £320,000 under a review of the payout scheme.

He has appealed against the amount at a Plymouth tribunal and, six months after that hearing, he is still waiting for the MoD to respond.

He said: "The system needs to be reviewed. Every case is different. The MoD is not taking into account my other injuries. I lost an arm and a leg and they account for this, but not the extent of injuries I suffered.

"I have a hole in my forearm, I'm missing the side of my knee, a knee cap, part of my backside and groin, and burns.

"I want my life back.

"I do get people in the forces saying I am being greedy but it needs to be said.

"You are told from the beginning that you will be looked after in the event of anything, but it's not the case.

"I'm not saying 'give me £10 million'. I just want enough to live my life as best I can and to set up a business.

"To some people £320,000 might be a lot of money but realistically I have to pay for adjustments to my house and my car, for instance.

"I have to live the rest of my life with this disability."

He said his disabilities made him consider suicide and he has daily flashbacks of the explosion.

He hopes to build a career as a motivational speaker and a TV presenter. National recruitment agency ForceSelect, which offers mentoring and advice, is helping him find work.