Disabled veterans are entitled to damages for the federal government’s failure to properly invest their trust accounts, the Ontario Superior Court has ruled.

The decision hands thousands of veterans and surviving family members a victory in a long-running battle with the government over management of their pensions, allowances and personal funds.

In his decision, Justice John Brockenshire said a ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada in July on one aspect of the case did not entirely close the door on the veterans.

In a companion ruling, Brockenshire said it appears the amount owed to them “will exceed, and may very substantially exceed, $1 billion,” but added he needs more information to arrive at a precise figure.

The government is expected to appeal the latest rulings.