Debunking the Myths/FAQs
Below are some commonly misunderstood questions about DVA and the claims process.
- Veteran – I’m not a veteran – I’m still in uniform.
- DVA is only for people who have discharged from ADF.
- What can DVA do for me whilst I am still in uniform?
- I have been medically downgraded and identified for medical discharge. What can DVA do for me?
- Why should I copy my own medical documents?
- DVA process the claims so they cannot assist with submitting my claim
- It will cost me to have a representative to help me put in my claim
- I can’t get to a DVA office
- Why do DVA say that they are “investigating” my claim?
- It’s obvious that my military service caused my condition – I was fit before I enlisted and now I am suffering with X. So my service caused X.
- Why do I have to fill in any paperwork? – it’s recorded in my med docs. Why do I have to prove that I’m busted?
- It took 3 years for my claim to be finalised and the Service Charter states that claims will be finalised in 120 days.
- I got back a letter saying that liability had been accepted, but I didn’t get any money.
A veteran is a current or former member of the ADF who has been on operational service.
You don’t have to be “old” or discharged from the ADF to be a veteran or get assistance from DVA.
DVA is not just for people who have discharged from the ADF. DVA may be able to provide a range of services and benefits while you are still serving (and after discharge) if you have an injury or medical condition that has been contributed by your military service.
If you have suffered an injury or disease that has been caused by your military service, you can make a claim at any time to establish liability. This will mean that when you need to access benefits from DVA in the future, the process has already been started. Importantly, if you are unable to perform your normal household services such as house cleaning or lawn mowing because of your accepted condition (and there is no one else at home to do these things), DVA may be able to provide those services for the period of your incapacity – even whilst you are in uniform.
DVA will assist you with information about your discharge process through our Transition Management Service (TMS). TMS is a service that will assist an ADF member who is being medically discharges with his/her transition to civilian life.
You do not have to copy your documents as DVA can request them from Defence. If however you already have a copy, they can be supplied with your claim which may speed up the process.
DVA staff can assist you to complete the claim forms and advise you about the supporting documentation that you need to provide, just give them a call or drop in to your local DVA office.
Ex-service Organisations do not charge for their services, however they may ask for a small fee to cover photocopying expenses.
You should ask about fees if you engage a legal representative.
Phone DVA on 133 254 and you will be put in touch with their office.
You can find out the location of your nearest office or ask when a DVA representative might be visiting your area.
The word ‘investigate’ is normally used to refer to the administrative process of determining your claim for example; what is the medical diagnosis? What is the link to your service? Does it meet the legislative requirements?
In order to determine that your condition is service related, DVA is required by legislation to obtain supporting evidence from the Department of Defence. Additional medical information may also be required.
It is a legal requirement that before compensation (including medical treatment) can be provided, the person claiming must submit a claim to DVA with the relevant documentation.
Whilst some claims will take longer than others to finalise, it is possible that after the initial liability was accepted then it was necessary for the impairment from your condition to stabilise before any compensation could be paid.
Alternatively, if your first claim for liability was rejected and you asked for a review, then our Service Charter starts the clock again when the appeal is lodged.
After it has been accepted that your military service contributed to your condition, DVA then needs to establish what available benefits you may be entitled to. If you did not indicate on your claim form what benefits you are seeking, you should contact DVA to discuss your possible entitlements. Your entitlements can change based on your circumstances and you should request DVA to review your entitlements should your circumstances change.