Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs
Health

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9.0 Recommendations

As a result of the outcomes of the female veterans survey the following recommendations are made:

For Female Vietnam Veterans With Entitlement Under the VEA

  1. It is recommended that the results in this report be accepted by DVA as indicative of the health status of female Vietnam veterans.
  2. It is recommended that DVA uses the responses to Part A and Part E of the survey as a guide in planning the coverage of treatment and counselling services, and preventive programs.
  3. It is recommended that the level of resources available for counselling veterans and their families experiencing mental health conditions be reviewed for adequacy.
  4. It is recommended that veterans reporting the conditions surveyed in Part A of the questionnaire be urged to submit a claim under the VEA for these conditions if they have not already done so.
  5. It is recommended that while recognising the importance of PTSD, there be a broader diagnostic and treatment focus on other mental health conditions common in veterans.
  6. No validation of survey findings is recommended. However, it is recommended that the results obtained for the following conditions be considered in conjunction with the male validation study as additional data:
    • Multiple Sclerosis;
    • All Cancers (with the exception of non-melanocytic skin cancers);
    • Children's Conditions:
      — Down's Syndrome;
      — Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula;
      — Absent Body Parts;
      — Extra Body Parts;
      — Wilms' Tumour; and
      — Accidental Death.

  7. It is recommended that the findings of the survey be referred to the RMA for their consideration, particularly in respect to:
    • Hydatidiform Mole;
    • Asthma;
    • Eczema and Dermatitis; and
    • Hepatitis.

General Recommendations

  1. It is recommended that DVA develop a register of information, including mailing addresses for living female Vietnam veterans and causes of death for deceased female Vietnam veterans. This register would provide a sound basis for any further studies into the health of Australian female Vietnam veterans.
  2. It is recommended that DVA consider the feasibility of undertaking further research in this area, in light of the soon to be released US study into the health of female Vietnam veterans.
  3. It is recommended that the findings of the survey be drawn to the attention of the Australian Defence Force for use in the refinement of preventive measures.
  4. It is recommended that the findings of the survey be drawn to the attention of the organisations responsible for the compensation support of non-military veterans.

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