FAQs – How DVA can help ADF members

What can DVA do for me whilst I am still in uniform?

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.

I have been medically downgraded and identified for medical discharge. What can DVA do for me?

DVA can provide information about what benefits and services you may be entitled to because of your medical condition/s and help you with lodging a claim.  DVA On Base Advisors are located in or near the Defence Health Centre of over 35 ADF bases.

On Base Advisory Service.

Why should I copy my own medical documents?

You do not have to copy your documents as DVA can request them from Defence.  However, if you already have copies, they can be supplied with your claim, which may speed up the process.

Why does DVA say that they are 'investigating' my claim?

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?

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 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.

I am a serving member of the ADF who is considering leaving the forces. What assistance or advice can I receive from DVA to help me make a decision?  

You will need to discuss your separation with the Defence Career Transition Assistance Scheme (Defence website).

DVA can provide information about what benefits and services you may be entitled to because of your medical condition/s. DVA On Base Advisors are located in or near the Defence Health Centre of over 35 ADF bases.

On Base Advisory Service.