Benefits under the DRCA

This page provides information about how to claim compensation under subsection 7(2) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) for F-111 deseal/reseal and other fuel tank maintenance workers classified as Tier 1, 2 or 3 participants.

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What is subsection 7(2) of the DRCA?

Subsection 7(2) of the DRCA is a beneficial provision that allows Government to accept liability for certain medical conditions without the need to establish a link between the medical condition and a person’s service.

F-111 personnel making claims for any of the conditions listed under subsection 7(2) of the DRCA need to have the condition medically diagnosed either before submitting a compensation claim or DVA can seek a diagnosis at no cost to you while the claim is decided.

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Who is eligible for compensation under subsection 7(2) of the DRCA?

If you are classified as a Tier 1, 2 or 3 participant you are eligible to claim compensation using subsection 7(2) of the DRCA for certain specified conditions.

You can have your F-111 service assessed for Tier classification by completing DVA Form D9021 – Application for Tier Classification by an F-111 deseal/reseal program participant or F-111 fuel tank entry maintenance worker. More information about the Tier definitions can be found in Learn about tier classifications and groups. 

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What conditions can I claim under subsection 7(2) of the DRCA?

You can claim compensation under 7(2) of the DRCA for diagnosed conditions identified by a Doctor’s Advisory Committee as being possibly associated with F-111 deseal/reseal service, based on consideration of the results of the Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP):

• Acquired colour vision deficiency
• Agoraphobia with panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Bi-polar affective disorder
• Bowel polyps
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Depression
• Diverticulitis
• Dysplastic naevus
• Eczema/dermatitis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Impaired cognition
• Irritable bowel disorder
• Liver disease
• Malignant neoplasms (i.e. various forms of cancer)
• Memory loss
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neurogenic bladder
• Non-alcoholic toxic encephalopathy
• Pancreatic disease
• Panic disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Sarcoidosis
• Sleep disorders with neurological basis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease
• Vertigo

While the SHOAMP found an ‘association’ between F-111 work and these conditions, this is not the same as saying that the work directly caused the condition. (An ‘association’ is a weaker standard than a direct causative factor). You may therefore find that your medical practitioner may have a differing view about causative factors.

Invoking the provisions for subsection 7(2) of the DRCA for the above conditions means easier access to compensation for F-111 personnel. When making a claim for any of these conditions, please remember to include any medical evidence you have of a medical diagnosis should you have one.

For diagnostic purposes, International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes are used by Doctors to describe the diagnosis. This means that, if you are diagnosed with a condition above, it must match the ICD code ascribed by the Doctor’s Advisory Committee for the above conditions.

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Can I claim compensation for other conditions?

You can claim compensation for any illness or disease you believe is related to your service. Depending on the type of service you have, you may claim under the general provisions of the DRCA, the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), and/or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

If you are suffering from one of the listed 31 specified conditions, but you are not classified as having Tier 1, 2 or 3 classification, you can claim compensation under the general provisions of DRCA, VEA or MRCA (depending on your dates of service). But the link/s between your service and your condition need to be established on the evidence available.

For information on claiming under the DRCA, VEA or MRCA, see:

• How to claim benefits under the DRCA
• Making a Claim/Applying for an Increase in Disability Compensation Payment
• How to make a claim under the MRCA

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How do I claim under subsection 7(2) of the DRCA?

To claim compensation under subsection 7(2) of the DRCA:

• your F-111 service must meet Tier classification by completing DVA Form D9021 - Application for Tier Classification by an F-111 deseal/reseal program participant or F‑111 fuel tank entry maintenance worker; then
• if you are Tier classified, use DVA Form D2020 - Claim for Rehabilitation and Compensation to claim any health conditions you are suffering from. You should clearly mark on the form that you were involved in the F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance programs. Each condition will need to be diagnosed and cannot be a symptom.

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Where can I get a claim form?

A copy of DVA Form D9021 - Application for Tier Classification by an F-111 deseal/reseal program participant or F-111 fuel tank entry maintenance worker and DVA Form D2020 - Claim for Rehabilitation and Compensation can be obtained through the DVA website or by contacting your nearest DVA office.

Don’t forget to mark on the form that you were involved in the F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance programs.

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What if I need help filling out the form?

If you need help filling out the application you should ask for assistance.

Applicants seeking advice about the full range of their rights to compensation, including advice about litigation and common law claims, should seek independent advice.

You can also ask your ex–service organisation for assistance, as most have pension officers and advocates who can help you with your claim.

Alternatively, you can visit your local DVA office for assistance. If you are unable to visit a DVA office, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for information about a VAN office or your nearest ex–service organisation pension officer or advocate. Please see ‘More Information' for additional contacts.

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More Information

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