By Corey Stamp
•
12 Apr, 2021
Suppose you’re a former or current ADF member with a condition or injury as a result of your ADF service, and that condition or injury has left you with some permanent impairment. In that case, you may be entitled to receive compensation (permanent impairment payment) from DVA under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. How much you’ll be compensated will depend on the level of mental and/or physical impairment that results from all of your accepted conditions and the impairment’s effect on your lifestyle. The impairment from your accepted conditions has to be assessed at ten impairment points or more to be eligible for PI compensation. Exceptions occur in the case of loss of taste or smell, loss of fingers or toes and hearing loss where only five impairment points are required. Whether taken as a lump sum or as periodic payments, PI payments are tax-free. How to Make a PI Compensation Claim. To lodge a permanent impairment claim, you first need to fill out DVA Form D2049. You can obtain the claim form from your nearest DVA office or claim online via DVA’s MyService application. If you find any part of the form difficult to complete, it’s advisable to get help from a financial adviser or practicing lawyer. A delegate of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) will be responsible for investigating your claim. Providing supporting evidence and documentations will boost the likelihood of your claim being determined fast and in your favour. The delegate may request you to undergo a medical examination. Don’t fret; the MRCC will cater to all costs, including travel and accommodation. What to Consider Before Making a PI Claim. You may be eligible to make a compensation claim to DVA if you have developed a mental or physical condition due to your service. Navigating the claims process can be a tricky route if you don’t know where to start. Here’s what you should think about before making a DVA claim: Get a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. Your GP is okay for physical conditions, but a psychiatrist must diagnose you for mental health issues. Prove your condition or injury was caused by your service. Were you injured while serving? If yes, gather service medical records that display the date and nature of the injury. Some conditions may develop years after you’ve left service. As long as they can be linked back to your service, it may still be possible to claim. Have all the relevant supporting documentation ready. This may include incident reports, witness statements, specialist reports, radiology reports, service records and treatment records from your doctor. Understand the Act you are eligible to claim under. Although you could lodge a claim under at least one Act, you could be covered up by up to 3 different pieces of legislation. The date of recruitment, type of service and when your injury developed can help you determine which Act applies. Get help from an Advocate. Working with a professional Advocate will give you the best chance of making a successful DVA claim. They will ensure you have all the evidence and documentation in order and guide you through the process. Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Making a PI Claim With the DVA: Banking on a coordinator or delegate to fill your claim form. Thinking that a delegate has your best interests at heart. Using an unqualified financial adviser. Disregarding independent specialist medical advice. Agreeing to an offer of compensation without seeking independent legal advice. Contact Us Today At Veteran Wealth, we value the service and sacrifice of our veterans, defence personnel and their families. Our core mission is to ensure that all the great servicemen and women, past and present, are financially empowered to secure a better future for themselves and their families. If you have a query, want some more info or would just like to speak to a professional, contact us, and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.