You are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of an ex-service organisation (ESO) in lodging a claim under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. The decision on whether your disabilities are service related is based on up-to-date medical and scientific evidence. This information is detailed in the Repatriation Medical Authority’s Statements of Principles.
For more information go to: www.dva.gov.au/pensions/statement
An ESO should be able to provide you with advice on how the factors identified in the Statements of Principles may apply in your case. The Australian Army Aviation Association Inc. provides free advocacy assistance to its members. Proof of identity is required when lodging a new claim with DVA. Check out the DVA website Fact Sheet DVA06 ‘Proving your identity to DVA’.
It is essential that prior to the lodgement of a claim that it has been thoroughly checked (by a trained advocate) to ensure that it has been properly prepared. This is referred to as ‘Getting it Right the First Time’, and can avoid a lot of unnecessary stress and disappointment.
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