DVA Minister – Modernising rehabilitation and compensation systems delivers benefits to veterans

14 Apr 2017

Dan TehanThe time taken to process certain claims for veterans has fallen dramatically thanks to the Government’s investment in updating claims processing systems, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan announced today.

Mr Tehan said the Government had provided $23.9 million in the last Budget to replace outdated rehabilitation and compensation systems and to simplify and improve internal processes.

“Claims for non-liability health care are now processed within a day, and in some cases within 30 minutes where previously the average processing times for these claims was 18 days,” Mr Tehan said.

“Veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse are accessing treatment faster than ever before.

“This system update is ongoing and there will be further improvements to processing times and more consistency in decision making and calculations.

The next system improvements will focus on incapacity claims review, rehabilitation, needs assessment and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 permanent impairment processing.

Media enquiries:
Minister Tehan’s Office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.