Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the Government had cut red tape which meant veterans’ claims would be processed faster.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has reduced the requirements for liability for five medical conditions, reducing the time taken to process around 600 claims a year.
There are now 13 medical conditions streamlined for acceptance of liability under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
If a veteran’s doctor diagnoses one of the 13 conditions, DVA can accept it as service-related which means less paperwork and reduced processing time.
Mr Tehan said DVA was moving to a more client-focused model and examining further streamlining options.
“Our veterans have told me that reducing DVA claims’ processing times and making the claims process easier to complete were important improvements,” Mr Tehan said.
“Streamlining the liability component of claims for these medical conditions, once diagnosed, will reduce the amount of paperwork required by veterans and doctors to link them to military service.
“This change will also mean DVA can focus on ensuring veterans have access to appropriate medical care, rehabilitation and compensation for their service-related health conditions.
“This is part of a broader process to reduce the time taken to process claims and make the claims process easier and more stress free for our veterans.”
A list of medical conditions streamlined under the VEA and MRCA is attached.
|
DIAGNOSED MEDICAL CONDITION |
STREAMLINED LIABILITY FOR CLAIMS UNDER VEA |
STREAMLINED LIABILITY FOR CLAIMS UNDER MRCA |
|
(RECENTLY ADDED) Chondromalacia patella |
NO |
YES |
|
(RECENTLY ADDED) Internal derangement of the knee |
NO |
YES |
|
(RECENTLY ADDED) Malignant melanoma of the skin |
YES |
YES |
|
(RECENTLY ADDED) Pterygium |
YES |
YES |
|
(RECENTLY ADDED) Tinea of the skin |
YES |
YES |
|
Achilles tendinopathy and bursitis |
NO |
YES |
|
Acquired cataract |
YES |
YES |
|
Non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin |
YES |
YES |
|
Plantar fasciitis |
NO |
YES |
|
Sensorineural hearing loss |
YES |
YES |
|
Shin splints |
NO |
YES |
|
Solar keratosis |
YES |
YES |
|
Tinnitus |
YES |
YES |
15 September 2016
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.