Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
Information about Claiming

How to Claim Disability Pensions

Overview

This Factsheet briefly explains how to claim disability pensions under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), which are available only in relation to service rendered before 1 July 2004.  Information about who is eligible is contained in the factsheet Overview of Disability Pension and Allowances: DP 01.

What is a disability pension?

A disability pension is paid to compensate veterans for injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service rendered on behalf of Australia before 1 July 2004.

 

There are four categories of disability pension payable under the VEA:

·         General Rate, payable in multiples of 10% up to 100%;

·         Extreme Disablement Adjustment (for over 65 years of age only);

·         Intermediate Rate; and

·         Special Rate. 

How much per category?

The grounds on which these pension rates are paid are complex, but generally the greater the incapacity you suffer the more pension you receive.

 

The General Rate is paid solely on the basis of the degree of incapacity you suffer as a result of your accepted conditions.

 

The Intermediate and Special Rate may be payable if your incapacity reaches 70% or higher and your ability to work is affected by your accepted conditions alone.

 

The Extreme Disablement Adjustment may be payable if you are aged 65 years or over, and are extremely incapacitated as a result of your accepted disabilities, but you’re not entitled to the Special Rate or Intermediate Rate.

 

For further information on these rates of disability pensions, please see the Fact Sheets on each of them.

What do I need to do?

To claim a disability pension you need to complete a D2582 Claim for Disability Pension and/or Application for Increase in Disability Pension form.

 

When completing the form you must clearly state the reasons why you think the condition is related to your service.  You must also seek your doctor’s diagnosis of the condition being claimed and the time of onset of the condition.

 

You may be required to provide other evidence to support your claim.  For instance, you may be asked to provide information on your employment history, details of injuries or accidents, or other personal details relating to your claim.

 

When lodging a new claim for Income Support and Compensation payments under the VEA, you may also be required to provide documents to DVA that prove your identity.

 

Applicants receiving payment prior to 4 January 2005 have already satisfied DVA’s proof of identity and do not need to again.

 

Further information about proving your identity to DVA is in the factsheet Proving your identity to DVA – Proof of Identity (POI): DVA 06.

Where can I get a claim form?

A copy of the D2582 Claim for Disability Pension and/or Application for Increase in Disability Pension can be obtained through the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au or by contacting your nearest DVA office.

 

Alternatively, you can ask your local ex–service organisation to give you a form.

What if I need help filling out the form?

If you find anything in the form difficult to understand or complete you should get help.

 

Ask your ex–service organisation, as most have pensions officers and advocates who can help you with the claim.  Alternatively, you can visit your local DVA Office for assistance.  If you are unable to visit one of our offices, then contact your nearest Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN) on 1300 55 1918.  The VAN office will put you in touch with your nearest ex–service organisation Pension and Welfare officer who can assist you.

How long does it take to consider a claim?

Claim processing can take up to 3 months or longer depending on the complexity of the case.

 

This processing time is required to:

·         get documents about your service from the Department of Defence if you have never claimed before;

·         conduct further medical examinations if necessary; and

·         allow DVA to gather further information from you about your medical and personal history, if necessary.

What happens when a claim has been decided?

Whether your claim is successful or not, you will be given written reasons for the decision as well as information that explains the decision.  You will receive the decision in the mail.

Oral advice

While we make every effort to ensure that you are given accurate information, it is important that you seek written confirmation of oral information or advice before making any major decisions based on that information.

 

We continually strive to improve the level of service you receive and make this request as an added safeguard for you.

Other Factsheets

Other Factsheets related to this topic include:

Overview of Disability Pension and Allowances: DP 01

General Rate: DP 28

Special and Intermediate Rates: DP 29

Extreme Disablement Adjustment: DP 30

How Decisions about Disability Pension are reached: DP 19

Permanent Impairment Compensation: MRC 07

Benefits for Incapacity for Service or Work: MRC 08

Proving your identity to DVA – Proof of Identity (POI): DVA 06

More information

All DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au.

You can phone DVA for the cost of a local call on:
133 254, or 1800 555 254, if you are outside a major city

 

Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more

You can send an email to DVA at:  generalenquiries@dva.gov.au

 

You can get more help from any DVA office.