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
|
NO - No, not covered by streamlining, but may be
accepted after investigation, depending on evidence of a
link to service.
YES - Yes, covered by streamlining
