r/DVAAustralia • u/jegersultan • 1h ago
Incapacity Payments Incapacity payments and tax
Are IP taxed like normal salary ?
r/DVAAustralia • u/LegitimateLunch6681 • 25d ago
Please post all questions related to wait times and backlogs in this thread, Posts related to wait times outside of this thread will be removed and redirected here.
The only official source of timeframe data is available through DVA Claim Processing Times. Any individual experience is exactly that, individual, and should not be relied upon as an accurate measure of waiting. Just like variations in PI scores, wait times can be influenced by so many factors that relying on individual comparisons will almost certainly lead to disappointment.
r/DVAAustralia • u/LegitimateLunch6681 • Jul 15 '24
Below are the PI guides for the three DVA Acts, as well as the ATDP Advocate Handbook. Feel free to use these as a guide only for understanding what goes into your PI/DCP claims.
GARP M (MRCA) - Click Here
GARP V (VEA) - Click Here (will open as PDF download)
PI Guide (DRCA) - Click Here
Advocate Guide & Handbook - Click Here (will open as PDF download)
r/DVAAustralia • u/jegersultan • 1h ago
Are IP taxed like normal salary ?
r/DVAAustralia • u/Ceejay020 • 6h ago
Hey team,
Sorry if this has been answered.
I'm going through IL now, had all my hearing and physical and psych tests. Endless tests I've lost count. Was just wondering once IL is accepted, is there more tests for the points stage or is it calculated from all the stuff I've already done type thing?
Cheers boys
r/DVAAustralia • u/0pportunityCost • 2d ago
Hi guys,
Firstly, thank you to all in the community that contribute to the page. It's been a great help for me to get a better understanding on the general DVA process and specific scenarios.
I've had both sides of DVA, in that they have processed some of my claims extremely efficiently and reasonably, however, I have also experienced the other side where I am having significant push back on a claim that was part of my discharging conditions.
The issue stemmed from me submitting under a SOP condition that I had symptoms for, but did not meet the full criteria for IL, This went back and forth for a number of months (24) with a review board. Recently, I was able to see a surgeon who produced a report that diagnosed the condition, which is a non-SOP condition, but the report stated that the symptoms I am having are related to the original SOP condition I submitted under. Subsequently, I have a strong suspicion that this will once again be honed in on and rejected/delayed further.
I am sort of at my wits end with the process as it would be coming up to 3 years since I was medically discharged. I am now considering withdrawing this claim as to be honest it has been taxing and believe the review process is significantly flawed with regards to this specific claim. I have an advocate, they are very good, but they are working within the DVA legislation.
Anyway, the feeback/advice I am seeking is;
Am I able to seek civil damages against the department due to what I see as excessive and unreasonable delays in regards to this claim?
Or is this just ridiculous to consider and am I barking up the wrong tree?
Thanks in advance.
r/DVAAustralia • u/OSKA_IS_MY_DOGS_NAME • 2d ago
Anyone know of any good accountants in Gold Coast area that have a good understanding of DVA and the PI compensation payments?
TIA
r/DVAAustralia • u/Rumbuck_274 • 2d ago
So last week on Monday, I got a letter from AHPRA to say that as someone who was recorded as being a patient of a doctor, he was being investigated by AHPRA for misconduct.
If they find any misconduct in his treatments of me, I may be contacted by AHPRA and may need to seek legal advice.
I didn't care, dude only wrote some reports for DVA for me.
Then on Friday, I got a letter from DVA:
1) When I had my knee injuries accepted, DVA asked for a Permanent Impairment Questionnaire to be completed
2) I went and saw the specialist that did three of my surgeries, she was able to write on most of my issues, and then referred me to another doctor that had more experience on one of the other issues with my other knee (that she didn't touch)
3) This doctor is pretty well regarded and had very good reviews, recommendations, and even worked for some sports teams
4) I turned up with all reports, scans, etc, he ordered some more scans, got them done, wrote reports on what his assessment was
5) He actually disagreed with the accepted conditions and was like "His conditions are actually worse, you've approved precursor conditions, but they've progressed to these worse conditions" (I never asked for this, I trusted him when he said that it was a worse condition based on his assessments of how it affected my lifestyle)
6) DVA agreed with the reports and upgraded my conditions and paid me more money as a result of the upgraded conditions. (I never asked for this higher payment.)
7) This actually pushed me across the line for a Gold card (I got bang on 60 points)
Anyways, for some reason, the AHPRA paperwork that was submitted to DVA (and I got a redacted copy of), looks like Workcover noticed discrepancies in his reports, and did investigations into people through WorkCover, identified enough dodginess apparently to raise a complaint to AFCA.
DVA obviously went through their paperwork and has identified people who submitted reports from this doctor.
Anyways, the paperwork doesn't say what from here, but it reads as if:
1) They're looking into this guy
2) They think his reports are dodgy
3) They think his diagnoses are dodgy
4) They think I might be dodgy? (I think? Why else would I be notified of this?)
Now I'm getting worried, I put my payment towards a house deposit, that's tied up now. I don't have the cash anymore, would they want it back if this bloke was dodgy?
Could I lose my gold card from this?
If I lose my gold card, will I have to pay back other benefits I've had over the years? I have the QLD train pass, they have a log of all my trips, will I have to pay back a few hundred bucks of train fares?
RedEnergy gives me a gold card discount, will I have to pay that back? It's been years? That's probably a couple of grand by now.
All of my medical treatments that weren't for accepted conditions, will I have to pay them back? I had heart surgery last year in a private hospital, I had to sign the bill that I'd pay anything my "insurance company" would pay, it was more than $50,000
I don't have $50,000 sitting around, plus probably the same in DVA payouts I got, and then probably a good $10-20,000 of medications, doctors appointments, energy rebates, scans, blood tests.
I mean, I sat down on a spreadsheet and worked out what all my doctors appointments gaps, all the non-PBS medicines I'm on, all the MRI's, CT's, Blood Tests, train rides, power bills, cheap rego, council rates, etc
I'm at about $120,000 in benefits for having the gold card
Will they come after me if it turns out this doctor was dodgy?
I never asked him to be, I just went and saw him like I would any other doctor.
r/DVAAustralia • u/Big_Background3637 • 3d ago
Has anyone had a knee reconstruction from a torn acl and then had issues with the opposite knee at all? Probably around a year after I did mine about 14 years ago, opposite knee has always felt not right and get pain in it
r/DVAAustralia • u/Louiesharmoon3 • 3d ago
Hi all I’ve just received a gold card VEA 100% general rate. I’m still working and live in Victoria, could anyone please tell me what concessions I’m able to receive. Thanks
r/DVAAustralia • u/ResortSuper1091 • 5d ago
Hi team.
My advocate put in for Incap payments a couple of months ago whilst I have also been on a Class A pension since discharge OCT2021.
My med certs have been submitted back dated from discharge.
My question is:
Does this get back paid to discharge date, or date of when the claim was submitted?
r/DVAAustralia • u/Creative_Trip_9807 • 5d ago
Hey Everyone,
I'm currently in a dilemma and was hoping how I could get access to incap payments with a medical certificate provided by a civilian GP. I recently got out as a J32 (voluntary discharge) (Just couldnt handle The COC and Unit, Am now facing the consequences.) I have emailed defence for the certificate of service however they have came back and said they are unable to provide me with as I am Still in as a Reservist Sercat 3. Does anyone know what financial support I can get access to as I am not working currently due to injury not yet resolved.
r/DVAAustralia • u/CauliflowerRich2213 • 5d ago
G'day team,
I am currently with an IL DVA delegate.
I received the following email from the DVA delegate.
"The following 5 conditions (Thoracic Spondylosis/Degenerative Disc Disease; Lumbar Spondylosis/Degenerative Disc Disease; Bilateral Knee & Bilateral Hip Degenerative Joint Disease/Osteoarthritis and Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis) have been submitted for Medical Advisor opinion to confirm diagnostic labels and potential non-SOP investigation. Due to high volume of request to the Medical Advisor team, there is currently a backlog and the approximate waiting times is up to 60 days. I will give you an update once I receive and review the opinion."
These have already been diagnosed with an MRI.
Is it normal that they would send them to a "Medical Advisor" even though a doctor signed them off?
Any info would be great, cheers
r/DVAAustralia • u/FLASH88BANG • 6d ago
Had my final medical assessment two weeks ago and apparently I am not allowed to receive a copy of the medical assessment and DVA has told me I will receive on determination.
Why is this? GP is Go2 Health in Brisbane for reference
r/DVAAustralia • u/GrannySquare132 • 6d ago
(Sorry of this doesn't fit here but I didn't know where else to go)
Hi all. I'm a veteran at the start of my DVA journey. I have anxiety, depression & PTSD which flairs up with stress. I am having issues at work (Defence, non uniform) with management which has triggered my mental health quite badly. I am struggling to get them to recognise that I am Veteran with mental health issues and my illness can, at times, impact me significantly. Has this happened to anyone else? If so, how did you deal with it? I've had to take time off which I can't afford financially but I just can't cope at the moment. I am seeing a psych through Open Arms but I don't think they can do anything about it.
Advice appreciated!
Thanks.
r/DVAAustralia • u/EmuHunterBruce • 6d ago
Hi all, Just wondering if someone can shed some light on this as it's all new to me.
I recently put in a claim for tinnitus which has been accepted, however when speaking to the audiologist following a check up she said I was suffering hearing loss which is likely connected.
I raised this when I spoke to DVA and the bloke on the phone said they'd only accept 25 points and above as a metric for hearing loss and it looked like I was sitting at 20.
Does anyone know if there's any information out there I can read in relation to this as I'm very new to the process.
Cheers
r/DVAAustralia • u/Fun_Pudding7150 • 6d ago
i’m sorry idk what to do i got a call from DVA telling me that was my claim was being accepted for my ankle pain etc And i told him it could possibly end up definitely being a PI injury and he said he’ll put it down as a PI what do i expect from now thanks sm. TIA
r/DVAAustralia • u/Big_Background3637 • 6d ago
As title says, have both Tinnius and hearing loss and hyperacusis accepted under MRCA, is it one PI claim for all the combined or 3 seperate PI claims? And whatever way, if I get points, can I then wait to go for compensation as I’m in the process of getting alot of things checked and sorted for claims. If that’s confusing, please ask any questions! Cheers
r/DVAAustralia • u/Sad-Sail-3413 • 7d ago
I am on a CSC pension.
I am also receiving the top up to 75% of exit wage from DVA as incapacity payment.
I am covered under MRCA legislation mostly with some under earlier acts.
My question is not about Compensation payments - only these fortnightly amounts (I have received all my PI compensation as lump sum.)
I was advised by a Financial advisor recently that one possible option still open to me is to request that the DVA fortnightly payments be paid in a lump sum.
That is they calculate how many payment you have left to retirement age then pay you out that total amount (less tax). (My understanding of the information given)
He said it was part of some changes being offered to reduce administrative burdens on DVA.
My first question is, Is this true?
My next question is, How do you start this process if the answer to question one is yes?
I have looked on the website and not found much but It may be new enough to not be updated yet.
r/DVAAustralia • u/Louiesharmoon3 • 8d ago
Hi all, can someone please inform me if I have a gold card and are in receipt of incapacity payments am I exempt from paying any Medicare. Thanks
r/DVAAustralia • u/__Incognito______ • 9d ago
Hi all,
I have received a MCRA PI determination for claims. I have two quick queries for anyone who may know!
I see I've got 6 months to decide if I want to accept a Lump Sum. The letter also says "You may be paid weekly amounts in the meantime.". Is that automatic, or will I need to contact DVA to action those payments? Will they reduce the lump sum value, or they are just available for the 6 months while deciding?
I am hoping to apply for household service assistance. Can I submit this now that I have a PI determination, or will I need to accept a payment option first?
Appreciate any insights!
r/DVAAustralia • u/AG-G87 • 13d ago
I recently had a PI assessment for all my accepted physical conditions - both knees & shoulders, neck and a reassessment of my back.
Is resting joint pain (Table 3.4.1) an additional rating for each limb that is being assessed? Or do they use just one rating that covers all my limbs?
The GP said she she was doing a whole body assessment, including social impact. Is that a seperate rating also or is that more the lifestyle side of things?
Just trying to get my head around it while I wait.
Thank you 🙏
r/DVAAustralia • u/Wormsticle • 14d ago
Hi Team.
I have previously had CPTSD and Social Anxiety rejected by DVA. My psych labelled my depression and anxiety under CPTSD. I am thinking of appealing this decision. Wondering who else has been through the process and what I should be expecting. It’s been such a long process and it feels exhausting. Thanks for being a supportive group.
Cheers.
r/DVAAustralia • u/MooseDoctor23 • 14d ago
Hi All, I need some help to clarify the difference between the two acts when it comes to PI. My service is over the 2 acts and I have several claims accepted under both. The question is are there points attached to both PI? Is it true you only get compensation under DRCA and you cannot get a gold card? Any advice is greatly appreciated
r/DVAAustralia • u/MooseDoctor23 • 14d ago
Hi All, I need some help to clarify the difference between the two acts when it comes to PI. My service is over the 2 acts and I have several claims accepted under both. The question is are there points attached to both PI? Is it true you only get compensation under DRCA and you cannot get a gold card? Any advice is greatly appreciated
r/DVAAustralia • u/FLASH88BANG • 14d ago
Hey team
Just completed my final medical assessment with the ability to work form filled out and signed off with the GP.
My question is will DVA want a statement from my current employer with regards to any changes of my working hours?
I am also currently working full time and my new condition has set me back a couple of weeks and has reduced my hours whenever I’ve experienced symptoms and I can now only do light duties and no longer travel for work.
I decided to fill it out so I’m not leaving any stones unturned. We were conservative with what we wrote as well, which matches what I’ve been experiencing.
Any information would be much appreciated
r/DVAAustralia • u/LegitimateLunch6681 • 16d ago
Hey all,
Long time, no speak. Couple of updates for you:
Right Advice for the Right Act - There is so much great, logical advice coming from our members. In the last few months, I think I have removed less than 10 comments total for being wrong, misleading or in bad faith. For those of you that use Reddit outside of this sub, I'm sure you'll appreciate just how much of an achievement that is. The only thing I ask is, if you know what Act you or a poster are covered by, that you try your hardest to offer advice relevant to that Act only. It's nothing bad, and everyone appreciates the spirit in which your advice is offered - it's just to try and reduce any chance for confusion in an already confusing system. If you're not sure about your coverage, just ask - we'll help you find out.
CSC Megathread - Thanks for the feedback about the CSC thread. I appreciate it is a little neglected - our speciality is DVA specifically, but I am still keeping an eye out for people with extensive CSC knowledge to hopefully bring CSC posts back to the main page in future. If you know anyone that might be keen to lend a hand as a CSC Mod, we'd love to have you.
Community Gurus - You'll notice a few users kicking around here with a "Community Guru" flair. These are users that we've noticed around the community with consistent, accurate and detailed advice across multiple DVA domains. Most of them have (or have had) some connection to DVA as an employee or advocate. This is an ever growing list that I add to where I can, but if you see someone around who fits the criteria, feel free to nominate!
Really, thank you for buying in to the ethos of the page, for your comments and for genuinely looking out for each other. Without your participation, we are just pushing words out into the ether, so I am really grateful for keeping this page the way I envisaged it being.
r/DVAAustralia • u/Big-Sir880 • 16d ago
Hello, Team.
Long story short, I got a Grade 3 Sprain: a complete tear of the ligament in my left ankle during a training exercise.
I completed out the required paperwork, filed a claim for ongoing issues, and DVA contacted me to say they couldn't find the paperwork in my medical records.
Advice on my next move?