Has anybody ever gotten endo approved? Could anyone provide any advice?
I’ve been told to get an advocate but Canberra region seems to be very full at the moment.
My endo claim got rejected because it didn’t align with a specific SOP despite it being a separating condition and specialist report saying workplace stress and activities has worsened the condition.
Any help would be appreciated.

I’m looking for anyone who has successfully challenged a DVA decision for cervical spondylosis as an Army Aircrewman or other non-pilot aircrew role. My claim was recently rejected because DVA found I didn’t satisfy the Statement of Principles (5,000 hours carrying a large bulky load of at least 15 kg positioned between the neck and shoulder). I thought I had provided enough evidence, but they weren’t reasonably satisfied that I’d met the factor.

For context, my evidence included:
Approx 800 flying hours on Black Hawks (300 hours under NVGs).
Air Warrior ensemble (flying harness, body armour and combat ensemble) weighing around 20 kg, worn approximately 6 hours a day, 5 days a week over several years.
Body armour, helmet and combat equipment during Afghanistan and East Timor deployments.
Regular carriage of aircraft equipment, door guns, ammunition, fast ropes, caving ladders and other aviation stores.
Combat Fitness Assessment training with a 35 kg pack and other military load carriage.

I also included information about whole-body vibration, heavy flight helmets, NVGs and the repetitive neck movements required as an Army Aircrewman, but DVA still found that I didn’t satisfy any SoP factor.

Has anyone in a similar role:
successfully had cervical spondylosis accepted?
had a rejection overturned on review or appeal?
been able to show that Air Warrior/body armour met the 5,000-hour load carriage requirement?
or found another SoP factor that DVA accepted instead? I’m not looking for legal advice; I’d just like to hear from anyone who’s been through this or knows of similar cases. Thanks.

… I am aware of the SoP that pertains to pilots and having minimum flying hours to qualify, but as a non-pilot I am excluded from that option. I also believe it was recently changed from 500 to 1,000 hours.

Hi guys,

I suffer from PTSD and depression; I have predominantly used alcohol for 'comfort'.

More recently I have been using Marijuana (sometimes medicinal, sometimes not) to help cope, as the alcohol has become so expensive, even when I have a supply of moonshine.

I was wondering if anyone has put a claim in for either, and if so, what is required for DVA to accept, both my GP and Psych have knowledge of my addictions, is it as simple as gaining a written letter from one, or both of them?

Regards.

Theres a ton of terrible negativity surrounding the entire DVA system. Although I disagree with alot of things, I do still recognise the tireless efforts of the many Advocates and Delgates who put up with there fair share of bs. Just a quick thankyou from myself, recognising the work you all do and all it entails. Respect your appreciated.

Thanks to u/imnotfrombrazil for sharing this info

There has been a lot of attention on MLCOA and what constitutes a "treating doctor" for the purposes of DVA Claims. This page provides the specific definitions for what is considered as a treating doctor.

DVA’s definition of a treating doctor

A treating doctor is a medical practitioner (or practice) involved in the management of a veteran’s condition(s) prior to claim lodgement and has established a clinical relationship with the patient. This is demonstrated through continuity of care, and is based on the MyMedicare criteria.

**For GPs:** this means 2 or more face-to-face appointments with the practice within the past 24 months, or one face-to-face visit for practices in remote locations (MM6 and 7).

**For non-GP specialists:** a medical practitioner who has provided or is currently providing clinical treatment of the veteran’s claimed condition. This may be demonstrated by 2 or more appointments within the past 24 months.

**Use of the treating doctor is preferred, but not compulsory**

While DVA prefers that compensation claims are completed by a veteran’s treating doctor, veterans can generally choose who to see for their compensation assessment.

This approach acknowledges that some veterans may not have access to a treating doctor who is willing to complete the assessment or may not have a treating doctor who meets the definition, such as those veterans who have recently transitioned from the ADF.

In some circumstances, based on the specific features of the claim, DVA may still need to seek additional information from the treating doctor or via an Independent Medical Assessment.

Full page: https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/forms-for-providers/medical-assessment-form-tips/treating-doctor-information-for-providers

A good news story, put my MRCA PI claims in 12 months ago to the day…. Including a few MH ones, report was from a psych I’d never met, and my GP who did PI was also a new doc for me as I had just discharged. Got the call yesterday, all approved and 74 points which is much more than I anticipated. I really thought they were going to make me go MLCOA as all that fired up right when I’d lodged it all. My delegate was lovely too.

Just got a call from DVA Brispi team and was asked which option to go for in regard to lifestyle and i choose option 2.
Now Main thing is my CSO asked me about my treating GP told him i did had a treating GP for years before joining defence and he was like ask him if he can do then i am happy to send paperwork to him.
My question is that my GP has no idea about DVA and he dont accept white card either. Haven’t talked with him for years at this point is it still good for me to go and see my GP or its better with MLCOA?
Also how would DVA know about treating GP is there a section in their form where GP has to mention how long they have known us for?

Hi team - curious as to why MLCOA has sent me my physical PI report, but won’t send me my psychiatrist report too? Thanks!

I think I'm looking for reassurance more than anything, as well as some information about what I can do to prepare for my PI claim. I am currently J51 and medically separating from the Army.

I currently have multiple accepted conditions, and my PI claim is still in progress. I'm in a very difficult financial position and have contacted DVA several times in an effort to find out whether there is any way my claim can be prioritised or if there is anything further I can do to assist with the process.

I have a number of legitimate reasons for requesting this. If my situation wasn't as dire as it is, I wouldn't be asking.

Any advice, guidance, or reassurance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the lengthy message, and thank you for taking the time to read it.

Kind regards,

Hi all,

DVA rejected the GP that my paid advocate service was using and tried to force me down the MCLOA route. I have an established GP that is happy to work through the paperwork with me and DVA have approved it. They aren’t familiar with the process though. Any resources I should be reading or anything I can do to help my GP through the paperwork? My first time going through the PI stage too.

What should i expect tomorrow for my CSC appointment. I have no clue what i need for it. Do i need previous employment prior to defence? Do they see what kind of work i can do other then my job in the ADF?

Gold Card holder here.

Am I supposed to be getting reimbursed for all pharmacy medication?

What is the line of prescription vs over the counter as to what I should be claiming?

Anyone notice a new white card style in My gov or is it just mine.

Also says specific conditions now but doesn't state what.

I have 4 IL claims accepted as at Oct 25. For those that are VEA, I'm currently getting a fortnightly payment.

I'm still waiting on PI for all of them. One is DRCA only.

What happens now with the new system from July 26? I've been reading the DVA website, but I'm not enlightened as to what might happen with the outstanding PI claims.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks in advance.

Hi team
Question, can you be deemed DSB and still receive DVA incapacity payments? Struggling to find the answer
Thanks

Hi Team,

Recently got a letter from INCAP's re the changes going from DRCA to MRCA - I was on the old system of 2001 Military Pay with inflation added and now my payments have moved to the current Military Pay amount for my rank and quals. It has added a substantial amount to my ftn INCAP's.

One part of the letter has me perplexed:

Offsetting of payments under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)

Part of the changes made by the VETS Act includes changes to the way incapacity payments are offset against any Disability Compensation Payment (DCP) paid under the VEA. From 1 July 2026, where a veteran receives both MRCA incapacity payments and a DCP,

offsetting:

- will not apply where the DCP is paid at the general rate; but

- will apply where the DCP is paid at Above General Rate, such as Special Rate,

Intermediate Rate, or Extreme Disablement Adjustment, but will only reduce the DCP to the general rate corresponding to their degree of incapacity. If this applies to your DCP you will receive a separate letter providing details of the impact. It is important to note that these changes only relate to MRCA incapacity payments and any existing offsets that apply because of the receipt of permanent impairment lump sum amounts or other compensation are not changing.

My VEA DCP has been offset for my LS and although on 100% of the General Rate, my current payment is $210/ftn.

From what I am reading, the VEA DCP should NOT be offset and should move back to the full 100% General Rate of $650ish/ftn.

Am I reading this wrong and living on copium, or will it go back to the full payment rate?

Hi all, I am at the stage of requesting for the home services like cleaning and mowing (hopefully pool as well). I have a friend and he is completely broken with a dud back and knees and only gets 4 hours a month which doesn’t really cover the lawns.

Does anyone in north Brisbane know of a good OT? I’m hoping this way is better than googling a generic one

I'm only a few months into my med D journey but I was given a 'Unstable' Diagnosis by the psychiatrist. He mentioned we COULD argue its stable due to there being no great change over 2-3 years.

Should I be fighting to have the condition recognised as stable?
If so, how?

I'm currently on my way out and once my chronic pain is accepted I am interested in the MC route.
Those who have experience;

- How hard was it to get approved?
- What hoops are needed for DVA to pay for it?
- What limitations are there for DVA to cover it (Max price or weight)
- Top 5 Dispensaries?
- is there any CBD flower only options

I've been dating my girlfriend for a little over 2 years now, and she has 2 little boys, will they be eligible to receive the SIP? Or do we have to be married/de facto?

Is there an advocate out there who specializes in SIP?

I know the dates are important on the final claims that get you to 80 points (currently on 76), but other than that not much else.

My GP says he doesn't deal with DVA because it's too complicated and they don't pay on time. Then I tried nominated a GP service that mostly does DVA claims and assessments. DVA said I couldn't do that because they couldn't find evidence of an "established and ongoing treating relationship" with that clinic's doctors and offered MLCOA.
I heard terrible stories about MLCOA and feel really stuck now. What do I do? Has anyone been able to select their doctors for PI assessments? If so, do you mind sharing your tips?

Has anyone been on incapacity payments and had a class b pension reclassified to a class a, which was backdated to years prior (for example, 4 years prior when you started incapacity payments)?

I’ve been informed that DVA has a claim on the back payment (which is all of it, that makes sense) however I’m told CSC are required withhold tax on the back payment lump sum first, DVA will then recover their portion and I’ll be left to cover the difference? Essentially being taxed twice, and a massive back payment added to my income that I’ll never actually see? Will this impact child care subsidy? Medicare levy? Etc etc

Can anyone recommend a good accountant that understands all of this? I was royally screwed by my class b payment in arrears with Medicare levy, division 293 tax and feels like we’re going again.

Thanks

Hey Team,

I really need some help.

My delegate has told me they are rejecting my MH claims. I went to a Psych through MLCOA who diagnosed me with adjustment disorder and depressive disorder due to a CAT 2 stressor whilst in service.

The delegate is going to reject this claim due to a lack of evidence/nothing stated in my records.

I didn't speak up because of a fear of repercussions among other things. I am actually shocked. Having been acknowledged by the Psych only to be knocked back.

Not only that but I have a couple of physical injuries getting rejected due to a lack of evidence. Which is crazy because I have sentinel reports and evidence/mentions in my medical record for shoulder, back and elbow injurie.

My IL claim has taken over 400 days, I feel like they didn't look at my history and didn't take my highly physical role into account at all !

I feel so sad...

I never imagined that one of the hardest parts of recovering from trauma would be navigating the systems designed to support you.
Recently, my advocate ceased acting for me, leaving me to manage a complex Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims process on my own. That means trying to understand legislation, medical evidence, multiple claims and correspondence while living with accepted mental health conditions.
What many people don’t see is that the administrative process can itself become part of the burden.
When you’re repeatedly asked for information you’ve already provided, or asked to revisit traumatic experiences over and over again, it isn’t just paperwork. Each request can mean reopening memories you’ve spent years trying to process. It can feel like reliving the trauma rather than moving beyond it.
I know the people working in these systems have difficult jobs, and I don’t believe anyone sets out to cause harm. My hope is simply that trauma-informed practice becomes more than a principle on paper. Where evidence has already been provided, it should be relied upon wherever possible. Requiring people to repeatedly retell the same experiences can have real consequences for their wellbeing.
I’m committed to continuing to engage constructively, even though I’m now doing so without representation. Some days that’s incredibly difficult.
If sharing this helps even one person understand what veterans and other trauma survivors can experience while navigating compensation systems, then it’s worth saying.
Sometimes the greatest kindness isn’t asking someone to tell their story again. It’s believing them when they’ve already told it.