Those who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have a higher chance of experiencing psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), than other Australian citizens. Unfortunately, many ADF members and veterans have been exposed to traumatic experiences throughout their time in the military, and these psychological injuries are often equally as debilitating as, and in some cases more than, some physical injuries. Luckily, there is a support system put in place by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to help Veterans suffering from this mental illness.
As a Veteran suffering from military-induced PTSD, you are able to receive financial support from the DVA in the form of a payout intended to help you obtain treatment and support yourself in day-to-day life. The Average DVA payout for PTSD in Australia can range greatly and depends on how your DVA claim has been filed and what support you are eligible to receive.
How the Average DVA Payout for PTSD Australia Works
If you have been physically or psychologically injured through military service there are avenues to be compensation through the DVA, but this compensation varies depending on numerous factors. When you served or when your injury occurred is usually the most prominent factor that determines how your claim is assessed and which set of legislation applies to you.
It’s important to understand the differences between the different DVA Payouts for PTSD Australian legislations, as claiming under the correct legislation will allow you to maximise the PTSD compensation available to you, especially if you plan to opt for lump sum compensation payments.
You usually only have one opportunity for a lump sum payment, so it’s critical to seek professional financial advice early from accredited financial planners, like National Service Financial, who are all ex-ADF members and know and understand how the Department of Veteran Affairs lump sum payments are calculated, and how important it is to ensure you are taken care of and supported with these payments.
How To Get the Best Average DVA Payout for PTSD Australia
PTSD can be a debilitating condition, and can make life after military service extremely difficult. However, compensation is available if you meet the criteria under either DRCA, MRCA or VEA. This compensation is provided to assist you with some of the ongoing, and sometimes wide ranging, personal and financial costs. Eligibility criteria as follows:
Those Who Served Up Until 2004
For ADF members or veterans who served before 2004, your PTSD condition can be accepted under the Defence Rehabilitation Compensation Act, known as the DRCA, or the Veterans’ Entitlements Act, known as the VEA. As with most DVA payments, receiving a lump sum is usually the preferred way to receive the best average DVA Payout for PTSD Australia. Unfortunately, the VEA does not provide for a lump sum payment, but luckily the DRCA allows for a lump sum payment.
While either payment under MRCA and the DRCA is not taxed if it’s taken as a lump sum, the DRCA lump sum payment is based on a percentage of permanent impairment and doesn’t factor in your age when assessing the amount payable, making it usually less than that available under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. As such, it’s vital to understand whether to apply for compensation under MRCA rather than DRCA as this fact alone can make a significant difference to the compensation payment you receive.
Those Who Served After 2004
For ADF members or veterans who served after 2004, your PTSD condition can be accepted under the Military Rehabilitation Compensation Act, known as the MRCA. This means that a lump payment sum can be payable if you have been diagnosed with PTSD from military service.
How to Get the Most from Your Payments
As with most DVA payouts, the average DVA Payout for PTSD Australia depends on the severity of your condition and your age. The outcome of a DVA payout for PTSD is largely determined by the validity of the medical assessment, and the severity of the condition that is recognised by this assessment. As such, it’s crucial that the assessment is carried out by a medical professional who understands your situation, and that you communicate your symptoms and history clearly.
Thankfully, there are many outstanding health professionals who can diagnose, assess and treat this medical condition, and who can be worked closely with when gathering the necessary medical reports to support compensation claims. Often reports from your treating healthcare professionals provide greater and more relevant detail, which is vital in determining the amount of compensation payable.
