RSL Supports Crackdown on Unethical Veteran Claims Practices and Accreditation of Advocates

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hon Matt Keogh MP on the accreditation of veteran compensation claims’ advocates and reiterated its strong support for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) crackdown on the unethical practices of some fee-charging advocates.

The Minister today confirmed the Government plans to establish the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates which will accredit veterans’ advocates.

The RSL says for some time it has been seriously concerned at the practices of some commercial operators, reports of veterans being charged large commissions and the risks of a repeat of the unregulated profiteering as experienced by the NDIS.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley said with the Royal Commission publicly highlighting the claim entitlements available to veterans, we have seen a swift increase in the prevalence of commercial fee-for-service providers and with it the potential to abuse the system.

“While RSL supports veterans being able to choose their advocate – be it paid or for free, it is concerned that the lack of regulation, quality assurance and oversight has led to a rise in unethical, unscrupulous, profit driven companies thriving in the sector.

“These companies have business models that maximise profit over veteran health and wellbeing. They are often operating multiple businesses across medical and allied health services, and legal services in addition to claims advocacy.

“The sad reality is that every dollar that goes to these businesses through inflated and fraudulent claims is money taken out of the pockets of veterans and their families.”

Mr Tinley said claims advocacy is one of the most important services the RSL provides to veterans. This is largely provided by RSL volunteer advocates funded through State Branches and Sub Branches. We applaud the Minister telling veterans they don’t need to pay for advocacy services.

“While the number of volunteers is unfortunately dwindling, the RSL is progressively moving towards a paid advocate model at considerable cost, but the services will continue to be provided to veterans for free,” he said.

“The RSL has been calling on the Government to improve training for advocates, to regulate advocacy services, streamline and modernise claims processing and provide more funding to support paid advocates delivering free services through the RSL and other ex-service organisations. Today’s announcement of the doubling of the BEST grants program is welcome relief.

“Ultimately, we would like to see a claims advocacy system that is easy enough for the majority of veterans to navigate without an advocate. High quality, well-trained advocates could then focus on the more complex claims.

“Today’s announcement by the Minister is a positive first step in this process.

“In the meantime, the RSL broadly supports DVA’s efforts to tighten regulation around delivery and advocacy services and to identify and remove businesses using unethical and fraudulent practices. It supports all the recommendations of Senate Committee on Veterans’ Claims, as well as DVA’s efforts to date to improve, streamline, modernise the claims process.”

Mr Tinley said unfortunately misinformation and falsehoods were being peddled by some operators to justify their profiteering business models, including falsely guaranteeing higher compensation and faster claims processing, and accusing DVA and it’s independent medical assessor of driving down compensation payments.

“The RSL has heard reports of veterans being charged large commissions, being encouraged to take lump sum payments potentially against their best interests, as well as veterans and DVA staff being threatened and verbally abused by some fee-for-service advocates.

“There are accounts of fraudulent reporting and inflated claims, cut and paste reports that do not provide best outcomes for veterans, veterans and DVA being charged for services not delivered and veterans being threatened with fees of up to $20,000 for changing from their treating doctor to their usual doctor or the DVA preferred provider.

“DVA has advised the RSL that it is contacting any veteran impacted by the current crackdown offering support and guidance. Veterans are being referred to the Department’s preferred provider for medical assessments fast tracked for completion within four weeks.”

Mr Tinley said the RSL is also available to assist any affected veterans, free of charge. Learn more.