RSL Supports Veteran Processing Streamlining
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (DVA) streamlining its claims processing system aimed in part at curbing unscrupulous practices by some private providers.
Over the past few months, the RSL has become aware of increasingly concerning behaviours in the claims advocacy sector impacting on veterans, advocates and DVA officers.
The RSL has been consulted and the changes being implement by DVA to modernise its processes should assist in combatting these practices.
As well, the pending launch of the new Institute of Veterans' Advocates will add a new layer of professionalisation and regulation to the sector.
To further speed up the process, DVA is able to facilitate clinical assessment referrals through the Independent medical opinions provider Australia | mlcoa , avoiding delays often experienced by veterans waiting for assessments promoted by commercial advocates.
The RSL, through its State Branches, offers high-quality free advocacy and wellbeing support services to veterans across Australia. These services are underpinned by significant, ongoing investment of financial and organisational resources and training, and by a strong, long-standing strategic and professional working relationships with DVA.
Over the past three years, the DVA compensation claims backlog has been reduced significantly, and veterans and their families on average are now receiving their entitlements much sooner after the lodgement of claims .DVA is providing greater transparency around the claims process and the 'stop the clock' active claims processing is designed to encourage claimants to submit all required information in a timely manner.
The RSL had long called for sustained action to permanently reduce the DVA claims’ backlog and delays in commercial providers obtaining clinical assessments contributed to this. The current initiatives are intended to speed up the process.
However, there is still a need for claims processing and transparency to be strengthened further and DVA’s IT systems significantly improved to enhance linkages and communication with the Department of Defence and other Government Departments. The RSL is advised that this DVA work is in hand.
Veterans and their families make a significant social and economic contribution to our communities and are entitled to and deserve timely consideration of the compensation claims.
