DVA Claims Glossary of Terms

Reading about the DVA claims process can be a huge learning curve due to all the complex terminology and bureaucratic language involved. We’ve experienced it ourselves, which is why we created this glossary — to help cut through confusing jargon and give you clear definitions of terms you'll encounter.

Each term is linked to reliable sources for further reading, and we've kept the language simple so you can get straight answers. If you're still finding the process difficult, simply reach out to our team. We're here to guide you through it and make sure you receive every entitlement for your service.

A

ADF (Australian Defence Force)
The combined military forces of Australia comprise the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Learn more: Department of Defence

Advocate
A professional who represents and assists veterans with their DVA claims, advocating for their interests throughout the process.
Learn more: What is an Advocate, About Veterans First Consulting

Appeal
A formal request to review a DVA decision when you believe it's incorrect requires additional evidence to support your case.
Learn more: DVA Appeals Process

C

CFTS (Continuous Full-Time Service)
A period of uninterrupted full-time service in the ADF is often required for certain DVA benefits eligibility. Learn more: DVA Service Eligibility

Compensation Factor
The multiplier is used to calculate your permanent impairment payment based on your impairment points and lifestyle rating.
Learn more: DVA Compensation Payment Rates

CVC Program (Coordinated Veterans' Care Program)
A program providing coordinated healthcare plans for veterans with chronic conditions through their GP and care team.
Learn more: Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program, Comprehensive Guide to the CVC Program

D

Defence Discounts

Special offers and concessions are available to current and former ADF members across various services and retailers.
Learn more: Discounts and Concessions, Comprehensive List of Defence Discounts

DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)
The Australian government department that is responsible for supporting veterans and their families with healthcare, compensation, and other services. Learn more: Department of Veterans' Affairs

DVA Lawyer
A legal professional specialising in veterans' law who can provide advice on complex DVA matters and appeals.
Learn more: What to know before getting help, DVA Lawyers vs Claims Experts

E

Eligible Young Persons (EYP)
Additional compensation payments are available to veterans with dependent children when they reach certain impairment thresholds.
Learn more: Compensation for Dependants, Eligible Young Persons Payments

G

GARP (Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation)
The official DVA guide is used to assess impairment levels and calculate compensation for permanent impairment claims.
Learn more: DVA GARP Guide

Gold Card
A DVA health card provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for all conditions, available to veterans with 60 or more impairment points or other qualifying criteria. Learn more: Veteran Gold Card, Gold Card Eligibility

I

Impairment Points
A rating system ranging from 0 to 100 is used to measure the severity of service-related conditions and determine compensation levels.
Learn more: Permanent Impairment Payments,  DVA Impairment Points Table

Incapacity Payments
Weekly compensation for veterans unable to work or with reduced work capacity due to accepted service-related conditions.
Learn more: What are Incapacity Payments?, DVA Incapacity Payments

Initial Liability
The first stage of a DVA claim is where the department determines if your condition is related to your military service.
Learn more: What is Initial Liability?, DVA Initial Liability

Interim Permanent Impairment
Temporary compensation payments are made while waiting for your condition to stabilise for the final assessment.
Learn more: Permanent Impairment Compensation, DVA Permanent Impairment

L

Lifestyle Rating
A score from 0 to 7 measures how your accepted conditions affect your daily activities and quality of life. Learn more: Lifestyle Rating, Understanding the DVA Lifestyle Rating

M

Medical Certificate
Documentation from your doctor is required for certain DVA claims, particularly for incapacity payments or work rehabilitation.
Learn more: DVA New Medical Certificate, DVA Medical Certificate

MRCA (Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004)
The legislation covers compensation for service-related injuries or conditions that occurred on or after 1 July 2004. Learn more: The MRCA

MyService
DVA's online portal, where veterans can submit claims, track progress, and manage their entitlements. Learn more: DVA MyService

N

Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC)
Free mental health treatment for eligible veterans without needing to prove the condition is service-related.
Learn more: Non-Liability Health Care, DVA Non-Liability Health Cover.

O

Orange Card
A DVA health card provides access to subsidised medications at concession rates for eligible conditions. Learn more: DVA Orange Card,
Veteran Orange Card

P

Payout Calculator
Tools or methods used to estimate potential DVA compensation based on impairment points and service type.
Learn more: Calculation of a Lump Sum Payment, DVA Payout Calculator

Periodic Payments
Fortnightly compensation payments for permanent impairment are an alternative to taking a lump sum payment.
Learn more: Permanent Impairment Payments, DVA Payout Figures

Permanent Impairment
A service-related injury or illness that will indefinitely impact your life, qualifying for compensation under DVA.
Learn more: Permanent Impairment Compensation, Permanent Impairment Claims

R

RAP (Rehabilitation Appliances Program)
A DVA program providing aids, appliances, and home modifications to help veterans manage their accepted conditions.
Learn more: DVA RAP Information

RPBS (Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
The scheme provides subsidised medications to eligible veterans with DVA health cards. Learn more: RPBS Information

S

Service Pension
An income support payment for eligible veterans who have reached pension age or cannot work due to invalidity. Learn more: Service Pension, DVA Pensions

Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP)
Tax-free compensation for veterans unable to work more than 10 hours per week due to accepted conditions.
Learn more: Special Rate Disability Pension, SRDP DVA

Statement of Principles (SOP)
Medical and scientific standards DVA uses to determine if a condition is related to military service. Learn more: DVA Statements of Principles

T

TPI (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated)
A classification for veterans whose accepted conditions prevent them from working, entitling them to special benefits.
Learn more: TPI Veterans, DVA Gold Card TPI Entitlements

Treatment Cycle
A series of approved medical treatments for an accepted condition, typically covering a specific number of sessions.
Learn more: DVA Treatment Guidelines

V

Veterans Card
General term for DVA health cards (Gold, White, or Orange) providing access to healthcare and other benefits. Learn more: DVA Veteran Card, Veterans Card Explained

W

Warlike Service
Military service in areas of active hostilities affects compensation rates and eligibility for benefits. Learn more: Warlike Service

White Card
A DVA health card covers treatment for accepted service-related conditions and mental health care for all eligible veterans.
Learn more: DVA White Card, Veteran White Card

Wholly Dependent Partner
A spouse or partner who is financially dependent on a veteran is eligible for certain benefits if the veteran passes away.
Learn more: DVA Partner Benefits, DVA Gold Card Dependents

If you’ve gotten a better understanding of these terms, you’ve completed a big first step! Once you're ready to pursue your DVA claim with professional guidance, contact Veterans First Consulting today. We'll assist you in securing your rightful entitlements and financial support, and keep you informed every step of the way.


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