NEWS FOR MEMBERS AND VETERANS
Pensions
I would like to advise you and your Compensation (Pensions) Officers, that a recent Federal Court decision has resulted in a change to how S137 reports are processed. For further information on the decision, click on the link below.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2019/1833.html
The decision only impacts Veterans' Entitlements Act (VEA) appeals and is a significant change for S31 appeals. For ESO’s who do not lodge S31 appeals (i.e. you appeal straight to the Veterans’ Review Board) you may wish to reconsider your procedures to take advantage of these changes. Previously, once an S31 appeal was rejected, the Repatriation Commission would generate a S137 report and forward a copy to the representative, the applicant and the VRB.
The changes now mean that once the Commission has decided not to intervene at S31, they now must generate a S137 report and forward it to the applicant and representative. They are obligated to hold it for 28 days (i.e. it is not passed to the VRB). This allows the applicant/representative to provide further evidence or comment. An extension can also be granted. Once the 28 days have expired and no further information was received, they will then forward it to the VRB. This allows representatives further time to gather evidence and lodge it at S31 in the hope of a successful decision, rather than have the appeal go to the VRB.
Can I please encourage you to forward this email on to your Compensation (Pension) Officers for their information.
Cathy Every
Compensation Advocate (L3) & ATDP Regional Mentor Compensation Advocacy Team Leader Legacy Club Services
47 York Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Tel: 02 92489007
Fax: 02 92995550
Web: http://www.legacy.com.au<www.legacy.com.au/sydney
Health Care
12 Month Free Health and Fitness Program for Returned Veterans & Peacekeepers
Did you know the DVA provides a free 12-month health and fitness program that can be delivered to returned Veterans and peacekeepers with overseas operational service anywhere in the country. The program is flexible and able to accommodate participants living in metropolitan areas, rural or remote areas, those still working or retired, studying or with other time constraints. Run on behalf of the DVA by Corporate Health Management the program aims to help you increase your physical health and wellbeing through practical exercise support and 12 months of health coaching and advice on healthy lifestyle choices provided by one of our team of highly qualified allied health professionals.
Am I eligible?
Started 20 years ago for those returned from Vietnam, the Heart Health Program is free and now open to all returned veterans and peacekeepers with overseas operational service who have not previously done the Heart Health Programbefore. To check your eligibility visit http://www.veteranshearthealth.com.au/eligibility/
Individual Heart Health Program – How it works
Each participant receives 12 months of healthy lifestyle coaching from a highly qualified and dedicated allied health professional via fortnightly health coaching calls with information and advice tailored to each individuals health and fitness goals. The health coach will use their extensive knowledge along with health surveys and food diaries to guide you through the program. The program covers a range of topics including:
- setting healthy goals
- nutrition and diet advice
- advice on lowering alcohol consumption
- developing better sleep patterns
- stress management
- managing diabetes
- taking care of your body
- managing your weight
- and maintaining a healthy heart
Program Exercise Resource – Exercise how you like to
The program can provide an exercise resource to help participants to exercise the way they like to or provide an opportunity to try something that’s different than the usual. Resources can take the form of:
- Assistance with the cost of a gym or pool membership or
- Provide a piece of exercise equipment for use at home or
- Provide assistance with accessing new exercise or training gear
Registering Your Interest
Registering your interest or checking eligibility is easy. Simply visit http://www.veteranshearthealth.com.au/eligibility/ and follow the steps. Or please call the program phone number 1300 246 262 at any time to speak to one of our team.
Kind regards
Heart Health Team - DVA Heart Health Program
Program proudly delivered on behalf of the DVA by:
CHM Corporate Health Management Pty Ltd
Toorak Place, 521 - 529 Toorak Road, Toorak VIC 3142
Direct: 1300 246 262
Email: hearthealth@chm.com.au
Web: http://www.veteranshearthealth.com.au
