Section 31 Review

The Veterans Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) provides for review and appeal procedures for veterans, eligible Defence personnel and widow/ers who wish to appeal against decisions concerning:

• Disability Pension;
• War Widow/er's Pension
• Service Pension;
• Income Support Supplement;
• Supplementary Benefits such as:
  • Attendant Allowance;
  • Clothing Allowance;
  • Recreational Allowance
  • Decoration Allowance;
  • Loss of Earnings Allowance;
  • Recreation Transport Allowance;
  • Temporary Incapacity Allowance;

For matters that fall into these categories, Section 31 of the VEA allows the Repatriation Commission to intervene at its discretion to vary initial decision where there are grounds for doing so.  This is a relatively quick and informal review process. A review under Section 31 can be requested verbally but a written application is strongly recommended.

There are further appeal options that a veteran can undertake under the VEA as well as a Section 31 review.  We strongly recommend that if you are going to make an appeal under Section 31 you should consult an ex-service organisation, (that you have confidence in), who have pension officers that have competed the Training Information Program, (TIP).

For further information on appeals under Section 31, contact your nearest DVA office or visit their web site at www.dva.gov.au and look up fact sheet DP 66.

The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia can assist any veteran of any conflict, their widow/er's and children by providing advice and assistance in regard to all pensions matters.  Simply contact your nearest sub-branch.