1.5.5 Claimant known to a staff member

There are several circumstances where a claimant may be known to a staff member.  These could include but not be limited to the following examples;

• Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) advocates
• Claimants known personally to a DVA staff member (ie outside of work)
• Representatives who work closely with staff or any other type of client whose claim may create a conflict of interest.

If any of the above circumstances arise, the DVA staff member must declare his or her knowledge of a claimant and the local director should assess the circumstances to determine whether or not the claim should be sent interstate for processing.