13.2.5 Claimant known to a DVA 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 then the local manager should assess the circumstances to determine whether or not the claim should be sent interstate for processing.