B27/1992 GUIDE TO ASSESSMENT OF RATES OF VETERANS' PENSIONS

DATE OF ISSUE: 25 JUNE 1992

GUIDE TO ASSESSMENT OF RATES OF VETERANS' PENSIONS

The purpose of this instruction is to advise Branches on the implementation of the new Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions, (GARP 3), and to outline the changes to the current method of rating Lifestyle effects.

This instruction applies only to cases where GARP is needed.

IMPLEMENTATION

2. GARP 3 was tabled on 1 June 1992 and will have effect from 1 July 1992.

CHANGES AFFECTING THE DETERMINATION OF GENERAL RATE PENSION

3. The major change from GARP 2 is in respect to the choices in the Lifestyle rating component of General Rate Pension.

4. As of 1 July 1992, the veteran will be offered three choices in the method of assessing the effect of accepted disabilities on lifestyle.

5. The first choice allows the veteran to self assess by nominating a rating in each of the four categories. That rating will generally be accepted. Determining Officers have the discretion to request further information or clarification if they consider that there is an obvious error in the self assessment.

6. A further D.I. will be issued shortly detailing changes to the recording process for audit purposes in relation to self assessed claims and applications.

7. The second choice allows the veteran to have a Lifestyle rating determined by imputation, i.e. a Lifestyle rating commensurate with the higher figure of the shaded area of Appendix 7.

8. The third choice available is the procedure currently in place. The veteran completes the revised Questionnaire and returns it to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. A Lifestyle rating is then determined by a delegate on the basis of that information.

RATING OF LIFESTYLE EFFECTS FOR CASES LODGED PRIOR TO 1 JULY 1992

9. If the veteran has completed the Questionnaire, prior to 1 July 1992 or returns a Questionnaire after that date, an assessment of the Lifestyle rating is to be determined by a delegate on the basis of that information.

10. If the veteran has chosen not to complete the Questionaire, Lifestyle rating should be by imputation.

APPEALS

11. If a veteran appeals a delegate's decision to the Veterans' Review Board he may, for the purposes of the appeal, opt for a different choice in the method of assessing the Lifestyle from the one that was used in the original decision. That choice is binding on the new decision maker.

CONTACT OFFICER

14. The Benefits Contact Officer for this exercise is

Fiona Tuckwell 06 2896458  Business Hours

P Hawker

National Program Director

Benefits