Cases involving the payment of compensation following the death of a veteran represent the highest priority of claim under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). They are to be given immediate attention in preference to all other types of claim or requests for benefit. The reason for this lies in the need to ensure continuity of financial support to persons who have had income (and perhaps access to an ADF residence, etc.) suddenly impacted following the veteran’s death.
In cases where media interest is involved, the Department’s high-profile case management protocol should be invoked. This will involve a single point of contact being designated within DVA. The single point of contact will vary according to the location and cause of death and will be responsible for any contact with Department of Defence representatives who are engaging with the next of kin, as well as any subsequent contact with the deceased’s next of kin and/or the family’s legal representatives. The designated officer will also be responsible for providing reports for senior DVA executives regarding any engagement with the Department of Defence and/or the veteran’s family, as well as details on any claims submitted with DVA.
Claims following a veteran’s death which are submitted much later will not be subject to the same protocols unless the dependant can demonstrate that they are experiencing high levels of need. Nevertheless, all such claims should still be investigated as quickly as possible.