Broadly speaking, the Commission takes the view that existing DRCA and/or VEA evidence can be used with the client's consent wherever such evidence is medically appropriate, and where it confirms a beneficial outcome. For more information about the age and currency of medical evidence, please see chapter 5.6.3 of the MRCA PI Policy Manual. [2]
Where the use of DRCA and VEA evidence is inappropriate, delegates will need to arrange an appointment for MRCA PI compensation claimants to undergo an up-to-date medical examination of their VEA and/or DRCA conditions in order to determine the impairment ratings under GARP M.
If a claimant's DRCA and VEA evidence cannot be used, and the client is not willing to undergo a new medical examination of the VEA and/or DRCA conditions, MRCA compensation cannot be calculated. For more information about unreasonable refusal to undergo medical examination please see chapter 5.5 of the MRCA PI Policy Manual. [2]
Please see the Compensation Claims Procedures [3] manual for more information.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/18857%23comment-form
[2] http://auth-clik.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-5-permanent-impairment/56-calculating-amount-pi-compensation-payable/563-age-medical-evidence
[3] http://auth-clik.dvastaff.dva.gov.au/compensation-claims-procedures/mrca-permanent-impairment-procedures/transitional-provisions-interaction-between-mrca-vea-and-drca