The aims of DVA’s whole-of-person rehabilitation approach are outlined in section 1.2 [2] of this library.
DVA’s approach provides an opportunity to look at each client's whole of person needs as they adjust to a new normal after a service related injury or disease. As clients will not always present with “typical” rehabilitation needs, or may have a limited understanding of the range of services available in rehabilitation, it is recommended that a rehabilitation assessment be considered for most clients.
Potential rehabilitation clients are identified in a number of ways:
A medical certificate of total incapacity for work does not preclude a rehabilitation assessment. A rehabilitation assessment is an important tool to identify a client's whole of person needs, and can assist both incapacity and rehabilitation delegates to gain information about the support that the client requires.
A review of medical reports from treating doctors, or independent specialists assessing permanent impairment or incapacity for employment, may also identify rehabilitation needs. It is therefore important that rehabilitation and compensation delegates communicate well to ensure a client-centric focus and to promote sharing of information.
In each of these cases, a referral for a rehabilitation assessment should be made as soon as practical.
Links
[1] https://clik.dva.gov.au/user/login?destination=comment/reply/21038%23comment-form
[2] https://clik.dva.gov.au/rehabilitation-policy-library/1-introduction-rehabilitation/12-what-are-aims-rehabilitation
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-mrca-manuals-and-resources-library/policy-manual/ch-2-claims/23-needs-assessments