It is important to understand the concept of clinical onset under the MRCA and VEA and how it’s applied to the application of Statement of Principal (SOP) factor(s).
Each SOP has factor(s) setting out how the disease or injury can be linked to service.
The difference between date of diagnosis and clinical onset date
The clinical onset date is not the same as the diagnosis date and will generally be before the date of diagnosis.
‘Straight Through Processing’ (STP) is where an eligible Australian Defence Force client’s profile and details of service can be used as evidence of meeting the specified Statement of Principles factor for a particular condition without the need for further investigation.
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) and Repatriation Commission (RC) approved the STP policy to allow delegates to simplify the investigation and decision making process for claims that meet certain criteria under the MRCA and the VEA.
These multi-Act procedures provide guidance for delegates processing claims received under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence–related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA). The procedures also cover benefit eligibility across all Acts.
Defence and service record requests
Defence service and medical records are requested to assist the processing of claims. Delegates use these records to assess and identify any connection of the claimed condition to ADF service.
