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NEWS |
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Dateline
- March 29, 2007
Upcoming
boost to Veterans' travel claim procedures
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Veterans
are set to benefit from a significant extension of the time they
have to lodge medical treatment travel reimbursement claims, from
three to 12 months, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce
Billson said today. A bill introduced by the Minister will, subject
to passage through Parliament, amend Veterans' Affairs legislation
to enhance and streamline administrative procedures, to meet veterans'
needs in a more effective and timely manner. "This change
will boost the efficient service we already provide to veterans
and their families, and is a result of a very successful working
relationship between my Department, the veteran community and
the medical profession," Mr Billson said.
"This will provide further assistance, particularly for elderly
veterans to meet lodgement dates. The amendment gives them an
extended time period in which to make a claim for travel expenses
for the purposes of obtaining medical treatment," he said.
Mr Billson said meeting the needs of the veteran community was
the Department's top priority and we are constantly looking for
ways to improve and enhance services. Other amendments include
the simplification of the recovery arrangements of overpayment
of pension due to compensation payments; clarification of the
onus of proof for claims for acceptance of liability for service,
injury, disease or death under the Military Rehabilitation and
Compensation Act 2004 and extension of the conditions under which
an injury is considered service-related.
Changes to the Veterans' Entitlements assets test will also prevent
unfair outcomes including the double counting of assets in some
situations. Mr Billson said the pending legislative amendments
will also clarify that Family Assistance Payments are exempt from
the Veterans' Entitlements income test. "The nation is forever
grateful for the service and sacrifice of our
veterans and their families and these changes will assist our
ability to meet their needs now and in the future." |
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