If you are an Australian Defence Force (ADF) veteran a lawyer can advise you in relation to your eligibility for the entitlements, benefits and services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). A lawyer can also assist you to lodge your claim.

Not all of the benefits and services apply to all veterans. These benefits and services are subject to formal criteria and your entitlement to them may depend on such matters as:

• when you rendered your ADF service;
• the duration of your service;
• the nature of your service;
• your age, income and assets;
• the cause of any injury or disease you have; and
• the type, severity and effects of any injury or disease you have.

Many benefits and services are determined by a needs assessment. You may have to undergo a needs assessment to determine whether you require medical treatment and rehabilitation, incapacity payments, domestic assistance or anything else. A lawyer can guide you through the different types of assessments that you may have to undergo before any entitlements can be awarded.

While the claims process can be confusing a lawyer can help to simplify the process by completing your claim on your behalf, liaising with the DVA and preparing for any assessments that you might need. There may also be time limits involved in making your claim or taking legal action. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible will ensure that your claim is submitted before any time limits run out.