A GP supports a DVA claim by documenting the condition, its history and its link to service, arranging investigations and specialist opinions, completing the medical sections of claim forms, and providing reports for the Department of Veterans' Affairs. A GP cannot lodge the claim for you, decide liability, or act as your advocate; those roles belong to you, DVA delegates, and ex-service organisations or DVA-accredited advocates. At East Hills Medical Centre, Dr Sajid Siddiqi worked as a Senior Medical Officer with the Australian Defence Force from 2013 to 2020 and completes DVA medical reports and permanent impairment assessments in the practice. Gold Card holders are bulk billed for weekday consultations and White Card holders for accepted conditions. Book a long consultation for any DVA matter, and bring your service records, previous claim decisions and a list of conditions you want assessed.
The three legislative schemes
Claims are assessed under the Veterans' Entitlements Act (VEA), the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act (DRCA) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA), depending on when and where you served. From 2026 the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) reforms move new claims onto a single framework. Your advocate can explain which applies; your GP's job is the medical evidence, which is similar under each.
Initial liability
An initial liability claim asks DVA to accept that a condition is related to service. The medical evidence needs a clear diagnosis, when it began, and the service factors that contributed, matched against the relevant Statement of Principles. A GP consultation that records this carefully, with investigations where needed, is the foundation of the claim.
Permanent impairment assessments
Once liability is accepted, a permanent impairment assessment measures how much the condition affects you, using DVA's Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions or the MRCA guide. It involves a detailed examination and questionnaire and takes a long or complex consultation. Dr Siddiqi completes these assessments in the practice.
What to bring
- Your DVA file number and card, if you have one
- Service medical records or a summary of your postings and roles
- Previous claim decisions and specialist letters
- A written list of conditions and how each affects daily life
Where advocates fit
Ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and dedicated veteran advocacy services help lodge claims, follow them up and request reviews. The practice works alongside advocates and will provide the medical reports they ask for. Open Arms provides free counselling for veterans and families on 1800 011 046.
This guide is general information and does not replace a consultation. Fees and processes are the practice's own and are current at the published date.