Confused by benefits received upon medical discharge
I was medically discharged from the RAN nearly 18 years ago for mental health reasons. DVA accepted liability for a mental health condition which shows up on my White Card. When I discharged, I was paid half my permanent wage for 12mths (from memory). I don't think I have any record of this 'arrangement' except paperwork from DVA somewhere stating my condition was covered under my White Card. Since then, everyone receives a White Card so I'm covered for mental health anyway.
I've never looked at my service records in the past 18yrs as I didn't think I was eligible for any other compensation. I only served 3.5yrs and 4yrs Reserve Service (on a waiver) and was mostly healthy. However, so many current and ex-service people I know seem to be making successful claims and have told me there is no harm in going through my docs.
So that brings me here. I am submitting my application to AVHS and have been asked to show a screenshot of my claims history. I went into my DVA portal and it show's nothing. It does show the accepted condition on my White Card but no 'claims'. So my question is - why would it not show the history of the payments I received back when I first discharged? Is this not classed as a 'claim'? Does everyone who's medically discharged get these payments for 12months?
My next question would be - if these mental health conditions have been accepted and have been life altering 17 years on, can I claim again? I will add that the mental health issues did not come from operational service. I did not deploy, so I'm not sure if that's a factor.
Posted Dec 9, 2025, 8:41 AM UTC