We make DVA compensation easy
Permanent Impairment
Receive the compensation you deserve
Navigating the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) compensation system can be complex, but we believe every veteran—regardless of age, length of service, or current circumstances—deserves fair recognition for the sacrifices they’ve made.
At VetComp, our mission is to make the process simpler and more accessible. From your first call to the final decision, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- 90% Gold Card approval rate
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- Average payout is $514,714
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- $180M+ compensation recovered
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- Average PI Points 76
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No obligation. 100% confidential.
You don't need to wait until you discharge
If you’re an active member, you don’t have to wait until your service ends to start a DVA claim. In fact, lodging early works in your favour. Medical evidence is easier to access while you’re still serving, and compensation is calculated at higher rates because it’s age-adjusted.
We also know you might feel unsure about seeking support through internal channels. That’s why DVA can arrange any necessary investigations through external providers, so your privacy is protected, and you stay in control of your story.
Building Your Case with DVA
To receive Permanent Impairment compensation, DVA doesn’t just look at your condition, they assess it against specific benchmarks. The strongest claims clearly address these four factors. Here’s what you need to build an undeniable case.
Establish Permanency
Medical Evidence Requirements for Permanent Disability
To satisfy DVA’s permanency criteria, we require medical evidence confirming your condition is stabilised and unlikely to improve significantly. We will coordinate with your specialist to obtain a comprehensive medical report that explicitly states your condition meets the “permanent” and “stabilised” threshold required for your claim.
Prove Stability
Demonstrate Your Condition’s Typical State
For conditions that fluctuate, DVA assesses the typical level of impairment. Keep a symptom diary for 2-3 months from initial engagement with us. This helps your doctor paint a picture of your “usual” state, not just your worst or best day, ensuring you get the correct rating.
Demonstrate your level of impairment
Provide a complete picture of your challenges
Be detailed with your medical provider about everything you struggle with: personal care, mobility, relationships, work, and social activities. The more complete the picture, the more accurate the impairment rating will be. Modesty and Stoicism will only work against you.
Secure the right medical evidence
Connect with a DVA-Savvy medical provider
A connection with a medical provider who understands the DVA system is critical. They know the specific language and evidence DVA needs. VetComp can connect you with these specialist providers at no cost to you.
Your family's entitlements
It’s important to remember that your DVA entitlements can also support your family. There are a range of benefits available including education allowances, lump sum payments, employment support, and targeted grant programs designed specifically for eligible dependants.
We understand that ADF service affects more than just the individual, it impacts families too. That’s why our team is here to help you identify what your loved ones may be entitled to and assist with gathering the right evidence to secure that support.
Why Veterans trust VetComp
No win, no fee
If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing, no hidden cost, no surprises, just transparency.
Confidence & clarity
Prior to your assessments our team will ensure that you understand what DVA has requested of you.
Identifying additional claims
Our onboarding procedure can help identify additional claims you may be eligible for, ensuring no aspect is overlooked.
Revision of compensation outcome
Errors in DVA determinations are not uncommon. Our advocates review decisions, identify overlooked factors and ensure calculations are accurate.
Convenient & easy
We understand that life gets busy, we can arrange most appointments to be conducted via telehealth whenever possible, ensuring convenience and flexibility for you.
Veteran-friendly providers
Our team connects you with medical providers who specialise in veteran care and understand DVA requirements.
No obligation. 100% confidential.
The team behind the claims
An experienced team of advocates and veteran experts committed to guiding you toward the support and compensation you truly deserve.
Zach Plath
Zach Plath
Zach Plath, boasting a proud family history of ADF service and as a former member of the Royal Australian Infantry, has dedicated his life to supporting the veteran community. After his military career was unexpectedly cut short by injury, his passion for advocating for fellow veterans only grew stronger.
Frustrated by the countless obstacles he encountered in navigating the DVA claims process and the lack of adequate support, Zach teamed up with his long-time mate and fellow soldier Tyson Head to establish VetComp.
Zach has supported more than 600 ADF veterans with their DVA claims and brings a refreshing tone to the advocacy space. He understands the challenges many modern day veterans face and is known for his no-nonsense attitude, making sure the job gets done by cutting through red tape and ensuring veterans get the support they deserve without unnecessary delays.
Recognised for his professionalism and unyielding advocacy, Zach is dedicated to transforming the veteran support landscape. He is relentless in his pursuit of improving the system, working not just to resolve individual claims, but to make the process smoother and more effective for every veteran in the future. His track record of success speaks for itself, making him a go-to expert in veteran advocacy.
Zach aims to lead the advocacy space by establishing a regulated service that not only provides expert guidance and support but also restores hope and creates new opportunities for veterans. Through this, he strives to set the standard for DVA advocacy, ensuring all veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.
When he is not with the VetComp team, Zach spends his time riding motorbikes, at the gym, and volunteering at the RSPCA.
Zach Plath
Tyson Head
Tyson Head
Tyson comes from a family with a strong history of ADF service. He served for over five years as an Infantry Soldier, until service-related injuries cut his career short. Facing the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, Tyson pursued a university degree, but soon realised his true passion was in supporting veterans. Drawing from his personal experience with the DVA claims process, he developed a deep understanding of the system’s complexities and the hurdles veterans face.
Tyson’s journey ultimately led him to VetComp, where he works alongside a dedicated team united by the common goal of providing expert, streamlined assistance with DVA claims. His unwavering commitment to veterans has earned him a reputation for working closely with DVA delegates to ensure procedures are followed and veterans’ needs are fully addressed. Tyson’s efforts have led to overturned decisions, with claims accepted and additional compensation awarded to veterans who rightfully deserve it. To date, Tyson has assisted over 1,000 veterans and their families, offering essential guidance through the often-complex DVA claims process.
Looking ahead, Tyson is excited about the future of DVA claims, confident that VetComp is not just adapting to changes in the system but actively shaping them. With the DVA system undergoing ongoing reforms, Tyson sees significant opportunities to enhance how veterans receive support. VetComp is at the forefront of these changes, developing streamlined systems and processes that aim to make the claims journey smoother and more transparent.
When he is not advocating for veterans, Tyson enjoys spending time with his family and his loyal Groodle, Obi.
Tyson Head
Hope Irons
Hope Irons
Hope is an essential part of the VetComp team, playing a pivotal role in keeping our administrative engine running smoothly and efficiently. With a natural talent for organisation, an eagle eye for detail, and a calm, can-do attitude, Hope ensures that the right information gets to the right place fast and flawlessly.
From coordinating documentation and streamlining internal processes to managing case updates and handling sensitive communications, Hope is the quiet force working tirelessly behind the scenes. Her work may not always be front-facing, but the impact is undeniable: thanks to her, our team stays on track, and our veterans receive timely, consistent support.
Hope thrives in fast-paced environments where multitasking and precision are key. Whether she is juggling competing deadlines or problem-solving on the fly, she does it all with focus, grace, and a results-driven mindset. She takes great pride in delivering outcomes that matter, because she knows at the end of every process, there is a veteran relying on us.
What sets Hope apart is her deep empathy and personal connection to the veteran community. With her partner currently serving in the ADF, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, both in uniform and beyond. That perspective adds an extra layer of meaning to her work and fuels her dedication to delivering excellence.
Outside of VetComp, Hope’s primary hobbies are reading and running. She is either curled up with a good book or training for her next race. Having lived in South-East Asia growing up, she considers travel a passion. She is also a qualified dance teacher, with a background in musical theatre and various dance styles.
Hope Irons
Ashleigh Milne
Ashleigh Milne
Ashleigh (“Ash”) Milne is one of our dedicated veteran advocates at VetComp, responsible for managing DVA claims from start to finish with precision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to outcomes. Armed with a double degree in Law and Psychology, Ash brings a unique and highly effective blend of legal expertise and psychological insight to her work.
Before joining VetComp, Ash spent eight years working in the civilian compensation space through WorkCover, where she built a deep understanding of complex claims and system navigation. Her transition to veteran advocacy was driven not just by experience, but by purpose. Her proud family lineage of military service gave her a strong connection to the veteran community and a desire to give back meaningfully.
Ash’s role is about more than just paperwork. It is about standing beside veterans through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. As a female advocate, she plays a particularly vital role in supporting veterans, especially women who may be navigating claims involving military sexual assault or unacceptable behaviour. Her presence offers a safe, understanding, and trusted space for these individuals to share their stories and seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
Ash is known for her empathy, tenacity, and ability to turn complexity into clarity. Her calm professionalism and personal integrity have earned her the trust of veterans and colleagues alike. She ensures her clients are informed, empowered, and never alone on their journey. Her impact extends far beyond outcomes, it is felt in the confidence and peace of mind she instills in every veteran she works with.
Ash’s passion for the role leads to her rarely being seen outside of the office, if you do catch Ash outside you can find her participating in cosplay events at comic conventions. Ash has some experience piloting small planes – but we won’t be having her land one any time soon. Ash is also a former sports entertainer, having performed as a ‘professional wrestler’ in the Queensland wrestling circuit.
Ashleigh Milne
Darcy Fraser
Darcy Fraser
A former member of the Royal Australian Navy, Darcy Fraser brings a strong sense of purpose and professionalism to his role as VetComp’s Onboarding Manager. Drawing on his own lived experience as a veteran and his deep understanding of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Darcy plays a vital role in supporting veterans from all walks of life as they begin their claims journey.
His military background gives him a genuine connection to the veteran community and a firsthand appreciation of the challenges service can leave behind, both seen and unseen. Whether a veteran is still serving or discharged many years ago, Darcy ensures they feel heard, respected, and well-supported from the very first conversation.
In his role at VetComp, Darcy is often the first point of contact, guiding veterans through what can be a complex and confusing process. He takes the time to explain how the system works, what to expect, and how VetComp will stand with them every step of the way. His calm, steady approach helps transform uncertainty into clear, confident progress.
Known for his attention to detail, empathy, and genuine nature, Darcy ensures that every veteran receives the respect and clarity they deserve from the outset. He is committed to making sure that from the very first interaction, veterans understand they are in safe hands. With him at the front line of support, veterans can feel confident they are starting their claim journey on the right foot, with someone who understands their experience and is committed to their outcome.
Outside of work, Darcy enjoys staying active. He is a keen runner, a passionate rugby league fan, and has even stepped into the ring for five amateur boxing matches.
Darcy Fraser
Nathan Moreno
Nathan Moreno
Nathan Moreno brings both heart and insight to his work at VetComp. With a professional journey spanning policy, complex claims, and veteran advocacy, his expertise in navigating legislation allows him to turn policy into practical outcomes that make a genuine difference in veterans’ lives.
Coming from a family with a history of ADF service, Nathan carries a deep respect for those who have served. That personal connection underpins his commitment to delivering clear, strategic, and effective support for every veteran he represents. He understands that behind every claim is a person with a unique story, and he works to ensure that story is understood and respected at every stage of the process.
At VetComp, Nathan is known for his precision, persistence, and deep working knowledge of the DVA system. He approaches each case with care and clarity, ensuring that every veteran is strongly represented and that their journey through the claims process is made as straightforward as possible. Drawing on his robust legislative knowledge, Nathan frequently challenges DVA delegate decisions where errors or oversights have occurred. He is meticulous in his approach, ensuring nothing is missed and that every entitlement is pursued to its fullest.
Nathan believes in a straightforward philosophy: every veteran deserves to be heard. He makes it his mission to cut through the complexity of the system, providing advocates and the veterans they support with clear direction and a tenacious pursuit of a fair outcome.
In his spare time, Nathan enjoys exploring cinema. If you name a film, chances are he has seen it and has a thoughtful take on what makes it shine (or fall flat).
Nathan Moreno
Results focused, purpose driven
At VetComp, we specialise in helping veterans challenge denied initial liability decisions and present stronger, more structured evidence the second time around.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
No outcomes guaranteed. View transparency disclaimer within footer.
FAQs
Navigating the permanent impairment claims process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve answered your most common questions to help you understand what to expect and how we support you every step of the way.
Eligibility & Claims Process
Can I lodge a claim if I am still in recruit training?
Yes, to lodge a DVA claim you need to have completed one day of ADF service. Many ADF veterans sustain injuries during basic training which result in them being discharged. The duration of your service will not influence the outcome of any claim you may make for compensation to DVA.
What benefits could my family be eligible for?
Families of veterans may be eligible for support through DVA. These can include fortnightly tax-free payments under the MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) to help dependent children in full-time study. If the veteran is assessed as severely impaired due to service-related conditions, dependents may also receive a tax-free lump sum of up to $108,000 under the Severely Impaired Payment (SIP). Eligibility is determined by DVA based on individual circumstances.
How can I optimise the claims process for the best outcome?
While DVA are the final decision makers and decisions are made strictly on the basis of available evidence and legislation, there are proactive measures which can be taken which may increase the likelihood of your claim being approved. It’s a good idea to speak with an Advocate before having your DVA claims submitted.
Compensation & Evidence
Do I need to pay for any medical investigations?
No, all necessary medical investigations for the purpose of establishing initial liability and impairment will be covered by a Treatment Request Number (TRN). Our team will request a TRN from DVA on your behalf to ensure you pay nothing out of pocket.
Do you need my medical records?
No, the most important step is to get started, particularly because the claims process can take considerable time. The DVA will request a copy of your service medical records. If there is no available evidence within your service medical record, DVA will request further testing via a diagnostic assessment.
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