Case Studies

Real stories of veterans overcoming obstacles with AVAC by their side.

Case Study | Alex R.

Overturning a DVA denial – Advocating for urgent surgical approval

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A veteran client required urgent spinal surgery to treat complications arising from an accepted condition under Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT). Although the condition was covered, DVA initially declined funding for the surgery, incorrectly attributing it to a non-accepted diagnosis. This decision came just days before the scheduled procedure, placing the client’s health and recovery at risk.

The result

AVAC Services submitted a clinically supported request for reconsideration, clarifying the direct connection between the surgery and the accepted condition. DVA overturned the original decision and approved the treatment under the client’s existing PAMT entitlement. The surgery proceeded as planned, enabling the client to avoid further deterioration and begin recovery without financial burden.

Case Study | Peter R.

Accessing incapacity payments for long-term stability and recovery

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A veteran client living with multiple accepted physical and mental health conditions found it increasingly difficult to maintain stable employment. Despite their commitment to remaining in the workforce, the demands of their role began to exacerbate their conditions. The client was under considerable stress, torn between their deteriorating health and the financial responsibility of supporting their family. They were unaware they could access incapacity payments through DVA.

The result

AVAC Services stepped in to support the client through the incapacity claim process. By working with treating practitioners and compiling strong evidence of the impact on work capacity, we secured DVA approval for incapacity payments. This financial support gave the client much-needed relief, allowing them to step back from work, focus on recovery, and continue supporting their family with stability and dignity.

Case Study | Dan G.

Coordinating urgent medical access during a brief return to Australia

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A veteran residing overseas returned to Australia for less than one week to complete medical appointments for claims with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and begin treatment for a service-related condition. Due to the limited timeframe, all required medical appointments—including specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, and hospital pre-admission procedures—had to be arranged at extremely short notice. The client was unfamiliar with the procedural requirements for DVA-funded hospital care and risked missing critical steps that could delay treatment and claim progression.

The result

AVAC Services leveraged its strong network of healthcare providers and specialist clinics to secure multiple appointments within the client’s narrow travel window. Through persistent advocacy and coordination, AVAC ensured that the veteran was seen by a specialist, completed necessary diagnostic imaging, and received pre-operative clearance—all within five days.
To maintain continuity of care, AVAC arranged for follow-up consultations and treatment planning to be conducted via telehealth once the client returned overseas. The team provided the veteran with a clear roadmap of DVA requirements for hospital admission, including consent forms, procedural timelines, and documentation needed for claim substantiation.
Throughout the process, AVAC maintained regular communication with the veteran, ensuring they were informed, prepared, and supported at every stage. The claim was successfully lodged with comprehensive evidence, and the client was able to proceed with treatment without delay, despite the geographic and logistical constraints.

Case Study | Hans A.

Reversing a rejected claim through strategic evidence enhancement

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

An individual’s claim for a gastrointestinal condition was initially denied prior to coming to AVAC, due to lack of temporal linkage between symptoms and service activity. The rejection left the client without access to necessary medical reimbursements and support.

The result

The claim was resubmitted with a strengthened evidence base, including meteorological data correlating with field conditions, updated medical assessments, and references to recent journal articles outlining delayed onset patterns of the condition. The revised submission demonstrated a clear service-related nexus. The DVA reversed its decision, accepted liability, and the client received backdated compensation and access to treatment services.

Case Study | Charlie D.

Navigating complex medical evidence for a successful claim

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

Prior to coming to AVAC, a client had their initial claim for a rare neurological condition rejected by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), citing insufficient causal evidence linking the condition to service-related exposures. The client had experienced significant functional decline and was struggling to access appropriate support services.

The result

By conducting a targeted review of peer-reviewed literature and compiling a dossier of international case studies, the claim was reframed to highlight emerging consensus around environmental triggers. Supplementary documentation, including service exposure logs and expert commentary, was submitted. The DVA accepted liability, and the client was granted access to compensation and ongoing care provisions, significantly improving their quality of life.

Case Study | Casey W.

Prioritising urgent support for a client facing sudden unemployment

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A client was forced to leave their employment abruptly due to medical complications that rendered them unable to continue working. The sudden loss of income and stability created an urgent need for support through the DVA claims process. The client was unfamiliar with the procedural steps and required immediate assistance to avoid delays in accessing entitlements.

The result

AVAC Services responded swiftly by prioritising the client’s case and expediting the onboarding and claims preparation process. The team ensured that all necessary documentation was gathered and submitted promptly, including medical evidence and service records. By streamlining communication with DVA and advocating for urgency due to the client’s financial vulnerability, AVAC was able to secure timely progression of the claim, helping the client access support and compensation during a critical period

Case Study | Taylor L.

Strengthening evidence for a successful resubmission

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A client’s initial claim for a complex medical condition was rejected due to insufficient supporting evidence. The condition, while medically recognised, lacked the documentation required by DVA to establish liability. The client was discouraged and uncertain about how to proceed with a resubmission.

The result

AVAC Services undertook a comprehensive review of the case and identified key gaps in the original submission. The team sourced peer-reviewed journal articles and relevant environmental data, including weather reports, to contextualise the condition and its onset. This strengthened the evidentiary base of the claim and aligned it with DVA’s assessment criteria. Upon resubmission, the claim was accepted, liability was established, and the client received appropriate compensation

Case Study | Morgan P.

Navigating overseas residency in the DVA claims process

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A veteran residing overseas sought to lodge a claim with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) but encountered significant procedural barriers due to their location. The client was unaware that DVA does not provide translation services for foreign medical documentation and that any necessary testing or specialist assessments must be independently arranged and submitted in English. These requirements created logistical and financial challenges that risked delaying or obstructing the claims process.

The result

AVAC Services proactively engaged with the client to clarify the implications of overseas residency and outlined the steps required to maintain compliance with DVA protocols. The team provided detailed guidance on arranging appropriate medical assessments overseas and ensuring that all documents were translated into English as required.
To support the client’s mental health treatment, AVAC facilitated access to an Australian-based provider allowing the client to receive care remotely while remaining connected to the Australian system. This ensured compliance with the DVA framework.
Additionally, AVAC provided advice on the process of seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket treatment costs incurred for accepted conditions in a country without a reciprocal healthcare agreement. The client was informed of the necessary documentation and eligibility criteria to submit a retrospective claim for these expenses.
Through clear communication, tailored support, and coordination with both domestic and international providers, AVAC ensured the client was empowered to navigate the complex DVA system despite geographic and regulatory challenges.

Case Study | Jack M.

TPI outcome after mismanaged incapacity claim

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

A client approached us after a veteran support officer (VSO) on base advised pursuing a claim for incapacity payments, based on a shoulder sprain that was accepted over 15 years prior and subsequent surgery approval. Despite assurances that incapacity payments would be forthcoming after his surgery, the claim was ultimately rejected: although DVA approved the surgery, the sprain was not deemed the underlying cause, and sprains of this kind are generally expected to resolve within 12 weeks. Recognising a pattern of mismanagement in the original advice and claims process, we initiated a ministerial claim to remedy the situation.

The result

Through careful review and advocacy, we secured recognition for rotator cuff syndrome as the accepted condition, arranged for an immediate assessment, and enabled the client to pursue incapacity payments reflecting his inability to return to his trade due to ongoing functional limitations in the affected arm. Our continued support led to the client ultimately achieving status as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI), ensuring he received the full spectrum of entitlements appropriate to his circumstances. We were also able to seek maximum compensation for his ongoing impairments.

Case Study | Jamie T.

Successful retrospective medical discharge claim

Our case studies highlight how AVAC has supported veterans through complex claims processes, overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. Each story reflects our commitment to personalised service, expert guidance, and delivering results that make a real difference in veterans’ lives.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy, but the experiences and outcomes are real.

The challenge

Jamie (name changed for privacy) approached us seeking assistance to overturn a decision regarding her PTSD under DVA-related matters.

The result

During our initial consultation, we identified that her circumstances also supported a claim for a retrospective medical discharge with the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Working collaboratively, we gathered the necessary supporting evidence and advocated on her behalf. As a result, Jamie’s claim for a retrospective medical discharge was accepted, leading to her being awarded $800,000 in arrears payments. This outcome highlights the importance of holistic review during consultations, ensuring clients receive the full entitlements due to them.