Four reasons to use an RSL Queensland Compensation Advocate

Making a DVA claim for a condition or injury received during service can sometimes be confusing and time-consuming, but the advice and support of a qualified advocate can take the guesswork out of it. 

RSL Queensland General Manager Service Delivery Graeme Alley says there are four main benefits of working with an advocate. 

1. A guiding hand 

“RSL’s team of Compensation Advocates liaises with DVA daily on behalf of their clients,” Graeme says.  

“They'll ensure you’ve got all the documentation and evidence you need to demonstrate your claim and support you through the process. Claims can take time to be assessed and processed by DVA, but our Advocates will keep you informed at every stage. 

“Our Advocates will take the time needed to ensure veterans fully understand what is happening and why, or to reassure them if their claim is delayed.” 

2. Specialist knowledge 

RSL Queensland Compensation Advocates are all qualified, having trained in the Legislative Acts governing veteran compensation and the claims process. But they can also draw on a bank of knowledge and expertise from their colleagues across the organisation, some of whom have decades of experience in compensation and advocacy. 

Graeme – a veteran himself – points out that many RSL Queensland Advocates are also ex-Defence members or part of the veteran community. “That means they share with their clients a unique understanding of what it means to have served and to have transitioned into civilian life,” he says. “This gives them the ability to empathise with their clients in a very different way.” 

3. A holistic approach 

While RSL Queensland’s Compensation Advocates work to ensure veterans receive compensation they may be entitled to, they are also able to link veterans with other support programs and services. 

“Above all, we’re focused on wellbeing,” Graeme says. “We want to improve our clients’ quality of life and that’s often best achieved through a combination of factors – compensation certainly, but also things like rehabilitation services, social connection and support in finding civilian employment.” 

RSL Queensland Advocates understand the full range of services and programs available to veterans – both from DVA and other ex-service organisations like Mates4Mates. They work with veterans to develop a wellness plan that incorporates all the elements that will result in the best possible outcome. 

“Sometimes if veterans are too focused on compensation above all else, they may begin defining themselves according to their level of disability,” Graeme says. “We want them to focus on being well again.” 

4. DVA Advocates are on your side 

“Ultimately, our Advocates are only there to help veterans. Our Advocacy services are provided completely free of charge, and you don’t have to be an RSL member to get assistance,” Graeme says. 

He encourages veterans to have a chat with RSL Queensland’s Veteran Services team to see what their options are. 

“Take the time to find out how we can help,” Graeme says. “Having an Advocate by your side can make the claims process simpler and less stressful.” 

RSL Queensland’s advocates can work with you face-to-face, via telephone or online, including lodging your claim online. 

Need help with your DVA claims or appeals? 

Learn more or contact our DVA Advocacy team: rslqld.org/advocacy.