AS ANZAC Day approaches, Legal Aid Queensland is reminding veterans, or their war widows/widowers who are trying to get disability pensions, that they can access free legal help.
The War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme provides free legal help to veterans and their dependants who want to appeal a decision made about disability entitlements by the Veterans’ Review Board.
Legal Aid Queensland Acting CEO Paul Davey said Legal Aid Queensland was concerned some veterans may be paying for legal assistance when going before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, rather than getting free legal help.
“Veterans or their war widows/widowers can contact Legal Aid Queensland on
1300 65 11 88 to find out about their entitlements,” Mr Davey said.
“To be eligible for the scheme, veterans or their widows/widowers must have a case for a ‘war-caused’ pension claim that has been presented to the Veterans’ Review Board and refused.
“The matter can then be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and a Legal Aid lawyer will be able to represent the veteran or their widow/widower.
“Our legal representative will prepare the case, gather evidence including medical or other expert reports and provide representation at the hearing."
Mr Davey said there was no charge to veterans or their widows/widowers who appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
“Legal Aid Queensland will provide veterans and their dependents with a high-quality service that will help them with their appeal at no cost,” he said.
“There are no fees involved — not even when they win their case.”
For more information about the War Veterans’ Legal Aid Scheme, call Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88 (cost of a local call from a landline in Australia), visit one of its 14 offices around the state or visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Media contact:
Amanda Catania Ph: (07) 3238 3004 or Katherine Gorter (07) 3238 3301
Last updated 3 May 2016