Australian Veteran Advocacy

Testimonials

Carrissa and the team at Australian Veteran Advocacy have assisted more than 400 veterans with a range of matters including (but not limited to):

Understanding their entitlements and the legislative Acts their Service was covered under
Understanding the DVA process for injury acceptance and compensation
Submission and management of initial liability claims
Submission and management of Permanent Impairment compensation claims (including re-assessment)
Access to Incapacity Payments
Access to Household Services Support
Access to home and car modifications
Reimbursement of medical expenses privately incurred
Retrospective medical discharge
Initial assessment or re-assessment of COMSUPER disability pension

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Kenneth T.

I joined the Australian Army Reserve (ADF) in 1978 and served for 28 years. I was attached to Infantry Battalions (13 BDE), Training Group and Regional Force Surveillance Units (RSFU). I completed several Operation Resolute patrols within Australia whilst in a RFSU and qualified in vehicle mounted operations, water operations and company level infantry operations.

After discharge, in discussions with some of my former cohorts (usually over a beer and a barbecue), I became aware of the support offered to former defence members through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Despite an interest, I was deterred from exploring how DVA might apply to me because the whole process seemed overtly technical and complicated. Also, I was not sure what support was available to a Reservist if any.

In 2016, I was referred to DVA Advocate LTCOL (ret’d) Carrissa Ibbott and commenced to communicate with her. From the outset she demonstrated her familiarity with the relevant legislation and policies as it applied to a defence member in my circumstances. She supported me to commence the DVA application for recognition of several acute and chronic injuries and skin conditions that were related to my Reserve service.

Carrissa provided realistic and informed advice (in a language I could understand) on what my entitlements were in relation to current and future medical treatment, accessing DVA household support services and fully explained the process in relation to the possibility for a future permanent impairment compensation claim.

In 2022 DVA accepted my claim related to skin conditions (Solar keratosis and non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin). All future medical costs would be covered by DVA, and I was able to claim reimbursement of medical expenses incurred because of these conditions dated back to the date of my initial application.

In reality I could not have achieved this outcome without Carrissa’s support. She provided timely and informed advice at all points of the process, assisted with the submission of the application, and monitored the progress of the application through DVA.

I have no hesitation in recommending (and commending) Carrissa in her role of DVA Advocate.

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Janine F.

Carrissa changed our lives for the better. Carrissa reviewed an existing claim I had that wasn't handled properly, which subsequently resulted in me receiving a payout and, for the first time in my adult life, I had no debt.

After 30 years Army service (both regular and reserve), initially serving as a musician and then a photographer, I came out with the usual mind and body aches and pains. But the thought of dealing with DVA and everything it entails was extremely stressful for me so I procrastinated.

Then I approached Carrissa with what I thought back then was a minor question about an existing DVA claim for a sports injury. She scared me at that first visit when she phoned DVA and verbally slapped them, but then I knew I had the right person!

I always prided myself on being organised and good at personal admin, but Carrissa took things to a whole new level. And the best thing is, I was happy to relinquish control because it was very clear to me that Carrissa knew what she was doing, she is the best at what she does, she doesn’t pull punches and, most of all, took the stress away from me.

Rather than concentrating on the obvious compensation claims, Carrissa went though my file with a fine tooth comb, digging deep, even making connections between two seemingly minor issues that anyone else would discount.

She referred me to appropriate health professionals, gave me excellent guidance on writing my statements, and lodged all my paperwork.

We are now on the tail-end of our DVA process and hopeful of a good resolution. It’s been a long journey but without Carrissa advocating for me, I would definitely never have gone this far.

I cannot recommend Carrissa highly enough.

Thank you Carrissa.

Steve C.

I joined the RAN in 1990 and served until 1999, primarily as a Fire Controller with seamanship roles including gunnery and operation of the Ships weapon systems.

I suffered a lumbar spine injury during my service which DVA rejected in 2003 and I lost all faith in the system.

Carrissa reviewed my medical files in 2020 and was able to not only get my lumbar spine injury accepted and compensated but a range of other acute injuries I had forgotten about and some chronic osteoarthritis conditions that developed after I left the Navy.

Beyond liability and compensation, she also provided me with advice about getting access to rehabilitation support which has allowed me to undertake DVA-funded re-training into a role that does not aggravate my injuries.

I cannot speak highly enough of the service she provided, her ongoing patience dealing with DVA on my behalf, and the thoroughness applied to my case.

I highly recommend her to anyone wishing to pursue claims with DVA.

Navigating the complexity of making claims with DVA that spanned a 20 plus year career in the Army, across three different pieces of legislation, would be daunting for most people. Except that is if you are Carrissa. She was able to identify things that I had not and was successful in having all my claims submitted to DVA being accepted. Her diligence, commitment and ongoing support for veterans in engaging with DVA is outstanding.

Damian D.

After serving the RAR between 2014 and 2018 as a DFSW specialist soldier, I found that I required specialist transition support that many Advocates were not able or willing to provide me. Carrissa reached out after hearing about my previous poor experiences with other Advocates. She was able to provide the support and direction I needed to successfully navigate the DVA claims process. She worked tirelessly on my case and was extremely proactive corresponding with Delegates. I would strongly recommend her as an advocate to anyone seeking help with the DVA process.

Ajdin P.

Anonymous

I first went to Carrissa for assistance with a range of claims for physical injuries.

Upon review of my med docs, she also identified that I had a number of mental injuries that also needed to be addressed. Initially I wasn’t willing to process the claims relating to my mental health, however Carrissa was able to support me through my various stages of grief to acceptance as I transitioned out of Defence, and eventually we processed all of my physical and mental claims.

Carrissa was a lifeline with her ability to distil DVA legalese and provide clear steps for me to follow when I was too overwhelmed to function at my normal capacity. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer anyone to Carrissa and AVA, as their prompt and professional assistance has made all the difference for me and my quality of life moving forward.

* Female Squadron Leader, 32 years