MAY 2004

Doctors and War Pensions’ Applications

I have heard one or two reports that family doctors (GPs) are trying to talk veterans out of making applications for War Disablement Pensions. The quick answer is do not let them; however it is not always as simple as that. You may need to explain to your GP that you have the right to test your eligibility to a pension and that all s/he needs to do is fill out the appropriate section and sign it. The GP is only signing to say that you suffer from a particular disability, illness or condition that you are putting up for consideration, s/he does not need to make any judgment on how you came to have the problem.

If you do not receive the treatment that you think you should have please let me know so that RNZRSA can approach the Medical Association to have an article placed in its newsletter to help the doctors understand your needs.