DECEMBER 2005

War Pensions

The Secretary for War Pensions says that only about a third of veterans are taking up their entitlements to War Disablement Pensions. Although we do not have any actual figures of the numbers of veterans that are living in New Zealand, the Department of Statistics will not allow the question on the census form, we believe that there could be about 60,000 an may be more. That would mean only about 20,000 are claiming those pensions and 40,000 are not. Where are they all? What do we need to do to find them and make sure that they and their families are properly cared for?

I would like all RSA members to consider their family and friends this Christmas and during the coming year which has been designated the Year of the Veteran and is also the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the RSA. If you know, or hear, of anyone who is a veteran or an ex-service person who has some sort of disability that could have been caused by service then you could urge them to contact their local RSA Welfare or Pensions Officer to discuss what entitlements they might have. This is easy for some of our older New Zealanders, but for younger ones who have only served since April 1974, when ACC came in, it will be important to know whether they have served in a recognised war or emergency as such service will mean that they have the required eligibility to make application. If they have served in one of those wars or emergencies they are likely to have the appropriate medals.

Disabilities or health conditions to look out for: hearing loss is top of the list, followed by respiratory and heart problems for any smokers or ex-smokers, then skin cancers for those who served in sunny climes. There is also arthritis for anyone who had had traumatic injuries to joints, diabetes for those who have been overweight since their days in the Forces, smokers, drinkers and those exposed to Agent Orange. This list can go on and on. If in doubt, but the person thinks that a particular disability or health condition has its basis in service you should encourage them to make a claim. The worst they can get is a decline, and that decision can be taken all the way to the War Pensions Appeal Board.

Please remember veterans come in all ages from 19 or 20 years old to over 100 years young.