Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act (MRCA)
The MRCA was introduced on the 1st July 2004 to establish a military specific compensation & rehabilition scheme with an emphasis on rehabilition both vocational & social. It is administered by the Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Commission (MRCC).
Some defence employees are still covered by the SRCA and VEA as well as the MRCA.
It is important you seek assistance if your defence service is covered by all three Acts as there are pension offsetting ramifications.
Ensure the assistance you recieve is by a representative who is TIP trained in the applicable areas.
Reviews & Appeals (MRCA)
There are two paths available under the MRCA that weren't available under the SRCA or the VEA.
These now give claimants more choice as to the VEA style of Section 31, VRB & then AAT or MCRS style of internal review & then the AAT.
The decision to choose which path to take is the ultimate responsibility of the claimant. Your representative should explain all possibilities pertaining to both paths. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.
If you use an ESO representative in your claims and reviews ensure they are up to date with their TIP training and do not hesitate to contact your state TIP consultative group to confirm advocates experiece. It could mean the difference between accepted or rejected conditions.
Compensation & Benefits (MRCA)
There are a number of benefits available under the MRCA that weren't available under the SRCA but were under the VEA.
There are benefits that were available under the VEA that have been enhanced in the MRCA and of course some were left out or ammended.
It is important to know that a review of all military compensation schemes has been cnducted by DVA and a report will be presented to the Minister for Veterans Affairs in late 2010.
