From the Vets' Health Forum in Auckland

What does '70% War [Disablement] Pension' (WP) mean to me?

• It qualifies you for the Veteran's Pension (VP) on retirement, as opposed to NZ Super. The benefit of that is your pension doesn't stop if you are hospitalised or enter fulltime care. Your spouse will also be entitled to the VP on retirement.
  
• Your estate may be entitled to a funeral grant (when you go), subject to an income test
• If your WP is 100% or more your estate is automatically entitled to the funeral grant
• If your WP is below 70% your estate may gain a funeral grant, subject to both income and asset test

What is a 'Section 23 review'?

S23 of the War Pensions Act 1954 provides for WPs to be awarded beyond 100%, where at least two serious disabilities detract from your quality of life and prevent you taking part in a normally active life style (eg, social & physical activity). This includes the obvious - eg, loss of sight, loss of use of limbs - but might extend to other combinations such as severe PTSD/anxiety/depression, and total loss of hearing. Each case is considered on its own facts.

What does '0%' disablement mean

An award of 0% means that the disability has been accepted for the cost of treatment, but it is not considered to affect your quality of life

PTSD/anxiety/depression

Each of these is a separate disability, which may or may not be related

Viet Nam vets' comprehensive medical review

This is the one-off review of every VN vet's medical condition. Note: This review goes beyond an ordinary exam by your doctor, and registers any concerns that may matter to you sometime later. If you need the forms, phone Margaret Burke, Auckland RSA, 09 624 0064

WINZ assistance

This support is not related to military service. Subject to income testing, you may be helped with a Disability Allowance that could cover, eg, gardening, lawnmowing, taxis to health appointments (GP, specialist, chemist), refund of medical expenses not covered by VANZ/WPS. You may also be given a loan to buy glasses or have your teeth fixed. In the case of the loan, repayment is deducted from your pension.

DHB assistance

Your GP may assess you as needing home help to enable you to function and remain in your own home. This can include basic cleaning around your home, help to get out of bed, shower and dress, shop for food, cook meals.

Disabled parking

If you have difficulty walking more than 200 metres or, eg, carrying your shopping to your car, your GP can certify an application to CCS Disability Action for an orange card for your dashboard. These cost $45 for five years, which may be recoverable from VANZ/WPS (check first).