The Top Ender Magazine August September 2022 Edition

Veteran Health Check
Commemoration of Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was Australia’s longest military
engagement of the 20th Century; spanning a
decade between 1962 and 1972.We honour the
almost 60,000 Australians who served
throughout the war remembering the sacrifices
of the 3,000 wounded and 521 who died.
August 18th marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan,
one of the fiercest battles fought by Australians in the
Vietnam War
Tropical downpours and wet and muddy conditions were
endured by the men of Delta Company, 6th Battalion Royal
Australian Regiment as they faced 2000 North Vietnamese
and Viet Cong troops in 1966.
By the end of the day 17 Australians had been killed in
action, 25 were wounded, including one soldier who died a
few days later due to the injuries he had sustained. This
would prove to be the costliest battle for Australia in the
Vietnam War.
Vietnam Veterans Day is marked every year on the
anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where we
acknowledge all members from the Australian Army, Royal
Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force who
served during the conflict.
As we reflect on their courage and camaraderie, we extend
our thoughts to those who returned home wounded,
injured or unwell, and those who continue to carry the
physical and emotional scars of their service and their
loved ones who continue to support them and may be
impacted by their service.
The legacy of Vietnam Veterans spans much longer than
wartime. Many used their experience to identify support
systems needed for the ex-service community, and played a
part in establishing them including;
• Open Arms – Veterans - Families Counselling Service
(previously known as Vietnam Veterans Counselling
Service VVCS) has been in operation for 40 years. Open
Arms provides a range of services including counselling,
wellbeing workshops and peer support programs.
• The Long Tan Bursary scheme, which provides
education funding to support eligible children and
grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans to meet the cost of
post-secondary education.
• Not-for-Profits such as Veterans Australia NT (VANT)
who started out as the Vietnam Veterans Association of
Australia, NT Sub Branch in 2001, and who changed
their constitution after recognising the need to support
younger veterans and their families, eventually changing
their name in 2017 to reflect the nature of membership
for all veterans.
At the Department of Veterans’ Affairs we support those
who serve or have served in the Australian Defence Force
and their families. To find out more about entitlements you
may be eligible for or what veteran support services are
available in your local area call DVA on 1800 VETERAN
(1800 838 372).
Open Arms is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week on
1800 011 046 for mental health and wellbeing support.
Written by Louise Ruhl
A/G Deputy Commissioner, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Making your health a priority can be a challenge
where life and its busy schedules are concerned.
There may be a moment where you notice that
you’re not feeling as fit as you used to or sleep is
harder to come by because of the thoughts
gathering on your mind.
The Veteran Health Check is a simple, yet comprehensive
assessment that has been specifically designed to help
identify any physical or mental health concerns veterans
may have post separation from the ADF. The early years
after transitioning out of the ADF is when veterans are most
at risk; and this will help you act on any issues or concerns
early and stay well as you move into civilian life.
Even if you are feeling healthy it’s important to develop a
relationship with your GP and continue to see them on a
yearly basis, so they can get to know you and assist you to
proactively manage your health over the coming years.
There are two types of health checks available:
• ONE-OFF VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
If you a veteran transitioned on or before 30 June 2019,
you can access the One-off Veteran Health Check. This
type of health check is eligible for a benefit through
Medicare, so you do not need to be a DVA Veteran
Card holder to access this service. If your GP does not
bulk bill, you may be required to make a gap payment.
• ANNUAL VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
If a veteran transitioned out of the ADF on or after 1
July 2019, you are eligible for the Annual Veteran Health
Check. This service allows you to build a relationship
with your local General Practitioner (GP) as you will
have an appointment annually every year for the first
five years after you leave the ADF. You can access this
service through your DVA Veteran Card and it is at no
cost to the veteran.
HOW TO BOOK A VETERAN HEALTH CHECK
1. Find a GP. Every GP across Australia is able to conduct
the Veteran Health check. If you do not have a regular
GP, you can find one near you by searching “Health
Direct” or by calling 1800 022 222.
2. Call the GP practice and ask whether the GP accepts
the Veteran Card and/or bulk bills.
- One-Off Veteran Health Checks are eligible for a
Medicare rebate. At the time of booking ask if the
practice bulk bills and check if you’ll need to pay any gap
payments.
- Annual Veteran Health Checks are done using your
DVA Veteran Card at no cost to the veteran. You’ll
need to ask whether the GP accepts this card prior to
booking.
3. Book a 45 minute appointment. When you book you
will need to ask for a longer appointment than usual. Let
them know that this is for a Veteran Health check.
4. Bring along your DVA Veteran Card or Medicare card
to the appointment.
Each Health check will differ depending on your doctor and
needs. If you are worried about any particular aspect of your
health or family history you can discuss this with the GP.
It may be helpful to write a list of questions or concerns to
bring with you.
Your GP may provide, prescribe or refer you to relevant
health professionals for further testing or to DVA
services and programs (DVA may find treatment
and tests if you have an accepted condition.) All
information shared between you and your GP
will remain confidential and results will not be
shared with DVA, unless you ask them to do so
e.g. to support a claim. Ask the practice for their
privacy and confidentiality policies prior to your
appointment if you are unsure.
For more information on the Veteran Health
check please visit:
https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/
veterans-health-check or email
CSA.NT@dva.gov.au
You can continue to see your GP for regular
health checks anytime, even if you can no longer
claim for the one-off or Annual Veteran’s Health
Checks.
Contact Department of Veterans’ Affairs, NT
1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
8:30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Written by Siân Howell
Community Support Advisor, NT
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
14 Winnellie Road, Winnellie 0820
16 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 17