Question 1

What is a Combined Impairment Score (CIS)?

Accepted Answer

A Combined Impairment Score (CIS) is a number from 0 to 80 that represents the total level of impairment caused by your service-related conditions under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Each accepted condition is assigned impairment points under the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation (GARP M), and those points are combined using a formula to produce your CIS. A higher CIS means greater impairment and a higher lump sum entitlement.

Question 2

What is the difference between warlike and peacetime service for PI?

Accepted Answer

Under the MRCA, veterans who served in warlike operations (such as Afghanistan, Iraq, or East Timor) are eligible for a higher compensation factor (CF) than those who served in peacetime. This means the same CIS score produces a significantly larger lump sum for warlike service. Peacetime service includes most garrison postings within Australia and non-warlike operational service.

Question 3

How is the PI lump sum calculated?

Accepted Answer

Your PI lump sum is calculated by multiplying your weekly compensation rate (which is based on your CIS and service type) by an actuarial factor that depends on your age and gender. The actuarial factor reflects your statistical life expectancy: the younger you are, the higher the factor and therefore the larger the lump sum. This calculator uses the current DVA compensation factor tables and actuarial tables to produce its estimate.

Question 4

Can I claim PI for multiple conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If DVA accepts liability for multiple conditions, each condition is assessed for impairment points. These are then combined using the GARP M whole-person impairment formula to produce a single CIS. You do not simply add the points together, because the combination method means later conditions add proportionally less than the first. This is one of the reasons getting the assessment right matters: the order and framing of conditions can affect your CIS.

Question 5

What is the Young Person Payment (YPP)?

Accepted Answer

The Young Person Payment (YPP) is an additional lump sum payable to dependants (children) of veterans who receive a CIS of 80 (total impairment) under the MRCA. Each eligible dependant receives a separate payment. This calculator adds the YPP automatically when you reach CIS 80 and have dependants entered. The current rate is $111,173.19 per dependant.

Question 6

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the official DVA compensation factor tables and actuarial factors as published under the MRCA. The estimates it produces should closely reflect what DVA would calculate for a straightforward claim. However, the actual outcome of your claim depends on your medical evidence, how your conditions are assessed under GARP M, and DVA's determination, none of which this tool can account for. Treat the result as an informed estimate, not a guarantee.

Question 7

Do I need to have been medically discharged to claim PI?

Accepted Answer

No. You can claim permanent impairment compensation under the MRCA regardless of whether you were medically discharged. PI is available to any veteran with an accepted liability determination under the MRCA whose conditions have caused a permanent impairment. You can claim while still serving, after a voluntary discharge, or after a medical discharge.

DVA Permanent Impairment Calculator

Common questions about PI compensation

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