How DVA Impairment Points Work: A Full Worked Example

People find the GARP easier once they see it done once.

So here is one, all the way through. The veteran is made up. The maths is real.

Meet Dave

Dave is 42. He served on non-warlike operations.

He has three accepted conditions:

• a lower back condition
• both knees
• ongoing joint pain

Step 1: the back

Dave has never had his back movement measured. That is fine.

He can sit or stand for about half an hour before the pain starts. Then he has to move.

That matches a row in the back table. It scores 10.

Dave is 42. Joint ratings are age adjusted. Being under 45 lifts it to 11.

Step 2: the knees

Here is the rule that surprises everyone. Both legs count as one unit. Dave does not get a score per knee.

He can walk about 250 metres before he has to stop. He cannot do stairs without holding the rail.

That is the walking table. It scores 20.

The walking table is not age adjusted. So it stays at 20.

Step 3: the pain at rest

Dave's joints still ache when he is sitting still. Medication does not fix it.

That is a separate score, added on top. It scores 10.

Step 4: join the numbers

Now the three numbers get joined. Not added.

Start with the biggest.

• Start at 20. That leaves 80 of Dave.
• Next is 11. Take 11% of the remaining 80 = 8.8. Total 28.8.
• Next is 10. Take 10% of the remaining 71.2 = 7.1. Total 35.9.

Dave has 35 impairment points.

Straight addition would have said 41. The chart says 35. That is normal.

Step 5: the lifestyle rating

Dave fills in the lifestyle form himself. Good decision.

He scores across four areas: relationships, getting about, hobbies, and work or home.

He has stopped playing cricket. He does not drive far. His wife does the mowing. He sees fewer mates.

His lifestyle rating comes out at 3.

Step 6: the money

Now the two numbers meet on a table.

• 35 points, lifestyle 3, non-warlike service
• Compensation factor: 0.377
• Maximum weekly amount: $447.39
• 0.377 × $447.39 = $168.67 a week

That is for life. Dave can swap some or all of it for a lump sum if he wants.

What if Dave had undersold it?

This is the part worth reading twice.

Say Dave had said "I get around alright" instead of giving the 250 metres. Say he had not mentioned the pain at rest, because he did not know it counted.

He would have had the back alone. Eleven points. Below that he may not even have reached the threshold to be paid.

Same man. Same knees. Same pain. Very different letter.

Try your own

Our free PI points calculator does exactly this. It asks the questions, shows you the table it used, and shows the working.

It is an estimate, not a decision. But it will tell you roughly where you sit.

Common questions

Why is 20 + 11 + 10 not 41?

Because each condition only takes a share of what is left of you. Chapter 18 explains it.

Would Dave get more on warlike service?

Yes. There are two payment tables. Warlike and non-warlike pay more than peacetime for the same points.

Is $447.39 still the maximum?

It is indexed and changes. Check the current figure with DVA before relying on a dollar amount.

Next in this series

Every GARP word explained in plain English.

Want a hand with yours?

If you have a permanent impairment assessment coming up, we do these every week. Call 0429 146 039 or email reception@vhc.org.au.

More reading

What is the GARP? · The chapter map · DVA Claims: PI points calculator · Permanent Impairment Assessments · DVA claims · SoP library

This is general information for Australian veterans. It is not legal advice. It explains the Guide of the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation 2026 (F2026L00595), which started on 1 July 2026. The full rules are on the Federal Register of Legislation. Check your own situation with DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).