GARP Chapter 19: When Something Not Accepted Is Part of the Problem

This chapter takes points off you. It is worth understanding exactly how.

The problem it solves

You have a bad back. Some of it is the accepted service injury. Some of it is a car accident in 2009 that has nothing to do with service.

Your back scores 30 points as it is today. But DVA can only pay for the service part.

Chapter 19 works out that share.

How it is done

Three steps.

1. Decide whether anything non-accepted is contributing at all.
2. Decide how much, in words: not at all, about a quarter, about a third, about half, about two thirds, about three quarters, or completely.
3. Look up the answer in a table.

The answer must be based on proper medical advice. It is not a guess by an administrator.

What the numbers look like

Say the rating is 30 points. Depending on how much the accepted condition contributes:

• completely — 30
• about three quarters — 24
• about two thirds — 21
• about half — 17
• about one third — 11
• about one quarter — 8
• not at all — 0

The gap between "about half" and "about a third" is 6 points on a 30-point rating. On a 60-point rating it is 13 points. This is not a small decision.

Where claims lose money

Here is the pattern we see over and over.

The medical report says something like: "Degenerative changes, likely multifactorial, with a contribution from his service injury."

That sentence does not name a fraction. So someone has to pick one. And when there is nothing to anchor it, the pick tends to land low.

What a useful report says instead: "In my opinion the accepted lumbar injury contributes about two thirds of the current impairment, and the non-service motor vehicle accident about one third, because [reasons]."

Same doctor, same patient. Very different number.

When it should not be applied at all

Chapter 19 only applies when a non-accepted condition is contributing.

Two things that are not that:

• Another accepted condition contributing. That is Chapter 20, apportionment, and it works in your favour.
• A natural progression of the accepted condition. If your accepted asthma has become chronic airways disease, the Guide generally treats that as part and parcel of the original condition.

If a reduction has been applied, it is fair to ask which non-accepted condition it relates to, and what medical opinion supports the fraction.

What this means for you

• Read your assessment for a fraction. "About one third" is a decision that cost you money.
• Ask your specialist to state the split explicitly, with reasons.
• Do not accept vague wording. Vague wording is decided against you by default.
• Check it is really non-accepted. If the other condition is also accepted, this is the wrong chapter.
• Consider claiming the other condition if it might be service related. That removes the deduction entirely.

Common questions

Who decides the fraction?

The delegate, on medical advice. Which is why the medical advice needs to say it plainly.

Can I challenge it?

Yes. It is part of the determination and can be reviewed. Better medical evidence is what changes it.

What if I do not know what caused what?

That is a question for a specialist who has read the whole file. It is one of the main reasons a proper chart review of your records is worth doing before an assessment.

Next in this series

Chapter 20: splitting a score between two accepted conditions — the one that gives points back.

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 Chapter 19 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).