Blog › GARP series

What Happens at a Permanent Impairment Assessment

An hour or two, a lot of questions about numbers, and a short examination. Here is exactly what to expect.

Veterans Health Centre · 7 September 2026 · 4 min read

Most veterans have no idea what a permanent impairment assessment is like.

So here is exactly what happens.

Before the day

A doctor is asked to assess you. They get your file first. That includes your accepted conditions and your medical records.

You do not have to prove your conditions again. That part is already done. This is only about how bad they are.

How long it takes

Usually one to two hours. Longer if you have a lot of conditions.

It is not a quick chat. Do not book anything straight after.

What they will ask you

They go through your conditions one at a time. For each one they want numbers.

How far can you walk before you stop?
How long can you sit or stand before it hurts?
How many hours do you sleep?
How many times a night do you wake?
How many headaches or flare-ups a year?
What medication are you on, and how much?
What have you stopped doing?
Who helps you with what?

Have your answers ready. Vague answers become low numbers.

There will be an examination

They will look at the parts of you that are affected. They may measure how far your joints move. They may test strength and feeling.

Do what you can. Do not push through pain to look tough. Do not pretend either. Just do what you would normally do.

What they are writing down

They are matching your answers to tables in a rule book. The rule book is called the GARP.

Every table has set wording. "About 250 metres." "Pain within 30 minutes." "Needs some personal help."

Your job is to give them the facts. Their job is to pick the right row.

What happens after

The doctor writes a report. It goes to DVA. A delegate makes the decision.

You get a letter with your impairment points and your payment. It usually takes several weeks.

The three things that decide your result

Being specific. Numbers, not feelings.
Not underselling. Describe a normal week, not your best day.
Not leaving things out. Every accepted condition gets assessed.

Common questions

Should I take someone with me?

Yes, if you can. They will remember things you forget. They also see things you do not, like how much they help you.

What if I have a good day?

Say so. Tell them it is not a typical day. The assessment is meant to reflect your usual state.

Can I bring notes?

Yes. Bring them. Nobody remembers everything under pressure.

Is it a test I can fail?

No. It is a measurement. You are not being judged.

Next in this series

How to prepare, and what to bring.

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.

Dr Thomas Perkins

The expert in veterans’ medicolegal medicine — Expert DVA Doctor.

Dr Thomas Perkins with his RAAF squadron patches — Dr Thomas Perkins — RAAF aviation medical officer, 3 AME SQN and 2EHS patches behind him

In the consulting room at the Ipswich clinic

Every accepted condition examined face to face

Dr Perkins’ RAAF unit and deployment patches — Thirteen years of unit and deployment patches — 3 AME SQN, 2EHS, HOCU, Operation Resolute

Veterans Health Centre business card — Veterans Health Centre — Specialist Centre, 77 East St, Ipswich

Dr Thomas Perkins is the founding doctor at the Veterans Health Centre in Ipswich, Queensland, and the leading expert in veterans’ medicolegal work in Australia. He has spent over 13 years working exclusively with current and former Australian Defence Force members — treating conditions, writing reports, and navigating the DVA system alongside them.

With 100,000+ DVA claims submitted and over 2,000 Permanent Impairment Assessments completed, Dr Perkins brings a depth of experience that simply cannot be replicated from a textbook. He understands the Statements of Principles, the GARP tables, the imaging that proves what a physical examination alone cannot — and the difference that a properly written report makes at every level, from initial liability through to the VRB.

Every chart review, every diagnostic assessment, and every impairment rating is personally overseen by Dr Perkins. If you’re looking for a doctor who knows veterans medicine inside and out, you’ve found the right clinic.

Book appointment