A veteran’s journey through PTSD claims can be fraught with challenges, from gathering critical evidence to addressing complex ethical issues. Walk you through the essentials of building strong cases, collaborating with experts, and managing risks in veteran PTSD claims. Empower yourself to advocate effectively and support veterans with confidence and empathy.
Description
Attend and earn 4 CPD units including:
3 units in Substantive Law
1 unit in Professional Skills
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Professional Skills
9.00am to 10.00am Addressing PTSD in Veterans: Challenges, Manifestations and Implications
- Understanding PTSD in veterans
- Definition and overview of PTSD
- Common manifestations and symptoms specific to veterans
- The impact of PTSD on daily life and functioning
- The role of mental health professionals in evaluating and documenting PTSD
- Case studies and practical insights
- Real-world examples of PTSD claims and their outcomes
- Strategies for addressing complex cases and improving evidence
Presented by Dr Richard Magtengaard, Psychiatrist; served for 10 years as a Commissioned Officer within the Royal Australian Navy
12.15pm to 1.15pm Risks of Making PTSD Claims: Insights from a Veteran Barrister
From decades of experience in handling PTSD claims, a seasoned perspective on the challenges faced by younger veterans navigating these claims.
Financial Risks:
- Ongoing Justification Pressure: Claimants face significant stress in continually justifying their benefits
- Career Disruption: The claims process can negatively affect workplace continuity and future employability
- Risk/Benefit Analysis: Decisions should consider long-term lifestyle impacts, not just immediate financial gain
Psychological Risks:
- Self-Image Issues: Presenting as an invalid can reinforce negative self-views and worsen mental health
- Loss of Self-Esteem: Younger males may suffer diminished self-esteem due to inability to fulfill traditional roles
- Litigation Anxiety: Severe anxiety arises from aggressive litigation tactics and regular reviews
- Long-Term Impact: Younger veterans risk losing crucial years of their lives due to the claims process strain
Presented by Allan Anforth AM, Barrister, Canberra Chambers
Chair:
Tim Saunders, Barrister, Culwulla Chambers
10.00am to 11.00am Building a Strong Case: Evidence and Advocacy Strategies for PTSD Claims
- Types of evidence needed to support PTSD claims such as medical records, expert testimony and witness statements
- Practical tips and strategies for effectively advocating for veterans with PTSD including preparing for hearings and dealing with challenging evidentiary issues
Presented by Brian Briggs, Practice Group Leader, Slater & Gordon
11.00am to 11.15am Break
11.15am to 12.15pm Ethical Considerations and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Strengthening PTSD Claims
- Dealing with confidentiality, trauma sensitivity, conflict of interest and informed consent when acting for Veterans with PTSD
- Collaboration with healthcare professionals, partnering with medical experts and managing veteran claims
- Engagement with veteran support groups and ex-service organisations and managing veteran clients
Presented by Paul-Raymond James, Principal, Operational Legal Australia
Presenters
Brian Briggs, Practice Group Leader, Slater & Gordon
Brian Briggs is an Australian Military Compensation Expert and National Practice Group Leader at Slater and Gordon Lawyers. He is a QLD Accredited Specialist in Personal Injuries Law with over 30 years’ experience. As a specialist in DVA Legislation he has represented thousands of clients & numerous submissions to various Senate Inquiries on issues involving military personnel. He is acknowledged as the foremost advocate for victims of abuse in the military.
Paul-Raymond James, Principal, Operational Legal Australia
Paul-Raymond James is the Principal/Director of a veteran-owned law firm that provides legal services for individuals, businesses, and charities across Australia and internationally. Paul is a registered lobbyist with the NSW Government and the Commonwealth, and has been involved in representing veterans in matters, including the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Paul was a Sergeant in the NSW Police Force from 2002 to 2021, and a Branch Official and Delegate with the Police Association of New South Wales. Paul served in the Army Reserves from 1997 until 2021.
Allan Anforth AM, Barrister, Canberra Chambers
Allan Anforth is a Canberra-based barrister practising nationally in the Comcare and Military Compensation jurisdiction. He has practised in the Comcare jurisdiction as a solicitor and then barrister since 1988. Allan was previously a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and is currently a Senior Member of the Australian Capital Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (part time) and the NSW Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (part time) since 1995. He is the co-author of Annotated Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.
Tim Saunders, Barrister, Culwulla Chambers
Tim Saunders is a Sydney based Barrister who has extensive experience in military law and veteran’s law. He initially joined the permanent RAAF in 1998 and remains serving as a Reserve Legal Officer. He deployed to the Middle East on Operation Slipper in 2013 and is presently the Deputy Panel Leader of Raise, Train and Sustain in NSW for the ADF Military Legal Service (Specialist Reserves) and works for Defence Counsel Services. He has prior experience working for DFAT, Defence, the Attorney-General’s Department, and as a prosecutor for the Commonwealth DPP and City of London Corporation. He specialises at the Bar in military/veteran’s law, administrative, medical, criminal, family and personal injury law.
Dr Richard Magtengaard, Psychiatrist
Dr Richard Magtengaard is a Consultant Psychiatrist with near 20 years of clinical and administrative experience, originating from working within the Public Mental Health arena, later moving on to establish a broad set of interests within the Private Practice and Not for Profit setting. Dr Magtengaard served for 10 years as a Commissioned Officer (Bridge/Harbour Watchkeeping and Navigation) within the Royal Australian Navy, before retiring to complete his Postgraduate Degree in Medicine (MBBS).
